Visitors to Waterloo can learn about the history of Memorial Day, the founding of the village and the birth of the women’s rights movement at the village’s museums and historical sites.

Library & Historical Society

National Memorial Day Museum

The Memorial Day History Room features extensive exhibits on the major players of the Memorial Day concept, these being Henry C. Welles, Gen. John B. Murray and, of course, the venerable Gen. John A. Logan. The exhibit also highlights the 1966 Centennial in Waterloo that led to the recognition of Waterloo as the birthplace of Memorial Day. Also on display, an exhibit of historic images, poetry and prose that were generated throughout the 19th century to commemorate Memorial Day, then known as Decoration Day.

The M’Clintock House

In July of 1848, the M’Clintock House was the sight of the planning session for the First Women’s Rights Convention kicking off the largest social movement in American history. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and several others drafted a document they called the Declaration of Sentiments, ratified on the second day of the convention, which proclaimed that “all men and women are created equal” and women must have the right to vote. Located at 14 East Williams Street, this National Park Service site will be offering interpretive programs and costumed interpretation throughout the day.

The M’Clintock House will be open:

Friday May 27th,  1pm – 3pm
Saturday May 28th,  10:00am – 4pm
Sunday May 29th,  10am – 4 pm

Programs will be offered at 1pm & 2pm

Admission is free.