About The Exhibit

Discover more than 200 inspiring stories of past and present Rochester, Indigenous, and Haudenosaunee women visionaries, trailblazers, inventors, activists, and entrepreneurs who changed Rochester and the world.

The Changemakers: Rochester Women Who Changed the World

Breaking barriers in the arts, agriculture, languages, sciences, and business. Creating innovative solutions to long-standing problems. Deeply rooted in diverse communities, cultures, and traditions. Amplifying their own voices and others that deserve to be heard. Refusing to take “no” for an answer. This is just a taste of what it means to be a Changemaker.

Discover more than 200 inspiring stories of past and present Rochester, Indigenous, Haudenosaunee women – including visionaries, trailblazers, inventors, activists, spiritual leaders and entrepreneurs – in the RMSC’s community-curated exhibition, The Changemakers: Rochester Women Who Changed the World.

Be transported through history and current events as ordinary objects become extraordinary in telling the stories of unique women and their different cultures. Follow the paths of these diverse and inspiring women from the Rochester Region and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy through a series of interactive experiences.

Located in the Riedman Gallery and throughout the 3rd floor of the museum, the exhibit is organized in four sections:

  1. Advocating for Change: Explores activism and highlights those who stand up for the marginalized and oppressed
  2. Organizing for Change: Illuminates the collective action of those who bring people together for a common cause
  3. Inventing Change: Features the creative processes of those who persist to create something new
  4. Enterprising Change: Celebrates those who identify needs in their community and take risks to find a solution

Experience the untold stories of people just like you who changed the world. Be inspired and empowered to be The Changemakers in your own communities.

Take A Virtual Tour

Get an Inside Look:

Hear from our Community Curators, DEI Consultants, and RMSC staff who brought this exhibit to life as well as some of our contemporary featured Changemakers in our announcement celebration and opening event videos below.

The Changemakers Exhibit Announcement Event
The Changemakers Exhibit Opening Event