Eastern Shore Regional Library & Heritage Center to Host Lecture on Revolutionary Women of Northampton County

EASTERN SHORE, Va. — The Eastern Shore Regional Library & Heritage Center will host a lecture titled “Inborn Strength II: Revolutionary Women of Northampton County” on Thursday, July 18th at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature Shore historian and retired National Archives-Mid Atlantic Region Director Kellee Green Blake.

Blake will share early insights into the lives of women from Northampton County during the Revolutionary War. Attendees will learn about heiress Ann Eyre Mifflin Roberts, whose journey from the Shore to Quaker society in Philadelphia and back required her to battle for her identity and property in the courts and community. The lecture will also highlight the bold choices of Betsey [Bowdoin] York in her quest for freedom, far from all she knew.

Additionally, the story of young Elizabeth Southall will be explored. Elizabeth, familiar with the costs of being a Patriot, lost her husband Thomas Southall, who served with the 9th Virginia Regiment in the north. Her struggle to secure a pension from Patrick Henry will be discussed.

The lecture will emphasize the diverse experiences and allegiances of Northampton women during the Revolutionary War. Whether Patriots, Loyalists, or freedom seekers, these women were influenced by their geographic and socioeconomic positions. Rich, poor, or “middling,” they were revolutionary women indeed.

This event promises to be an enlightening exploration of the varied and impactful roles women played during a pivotal period in history.