Influential Women of the 1800s

The History Center’s own “Step Back in Time Players” will guide us on a narrative journey through the life and times of two very significant figures during the 19th century. Marsha Zimmer will portray Belva Lockwood. She was an author, lawyer, and politician; gaining entry as the first woman admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court. Her work is particularly important to several social reforms during that time, including equal pay for working women.

Brenda Reaves will play Eliza Mossell, the wife and mother of an outstanding African American family who were the first to achieve success in many social and professional areas. She and her husband Aaron Albert Mossell, Sr moved to Lockport in 1866 where they gave their children an education to succeed. Along with their various other achievements, her husband and son Charles are credited with desegregating Lockport, New York schools in 1876 – eight decades before segregated schools were ruled unconstitutional.

Together they will show us the world in which they lived along with their many struggles and accomplishments. The Palace concessions will also be made available for purchase.