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The groundbreaking Declaration of Sentiments dared to dream of equal rights for women. Modeled after the Declaration of Independence, this document laid out radical demands penned by prominent activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton and signed by more than 100 participants at the first ever Woman’s Rights Convention in 1848.

A rare original printing of the Declaration of Sentiments – one of only two remaining copies – is now on display at the Center for Colorado Women’s History for a limited time: March 6 to July 6. This significant 178-year-old document is in the Centennial state for the first time, on loan from the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. 

“The Declaration of Sentiments is one of the most important artifacts of the American women's movement yet it is fragile and the history is virtually unknown,” said Dawn DiPrince, History Colorado’s president and CEO. “We are proud to introduce this dynamic document to Coloradans as physical evidence of this essential history and our nation's powerful ancestors who expanded what it means to be American.”

This oldest-known copy of the Declaration of Sentiments was printed as a palm-sized pamphlet by The North Star, an antislavery newspaper founded by prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who not only attended the convention but signed his name as a supporter. Douglass’ printing of these grievances and demands embodies the power of solidarity between the abolition and women's rights movements – solidarity which at times faltered yet persisted over decades of struggle.

Paper pamphlets like this one served as a critical, inexpensive method for sharing and popularizing ideas. That this delicate document still exists today is remarkable, and offers an exciting opportunity to connect directly with the trailblazing demands that helped launch the women's rights movement. 

As we look back on 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and 150 years since Colorado became a state, this monumental document gives visitors a chance to reflect on the long journey of justice and the significant role Colorado women have played. 

The Declaration of Sentiments laid out more than a dozen grievances and demands for women to exercise their inalienable rights, including to vote, to own property, to hold well-paying jobs, to pursue higher education, and to live an independent life. Although progress has been made, many of these ideals have yet to be realized for women today. 

Whereas it took America’s founding fathers roughly six years to rectify their grievances against the King of Great Britain, more than 70 years passed after the signing of the Declaration of Sentiments until women nationwide got their right to vote. Only one woman present at the Seneca Falls convention, Charlotte Woodward, lived to see the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. 

Before all women in the United States could cast their ballots, Colorado helped pave the way by becoming the first state where men voted to extend that right to women in 1893. On display alongside the inspirational Declaration of Sentiments is a remarkable letter hand-written by the well-known national suffragist Susan B. Anthony congratulating Colorado activist Ellis Meredith on the successful inclusion of women in the electorate – more than 25 years before the rest of the nation.

“The Center for Colorado Women’s History celebrates the accomplishments of our state’s women everyday. That’s why it was so important to us to bring this significant early document of the women’s rights movement to Denver, coordinating through a three-year-long process to make this possible,” said Center for Colorado Women’s History Director Susan Fries. “This Declaration resonates even more deeply in this anniversary of our country’s founding document on which the demands are based. We have the opportunity to use this moment to reflect on how these demands inspired Colorado women’s advocacy for equal rights.”

The Declaration of Sentiments is currently on view and will become part of a larger exhibition opening April 3. Votes & Dreams: At the Ballot and Beyond highlights the struggles and triumphs of Colorado’s women activists and leaders who organized at the ballot box and beyond to implement their vision for a better future. The Declaration will remain on display until July 6, while the rest of this immersive exhibition will continue on through March 31, 2027.

Throughout Women’s History Month and year-round, the Center for Colorado Women’s History offers individual and group tours to explore the museum with a knowledgeable guide who can share fascinating stories about the exhibitions and the historic home where they are housed. Visitors can also explore the museum with a general admission ticket, which is always free for History Colorado members and children under 18.

Interviews are available with:

• Susan Fries, Director of the Center for Colorado Women’s History
• Margaux Miller, Exhibit Developer & Guest Services Coordinator at the Center for Colorado Women’s History
• Shaun Boyd, Curator and Women’s History Expert for History Colorado

Historic photographs are available for media use upon request. 

About Center for Colorado Women’s History
The Center for Colorado Women’s History is the first state museum focused on the past, present and future achievements of Colorado women. The Center focuses on scholarship, research, public programs, narrative, lectures, and exhibitions that expand the understanding and collective memory of the history of women in Colorado. The Center for Colorado Women’s History is a community museum of History Colorado.

The Center for Colorado Women’s History is located at 1310 Bannock Street in Denver and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.h-co.org/ccwh or call 303-620-4933.

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a 146-year-old institution that offers access to our state’s history through enriching experiences at eleven museums and historic sites. As an agency of the State of Colorado and a non-profit organization, History Colorado is committed to serving all Coloradans through generational work that centers communities, deepens knowledge and catalyzes the transformative power of history.

History Colorado is also home to a free public research center, people-centered preservation work done by the State Historical Fund and the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of the State Archaeologist, the State Historians Council, and many other community-driven public history projects such as the Museum of Memory. History Colorado stewards more than 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State’s collection, and serve tens of thousands of learners of all ages each year. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado