Virtual Tour Detail

Women's Place is in the Home

In the early 19^th century, women's lives revolved around their homes and families. They faced restrictions on owning property, could not vote, and earned far less than men when they worked outside the home.

An Evolving Public Presence

Reform organizations offered women new chances to participate in public life as the century progressed. Women were especially active in abolitionist campaigns.

Although it was not considered "proper" for women to participate in politics or give public speeches, Maria Stewart, an African-American activist, began to speak publicly in Boston in the early 1830s.