Seneca Falls in Seneca County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Wesleyan Methodist Chapel
When the Wesleyans moved to a new church in 1872, no one thought to preserve the site of this historic convention. Subsequent owners raised the roof, built multiple additions to the front and rear, and remodeled the interior many times. Over the years, the Chapel housed stores, a public hall, an opera house, a movie theater, and several car dealerships. In 1961, it became home to the Seneca Falls Laundromat.
When the National Park Service acquired it in 1985, all that remained of the original Chapel were portions of the two side walls and roof. Research produced only scattered evidence of the Chapel's original appearance, making an accurate historic restoration impossible. ."
In 1987, the Park Service held a national competition to select a design for the site that both preserved the remains of the Chapel and appropriately recognized its historic and symbolic importance. The winning entry removed all post-1848 additions, lowered the roof to its original height, and redesigned the grounds of the Chapel to highlight the Declaration of Sentiments approved at the convention. The Chapel and grounds were dedicated in 1993, reflecting the community's and the nation'a commitment to preserving our vital historic heritage. The National Park Service continues to strive to find the best ways to preserve the site, to assist visitors in interpreting it, end to help the public understand the significance of the 1848 Convention held here.
Erected by Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1843.
Location. 42° 54.629′ N, 76° 47.961′ W. Marker is in Seneca Falls, New York, in Seneca County. Marker is on Fall Street just west of Water Street, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Seneca Falls NY 13148, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Historic Business District (here, next to this marker); First Convention For Woman’s Rights (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Seneca Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); First Woman’s Rights Convention (within shouting distance of this marker); Onward to the Vote (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wesleyan Chapel: 1985 to today (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wesleyan Chapel: 1871 to 1985 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Wesleyan Chapel: 1843 to 1871 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seneca Falls.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2013, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. This page has been viewed 472 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 14, 2013, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. 4. submitted on April 25, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.