Westerly Sun Column | Women Played Pivotal Roles in Creating Nation

As you know, the United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. While we know much about the many heroes who fought during the revolution, the contributions of women at home and on the battlefield ensured the success of winning our independence. Both well-known and everyday women played important roles organizing and supporting protests and boycotts on British goods including clothing and, of course, tea. While their husbands or fathers were away fighting battles, women were responsible for managing their farms and businesses as well as rising their families.

We are excited to be offering programs that highlight both well-known and everyday women who helped win our fight for independence. The choices women made every day about fashion and fabric consumption, and creation drove the course of Revolution just as determinedly as any congress. Join the Dirty Blue Shirts, a collective of historians, scholars, and artists, on Wednesday, June 10th from 6 to 7:30 to hear stories of women who waged war on multiple fronts as well as a look at what they wore as their worlds turned upside down. They will be showing fabric samples as well as reproduction clothing pieces.

On Saturday, June 13th from 1:30 to 3:30, Dr. Suzanne McCormack will present “Remember the Ladies: Abigail Adams and the Women of the American Revolution.” Hosted by the League of Women Voters, this fascinating program will give insight into the political, social, and civic roles women played during the revolution. Abigail Adams is a fascinating figure in history, so if you want to learn more, we have several biographies available including one by Woody Holton and “My Dearest Friend” which has the letters that Abigail and John sent to one another. These letters show how Abigail tried to influence John politically but also show how much they respected and loved one another.

If you can’t make it to these fabulous programs, we have books you can check out. “Founding Mothers: the Women Who Raised Our Nation” by Cokie Roberts. Roberts covers women including spies, nurses, even soldiers. “We the Women: the Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America” by Nora O’Donnell and Kate Anderson Brower covers women throughout our history who played pivotal roles in creating and maintaining our nation.

Whether you can attend these programs or check out some of our materials, hopefully you will enjoy learning more about the founding of our nation and the role women played in it.

By Caroline Badowski, Head of Adult Services