The Monument Project

“The term “Hidden History” is used when the history of a neglected group begins to appear: it also has an explicit message that these groups have lacked a history because society has been unwilling to see them as a separate group with particular rights. Groups hidden from history are hidden because of prejudices against the group in the past, because of modern prejudices; and because of the absence of records.”  -Anna Lawrence, Women in England 1500-1760: A Social History

The first professional woman architect in the United States, Louise Bethune was the first woman admitted to the American Institute of Architects in 1886. Born in 1856, she practiced architecture from 1881-1913. She was a founding member of the Bethune, Bethune & Fuchs, which designed houses, schools, commercial and industrial buildings throughout Western New York. Their most important project was the Lafayette Hotel, in Buffalo. Bethune was also a founding member of the Buffalo Women’s Wheel and Athletic Club.

Mary Talbert fought for human rights and women’s rights on the local, national and international stages. She was a charter member and president of the Buffalo Phyllis Wheatley Club. As an anti-lynching proponent, suffragist, preservationist and human rights activist, she was a pioneer in efforts to combat colonialism, racism and gender inequity. Talbert, president of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, was one of six American delegates and the first official African American delegate to the International Council of Women’s 1920 Norway conference. There she gave voice to American women and children and promoted the development of women of color leadership across the globe. Talbert, National Director of the NAACP Anti-lynching Crusaders, united women to support Congressman Dyer’s bill and supported sweeping penal reforms in the South.

Geraldine, also known as "Gerri" or "Sid-Tah" was a member and Matriarch of the Turtle Clan of the Seneca Nation. She was a devoted Educator of her Haudenosaunee traditions. She served the role as Head Women's Faithkeeper at the Newton Longhouse. The role of the Faithkeeper is to remain peaceful and calm, while maintaining spiritual enlightenment and understanding, no matter what the tribe may endure. Green advocated for the Seneca Nation in the public and private realms. Green is a celebrated leader regionally, nationally, and internationally today.