She-Merchants, Sachems, and Slaves: Women in Colonial New York

New York was one of the most diverse of the thirteen colonies, thanks to its Dutch colonial roots. Racial and religious diversity meant that colliding cultures had different ideas of how to treat women. In this talk by historian Sarah Wassberg Johnson, you will learn about women’s rights (or lack thereof) in Munsee, Iroquois, African, Dutch, and English culture, and how enslaved women’s rights changed over time. Learn about women’s roles in everyday life, uprisings, and war. Meet individual women like Dutch she-merchant Margaret Hardenbroeck De Vries Philipse, Esopus sachem Mamanuchqua, Jewish merchant Rebecca Gomez, Revolutionary War soldier Deborah Sampson, and more.

Sarah Wassberg Johnson is the education and programs manager at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site. She has an MA in public history from the University at Albany.

This talk will be offered both in-person and online.

This in-person event will be held in the museum’s educational space, which is accessed using stairs. A 360-degree tour of the museum is available in the wheelchair/ mobility device accessible Welcome Center.