CAVENDISH, Vt. – Without women, the Revolutionary War would not have been won. Often overlooked in history books, which tend to focus on battles and men, women were responsible for running the boycotts, serving the quartermaster function in camps, nursing, manning cannons, spying, and much more. Not only did women influence the outcome of the war, but the war set the stage for women to begin liberating themselves over the coming centuries, legally and economically, from patriarchal control.
On Saturday, March 14, at 1 p.m., at the Cavendish Library in Proctorsville, the Cavendish Historical Society will hold a talk on Hannah Lovell and the role of women in the Revolutionary War. Lovell, who carried messages during the war, is the only woman in the Cavendish cemeteries with acknowledgment as a “patriot” on her gravestone and a Revolutionary War flag holder. However, she was far from the only female patriot. This event will include showing excerpts from Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” series, as well a “Liberty Tea” party featuring the drinks of the era: special tea, coffee, and hot chocolate.
This event is free, open to the public, and recommended for those 12 years old and older. In the event of inclement weather, changes will be posted to www.facebook.com/cavendishvt by 10 a.m. For more information, call 802-226-7807 or email margocaulfield@icloud.com.