The Matilda Joslyn Gage Center on Genessee Street in Fayetteville not only houses the story of the early women’s rights movement and the work of its namesake, but also her efforts in abolition and other human rights, as well as a connection to the Wizard of Oz.
On Saturday, August 16, the center opens its doors to broaden the public’s knowledge about the famous abolitionist who shared co-director positions with Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the National Woman’s Suffrage Association in the 1850’s.
Curators at the center emphasize that it is more than just an historical look back at Gage’s work.
“[We’re] talking about a broader approach of women and erased communities here because that all ties back to the Matilda effect,” said Gage Executive Director Ciarrai Eaton, referring to the omission of Gage’s and other women’s influence in history pages. “So, we're not just telling Matilda's story, but everyone who came before her and followed after her, who has been erased for people who've never been here before.”
The center also puts out weekly posts quoting Gage’s prescient writings as history repeats itself.
“That’s one of the things we do here,” Eaton shared that the exhibit's purpose “is to bring those ideas and help our visitors make connections to what’s happening today.”
OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, Aug 16th 11:00am – 4:00pm
- Matilda & Nature - a new art exhibit by Renee Barry
- Beyond the Rainbow - a new exhibit that tells the story of Matilda’s influence on the Wonderful World of Oz
- Storytelling by Griot Vanessa Johnson - 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
- Basket Raffles and Spin the Wheel Prize Game
- Refreshments & 25th Anniversary Cake
- Unveiling of the first round of our Brick Fundraiser
NEW EXHIBITS
Gage Center staff admit many people have driven past the house on Route 5 in Fayetteville many times and might have visited in the past. Eaton noted exhibits change regularly. During the open house, one new feature is Matilda in Nature, which features art by Renee Barry, as well as drawings by Gage.
The other new exhibit details the connection between Gage and L. Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz. Baum married Gage’s daughter Maud in 1882 at the Fayetteville Baptist Church. Eaton suggested themes in the famous tale came from conversations the three of them had about human rights and can be seen in the book’s main character.
“Dorothy is one of the fist times in an American novel that we have a female going on an adventure,” Eaton explained, it was an early nod to emancipation, where “she doesn’t need a love interest; she doesn’t need someone else to save her… and in fact, picks up three lost men along the way and helps them as well.”
Eaton added the Center is always changing, urging those who might have visited in the past to consider visiting again.
