A series of parlor talks to women which had been organized by the sisters grew in interest until the parlors became inadequate, and the speakers were at last addressing large audiences of women in the public meeting-places of Philadelphia.
At this time when Angelina was making effective use of her unrivaled power as a public speaker, she received in 1836 an invitation from the Anti-slavery Society of New York to address the women of that city.

She informed her sister that she believed this to be a call from God and that it was her duty to accept.

Sarah decided to be her companion and assistant in the work in the new field, which was similar to that in Philadelphia.

Its fame soon extended to Boston, whence came an urgent invitation to visit that city.

It was in Massachusetts that men began to steal into the women's meetings and listen from the back seats.