Women In War Symposium in Schuylerville
The Marshall House’s Women in War: The Revolutionary Experience – A Symposium will be held on May 14, 2022. The event will bring together regional and nationally-known historians of the American Revolution to provide insights into the experiences and actions of some extraordinary women.
” Too often, the important roles women played during the American Revolution are not widely known. Their experiences, whether in following the army or managing their homes, help to inform the larger narrative of what life was like for those not on the battlefield. The Saratoga County 250th Commission is excited to sponsor this symposium by welcoming leading scholars to speak about these women and increase our understanding of the parts they played in gaining American Independence,” explains Saratoga County historian Lauren Roberts.
Featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Holly Mayer, Professor Emerita in History at Duquesne University, a visiting instructor at West Point, and author of Belonging to the Army: Camp Followers and Community during the American Revolution (2001), the Women in War symposium will provide engaging opportunities for attendees to meet with leading historians. Session topics include women warriors, Loyalist women, the Army’s essential support – “Camp followers,” Baroness Frederika Riedesel, a general’s wife, and Molly Brant, a Mohawk leader in Colonial America. Speakers also include historian Todd Braisted, author of Grand Forage 1778: The Battleground Around New York City (2018), social historian Jenna Schnitzer, researcher Jonathon House, and the biographer of Molly Brant, Lois Huey.
The Marshall House, in partnership with the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission and the Saratoga County History Center, is hosting the Women in War symposium. The symposium will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Saratoga Town Hall in Schuylerville, NY. Tickets may be purchased at themarshallhouse.org or by calling 518-695-3765.
Registration for the symposium is $50 per person for the entire day, including lunch, refreshments, and a visit to Marshall House. Speakers’ books will be available to purchase and have signed by the authors. Registration information is available at themarshallhouse.org Registration must be completed no later than May 11. Walk-in registration is not permitted.
“We are very pleased to host this symposium,” said Bruce Venter, Vice President of the Marshall House. “The Marshall House served as a British field hospital and refuge for Baroness Riedesel and her three children during the Saratoga campaign in 1777. Riedesel’s journal is one of the most compelling writings of the war, so it is fitting to host this symposium in Saratoga County.”
History Center Vice President and Saratoga Town Historian Sean Kelleher said, “The History Center strives to tell our community’s important national story from all perspectives especially those that are seldom heard. We are excited to welcome this symposium and work in partnership with the Marshall House and the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission. We all hope this will be the first of many events to highlight the American Revolution in Saratoga County.”
Please direct any questions or comments to Libby Smith-Holmes esmithho@nycap.rr.com or Tim Holmes tim3holmes@gmail.com from the Marshall House from the board of trustees.
The Marshall House, just north of Schuylerville, NY, has been continuously occupied since 1771. The Marshall House was cannonaded during the siege of Saratoga which concluded with the surrender of British General John Burgoyne in October 1777, the turning point of the Revolution. On occasion, the house is open for tours and a presentation by Baroness Riedesel, as portrayed by reenactor, Debbie Bailey relating the story of her ordeal during the Battles of Saratoga and captivity in America. Please visit the website themarshallhouse.org
The Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission was created by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors in 2021 and is tasked with organizing ceremonies, events, activities, and celebrations recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in Saratoga County.
The Saratoga County History Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse histories of Saratoga County. In addition to the Brookside Museum, the History Center offers a variety of innovative, exciting, and educational programs in person and on-line. . Please visit the website (www.brooksidemuseum.org) and social media accounts (@SaratogaCoHistory) for news and announcements.
Photos are available at https://themarshallhouse.org/
Contact:
Libby Smith-Holmes (TMH Board member)
(518) 587-9499
Tim Holmes (TMH Board member)
(518) 316-1483
