Deborah Sampson, the first woman to enlist, fight and be honorably discharged from the American Military, captivates audiences in an hour-long program chronicling her life.
The Westford Historical Society & Museum presents this performance on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 7 p.m.
An indentured servant by age 5, Deborah grew up in a man’s world. Then, women were naught but second-class citizens. Without the ability to vote or to own property, Deborah knew her options were limited. Therefore, she realized breaking the rules may be necessary to accomplish a greater goal in life.
As a self-educated masterless woman, she felt a higher calling. In the final years of the American Revolution, Deborah bound her chest and tied back her hair. Then she enlisted in the 4th Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Army, as “Robert Shurtlieff.”
The American Heroine takes you back in time!
Artistic Director Judith “Jude” Kalaora founded History At Play in 2010. Her purpose: to chronicle the lives of influential and often forgotten women. Offering solo and ensemble immersive living history productions, HAP is woman-owned and operated and committed to employing artists from the region.
Kalaora is a professional educator, writer and living historian. She graduated from Syracuse University, and she also attended the Globe Education Program of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre of London, England.
In 2025 and 2026, the Westford Museum and Historical Society commemorates the significant battles that shaped America’s struggle for independence. Discover the birthplace of American liberty, where history was made and the future was forged. In Westford, we proudly embrace our rich heritage, including untold and lesser-known stories that deserve recognition. Join us in celebrating as we honor 250 years of independence.
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Learn more about Revolutionary history in this complete guide to Revolutionary War sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, here to order an ebook.