Historic Eastern Shore Women – Chesapeake Forum

Stories of some of the exceptional women who have lived in our eastern shore communities since colonial times.

We have lost most of the pre-colonial history of Native American eastern shore women, but there is historical information about outstanding women from colonial times through the 20th century.

While much has been written about Harriet Tubman, in this session we share the stories of some of the less well-known female leaders that have lived in our communities.

For example:

The bravery of two women who were early settlers of Jamestown and moved to the eastern shore. One was a free white woman while the other was a black slave who eventually gained her freedom.
In the early 1800s, the first female preacher of the A.M.E. (African Methodist Church), spent time preaching on the eastern shore, including having to fend off a group of white men after she spoke in Easton.
If you visit the Talbot County Historical Society you will find a marker commemorating two early 20th century suffragettes.
And In Kent County there is a marker of the three women who voted in a 1908 municipal election. They were the first women to vote in Maryland.

There are many stories to tell about women who have lived here. The session will be informal and discussion centered. You may bring your own stories to add to the women that we highlight. At the end of the session we will distribute an eastern shore women’s history road trip map for participants to learn more about what we have discussed. So come join us for stories about these and other women.

What to Expect: Gain an increased appreciation of women who have lived on the eastern shore. Sharing your own stories of exceptional eastern shore women to add to a Women’s History Road Trip map.

Feedback from Katherine and Mary’s last course with us:

“Wonderful lecture, totally engaging and informative. What a jam packed 90-Minutes of information that I found both surprising and interesting.”

“Very interesting topic. Eye opening to look at other cultures and programs.”