ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Kathy Hochul has taken over as New York State’s first female governor and the National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House in Rochester is weighing in on the significance of the historic moment.

Even though the 19th Amendment was signed 100 years ago, the women of the museum are still committed to continuing Anthony's work.

"She was a patriot who believed that government is elected to serve the people," said Deborah Hughes, president and CEO of the museum. "And so voting rights, people's engagement, teaching civics is all part of what we’re trying to do now."

In that same vein, Hughes is glad to see history being made as Hochul becomes New York State’s first female governor. 

"It shouldn't be exciting in 2021 that we’re getting our first female governor, but it is," Hughes said. "It’s a wonderful accomplishment."

Hughes wants to be clear, she believes Hochul didn’t become governor by luck or accident.

"She had to run on her own as lieutenant governor," said Hughes. "She had had some pretty significant and challenging issues to face when being elected. And I think she got elected by the people of New York because they understood fully that at any point the lieutenant governor could be serving as governor."

Hughes is excited for what the Western New Yorker might bring to the office.

"A whole lot of people have different opinions and I believe that this governor is going to try to find ways to do things that are good for all citizens regardless of what partisan camp they align with or don’t align with," said Hughes.

She even draws some comparisons between Hochul and Susan B. Anthony herself. 

"Her understanding of what government is supposed to be is similar to what Susan B. Anthony’s was, which is this idea that we elect the government to serve us," Hughes said. "Anthony didn’t believe in partisan politics."

Though it’s been a long time coming, Hughes says this is what progress looks like.

"You know, I love that there will be 3-year-old, 4-year-old and 5-year-old girls who will always imagine that if they wanted to be governor and they had the skills to be governor," Hughes said. "Of course they could be governor. We are always progressing. And I think the key is for us to keep that pressure on."

Hochul is a moderate Democrat from the Buffalo area. She was sworn in as the 57th governor of New York by the state's chief judge, Janet DiFiore, during a private ceremony just after midnight on Tuesday.