Learn all about 'Influential Women of the 1800s'

In a collaboration of four free programs with The Historic Place Theatre, The Niagara County History Center presents a portrayal of two important women – Belva Lockwood and Eliza Mossell – who took on both political and societal injustices in order to change the world. “Influential Women of the 1800s” will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at The Historic Palace Theater, 2 East Ave., Lockport.

The History Center’s own “Step Back in Time Players” will guide people on a narrative journey through the life and times of the two significant figures. Marsha Zimmer will portray 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 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 other achievements, her husband and son, Charles, are credited with desegregating Lockport schools in 1876 – eight decades before such schools were ruled unconstitutional.

Together, they will show off the world in which they lived along with their many struggles and accomplishments.

Palace concessions will be made available. For more information, call the History Center at 716-434-7433 or the theater at 716-438-1130.