'The Bellingham Library hosted Janet Parnes of Historical Portrayals by Lady J as Deborah Sampson as part of the town's 300th Anniversary events. Wikipedia states: 'Deborah Sampson, was a Massachusetts woman who disguised herself as a man in order to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. She is one of a small number of women with a documented record of military combat experience in that war. She served 17 months in the army under the name 'Robert Shirtliff' (also spelled in various sources as Shirtliffe and Shurtleff) of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, was wounded in 1782, and was honorably discharged at West Point, New York, in 1783.' Wikipedia also outlines her connection to Bellingham history: 'This unit, consisting of 50 to 60 men, was first quartered in Bellingham, Massachusetts, and later mustered at Worcester with the rest of the regiment commanded by Colonel William Shepard. Light Infantry Companies were elite troops, specially picked because they were taller and stronger than average. Their job was to provide rapid flank coverage for advancing regiments, as well as rearguard and forward reconnaissance duties for units on the move. Because she joined an elite unit, Sampson's disguise was more likely to succeed, since no one was likely to look for a woman among soldiers who were specially chosen for their above average size and superior physical ability. I love the Deborah Sampson story and the opportunity to meet and hear from a woman who is passionate about telling her story was an evening to remember! Pictured: Janet Parnes of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, https://women-history.com, as Deborah Sampson.'
Copyright restrictions may apply. Visit blogs.umb.edu/archives/about/rights-and-reproductions for more information.
Contact host institution for more information.