Wednesday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Historical Society Barn

Please join the Holliston Public Library, the Friends of the Holliston Public Library, and the Holliston Historical Society in the Historical Society’s barn on May 20th at 6:30 p.m. to meet the woman who hoodwinked George Washington’s army. A Massachusetts native, Deborah Sampson is the only woman known to have disguised herself as a man and serve as a soldier in the Continental Army without getting caught!  Janet Parnes of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, Millis will portray Deborah Sampson.  This program is free and is suitable for children ages 7 and up.  

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Deborah is coming to tell her story. Learn about the close calls, mountainous obstacles, and head-scratching conundrums this farm girl faced as, without support from family or friends, she risked humiliation and imprisonment to help free the colonies from English rule. Find out the story-behind-the-story of this principled, dangerous deception and the character of the quiet rebel who pulled it off.

Janet Parnes has taken delight in educating, entertaining, and inspiring audiences with portrayals of underappreciated American women for more than 15 years. Using extensive research, attention to detail, and writing talent, Ms. Parnes has created historically accurate performances that whisk audiences back into life into the Colonial, Federalist, Victorian, and World War eras and make them feel as if they are chatting with a friend. Learn more about Janet Parnes at https://www.women-history.com/

The Holliston Historical Society is located at 547 Washington Street.  The program is free and open to the public and will be followed by a social hour and refreshments. No registration is necessary. We hope to see you there!