Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Imagine a place where the history of American democracy was forged. The Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester is more than just an old building; it is a true symbol of the struggle for equality in the USA. This two-story brick Italianate-style house was home to the great suffragist for the last forty years of her life.

The complex consists of three buildings: the residence itself, the visitor center (the former home of Anthony's sister), and the carriage house. Inside, unique artifacts have been preserved that allow you to feel the spirit of the era: Anthony's famous alligator skin handbag, her desk, and her Singer sewing machine. In 1965, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Today, the museum welcomes thousands of guests annually who wish to see the place where life-altering decisions for the women's movement were made. The interiors have been painstakingly restored to reflect the atmosphere of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, turning a simple stroll through the rooms into a journey back in time.

For more information or to organize group tours, you can use the following contact details:

The highlight of the visit is the guided tour, which takes you through the living quarters and the attic. You will see the spot where Susan B. Anthony was arrested for voting illegally in 1872 and the room where she passed away. Guides share lively stories about her family and her friendship with the prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass, making the visit engaging even for children.

At the visitor center (19 Madison Street), be sure to explore the introductory exhibition, which sets the stage for the main museum tour. There is also a charming shop where you can purchase themed souvenirs and literature. The carriage house often hosts inspiring lectures and educational programs dedicated to civil rights.

Special attention should be paid to the heroine's personal belongings: her famous black dress is on display, along with furniture used by the suffragists during their meetings. The first floor is accessible to visitors with disabilities, while a high-quality virtual tour is offered for viewing the upper levels.

Getting to this historic home at 17 Madison St is easy. If you are arriving via Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), the drive by car or taxi will take approximately 15–20 minutes.

For those preferring public transport, the city is served by the RTS (Rochester Transit Service) bus network. The routes closest to the museum run along Main Street and Broad Street. After getting off at a downtown stop, it is about a 10–15 minute walk through a quiet residential neighborhood.

A walk from the heart of the city, such as from the Kodak Tower or the High Falls district, takes between 20 and 30 minutes. For cyclists, Rochester offers convenient bike lanes, making the trip even more pleasant.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the life of Susan B. Anthony—the legendary suffragist and civil rights activist. She lived here for 40 years, and in the 1890s, this house served as the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. One of the most significant events occurred here in 1872: Anthony was arrested right in her front parlor for daring to vote in the presidential election, which was illegal for women at the time.

Following Anthony's death in 1906, the building changed hands several times. However, in 1945, the Rochester Federation of Women’s Clubs purchased the house for $8,500 to establish a museum. Since then, the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House organization has carefully collected artifacts and restored the historic setting.

In 1965, the house was officially designated a National Historic Landmark. Interestingly, a major restoration project begun in the 1990s with support from the National Park Service aimed to return the interiors to their original appearance from the 1898–1906 period, when Susan B. Anthony was at her most active.

It is recommended to set aside 1 to 2 hours to visit the museum complex. A standard guided tour of the house lasts about an hour, but you will likely want to spend extra time in the visitor center.

If you plan to study the introductory exhibition in the adjacent building in detail and browse the gift shop, it is better to allow for 2 hours. Please note that due to fire safety regulations, the number of people allowed in the house at one time is limited, so there may be a short wait during peak hours.

The museum doors are open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Guests are welcome from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

As operating hours may change on holidays or for special events, we strongly recommend checking the museum's official website before your trip.

Exploring the area around Madison Street allows you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of New York State and find entertainment for every taste—from quiet walks to active family fun.

Below are interesting sites located relatively close to the museum: