American Historical Theatre

06/06/2026

Many thanks to the goodly folk at the Millville Historical Society for having Anne Bonney out to play! There were butterflies and boas and bilge rats...what a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.

06/03/2026

This is Jeopardy!

Did you know that Lafayette was invited to lay the cornerstone at Bunker Hill for his Farewell Tour in 1824-1825?

If so, you got $1000! :)

06/03/2026

"If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!" -- Sojourner Truth

"On May 29, 1851, Sojourner Truth delivered her most famous speech, 'Ain't I a Woman?' at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Akron. Even 175 years later, her words remain a powerful reminder of how Black women have had to navigate both racism and sexism, and have had to consistently assert their place in abolitionist and suffragist movements.

Born Isabella Baumfree to enslaved parents in a Dutch-speaking county of New York, Truth didn't learn English until she was sold to a new family at age 9. She escaped slavery with her daughter in 1826 and later took an enslaver to court to recover her son, becoming one of the first Black people to win a legal case against a White person in the United States.

After securing her family's freedom, she became a preacher and advocate for abolition and women's rights. In 1843, she renamed herself Sojourner Truth and set out to travel and spread her message.

Truth never learned to read or write, so we only have others' accounts of her speeches. The most well-known version of 'Ain't I a Woman?' comes from Frances Dana Barker Gage, one of the convention's organizers, who published her recollection of the speech in 1863, more than a decade later. An earlier account by Marius Robinson, Truth's friend and fellow attendee, was printed in the Anti-Slavery Bugle one month after the convention. Robinson's version does not include the exaggerated accent in Gage's retelling, nor the phrase 'ain't I a woman' itself.

But the message is clear across both accounts. Truth spoke directly to the ways Black women were being excluded from both fights — the suffragist movement and the abolitionist movement — a pattern of erasure that Black women would continue to face long after her passing." -- Gabby Gladny, The 19th News

To introduce kids to Sojourner Truth's powerful story, we recommend: “Sojourner Truth's Long Walk Toward Freedom” for ages 5 to 9 (https://www.amightygirl.com/so-tall-within) and “Who Was Sojourner Truth?” for ages 8 to 12 (https://www.amightygirl.com/who-was-sojourner-truth)

Truth is also one of ten trailblazing black women featured in the book, "Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters," for ages 8 to 12 at https://www.amightygirl.com/let-it-shine

Adults can learn more about her life through her own words in the “Narrative of Sojourner Truth” (https://amzn.to/367yIRI) and the biography “Sojourner Truth: A Life, A Symbol” (http://amzn.to/2eeRKaB)

Sojourner Truth is also featured on the stunning 'Votes for Women 500-Piece Round Puzzle' for ages 10 and up at https://www.amightygirl.com/votes-for-women-round-puzzle

For more books for children and teens about pioneering African-American women, visit our blog post "99 Books about Extraordinary Black Mighty Girls and Women" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=14276

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

in 1802, after a several-week illness, Martha Washington died at Mount Vernon, surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, just 2.5 years after her husband's death. ⁣
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At the time of her death, about 150 enslaved people at Mount Vernon were considered property of the Custis estate. These people were divided among Mrs. Washington's four grandchildren: Eliza Custis Law, Martha Custis Peter, Eleanor Custis Lewis, and George Washington Parke Custis. In this process, many become separated from family members and communities formed while enslaved at Mount Vernon.

(Image Credit)
Martha Washington by Unidentified Artist, copy after Gilbert Stuart, ca. 1755-1828. Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day- We Honor all Those Who Gave Everything for Their Country

Arriving in America June 13, 1777, Lafayette swore on the shore to commit himself to the cause. This day also marked Lafayette’s undying allegiance to General George Washington.

Months later, the Marquis found himself at Valley Forge as an aide-de-camp to Washington. He also found himself a second-time father to a young daughter. News of her birth reached Lafayette the same day the Continental Army encamped at Valley Forge, December 19, 1777.

As commander of a new division at Valley Forge, with enlistments decreasing and desertions increasing, Lafayette took it upon himself to make sure his troops were living to the best possible standards. He donated muskets and uniforms to men in need. Known as the soldiers’ friend, Lafayette shared the hardships with his men, even when his rank entitled him to special privileges.

Lafayette was a loyal supporter of the American cause as well as an avid supporter of George Washington.

A young man, with obligations at home, Lafayette still remained faithful to the promise he made when first set foot on American soil in June 1777.

He returned to America in 1824 after President James Monroe requested his visit. It is reported to be one of the happiest years of his life, as he was greeted with enthusiasm by the American people.

🙏On this Memorial Day, We Remember those who gave their lives defending their country.

05/25/2026

"The high courage and the supreme sacrifice of Americans who gave their lives in battle have made it possible for our land to flourish under freedom and justice."

https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/jfkwhp-1963-05-30-c #?image_identifier=JFKWHP-ST-C194-10-63

05/25/2026

Have a Meaningful Memorial Day.

05/25/2026

Thank you to the Chestertown Tea Party for having Abigail Adams, Sarah Bradley Fulton and Hercules put to play! Twas cold, twas wet and twas joyous none the less!