From Pioneer to Place: Celebrating Lucy Stone and Women’s History at The Hotel at Oberlin

This March, as we observe National Women’s History Month, we are looking back at the trailblazers who walked the very streets where our hotel stands today. At The Hotel at Oberlin, we believe that history isn't just something you read about; it’s something you inhabit.

That is why one of our key meeting spaces is named after one of the most formidable voices in American history: Lucy Stone.

Who was Lucy Stone?

Lucy Stone was a titan of the 19th-century reform movements. An American orator, abolitionist, and suffragist, she dedicated her life to "suffering humanity everywhere." Her connection to our community is deep:

• A Historic First: In 1847, Lucy Stone graduated from Oberlin College, becoming the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree.

• The Voice of Reform: She was a gifted public speaker who famously spoke out against slavery and was a primary organizer of the first National Women’s Rights Convention.

• The First Debating Society: While at Oberlin, she helped form the first-ever debating society for women—at a time when women were often discouraged from public speaking.

A Space Designed for New Ideas

Lucy Stone’s legacy is built on the power of the spoken word and the courage to share new ideas. We carry that spirit into the Lucy Stone Room at The Hotel at Oberlin.

This 850-square-foot meeting space is designed for the modern-day pioneers. Whether you are hosting an executive retreat, a board meeting, or a community workshop, this room offers a professional yet inspiring atmosphere for connection.

Why Host Here? Just as Lucy Stone gathered with her peers in the 1840s to debate and shape a better future, our event spaces provide the "modern-day forum" for teams to collaborate, innovate, and make their own mark on history.

Host Your Next Event in History

Beyond the Lucy Stone Room, the Hotel at Oberlin offers over 6,500 square feet of flexible event space overlooking Tappan Square. From large-scale conferences in the Peter B. Lewis Ballroom to intimate sessions in our private dining rooms, we provide:

• State-of-the-art A/V technology for global presentations.

• Locally sourced catering from 1833 Restaurant.

• LEED Platinum surroundings that honor the progressive, sustainable values Oberlin has always championed.

This March, we invite you to not just learn about history, but to make some of your own.