In 1775, shots were fired against British troops at Lexington and Concord and the violent struggle for colonial independence began. Among those in the fight at home and the battlefield were the women of Westchester County, a war torn area and contested location during eight long years of war.
Like many places at the fringe of larger communities, Westchester experienced the American Revolution as a truly civil war, pitting neighbor against neighbor.
In recognition of this transformative period in American history, Revolutionary Westchester 250 and Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site will host “Meet the Women of Revolutionary Westchester,” a free, family-friendly living history event on Saturday June 28, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 5 pm, at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY).
RW250 president Constance Kehoe said “As part of the 250th commemoration of the founding of the United States, Revolutionary Westchester 250 is thrilled to be able to bring a free day of women performers – in period costumes – and skilled crafters and musicians who break through some misconceptions about the roles of diverse women during the war years.”
The site will come alive with historical interpreters, performances with music, craft demonstrations, games and more, all emphasizing the essential role of women in the Revolutionary War.
Guests will engage and converse with diverse women on both sides, Loyalists and Patriots. They will meet women caring for the troops using herbal medicines of the time, engaging in important tasks such as spinning, weaving and cooking, and even a woman who joined the Continental Army.
In the outdoor tent, visitors will experience five scheduled live performances portraying historic women:
Peggy Shippen, who was married to traitor Benedict Arnold and was herself a part of his treason;
Mary Philipse, a wealthy Loyalist at Philipse Manor who family was targeted by Patriots;
Liss, a woman enslaved by the Townsend family, whose true name was Elizabeth;
Phebe Ward of Eastchester, sister-in-law of town supervisor and staunch patriot Stephen Ward, her absent Loyalist husband caused problems for her in a predominantly Patriot town;
Deborah Sampson, a former indentured servant who dressed herself as a man and served in the Continental Army; and
Ann Fisher Miller who hosted George Washington at her farmhouse during the Battle of White Plains, after her husband and two sons died in the early days of the conflict.
Live period music, dancing, 18th century hands-on crafting demonstrations and period games add additional immersion into 18th century life as visitors mingle and converse with the costumed performers and interpreters.
This free event will be held rain or shine on Saturday, June 28, 2025 on the grounds of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers). For more information, with periodic updates, including performer bios, schedule, directions and parking, etc., visit this website.
“Meet the Women of Revolutionary Westchester” is produced by Revolutionary Westchester 250 in partnership with Philipse Manor Hall State Historical Site with additional funding provided by the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Westchester County.
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