Women of ’76 to be Portrayed at Historic Pardee-Morris House (Which Was Burned by the Brits in ’79)
June 8 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Actor Rita Parisi will portray some of the spirited women who persevered throughout the American Revolution during, “The Women of ’76,” at the historic Pardee-Morris House. The house was burned by the British during their raid on New Haven in 1779. (You can still see a burnt beam from the original structure). The free NH250 event will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025). Register here.
One of the women of ’76
Parisi will portray five women who witnessed the American Revolution and changed the course of history. Among them will be Baroness von Riedesel, wife of a Hessian general and chronicler of life in Revolutionary War military camps. She will also portray Prudence Wright, minute woman and spy catcher as well as Nancy Hart, a southern frontierswoman who faced the enemy and won.
The Women of ’76
Parisi notes how rarely the public hears the stories of women involved in the American Revolution. “When women are mentioned, it’s usually the more famous ones, such as Abigail Adams and Martha Washington,” she says. “I decided that lesser-known women deserved to have their voices heard so I created a play about five of them.”
“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this program becomes increasingly relevant,” Parisi says. “I hope visitors gain a better understanding of the sacrifices made by our patriots, both men and women, in order to establish this country and our democracy.”
About Rita Parisi
Parisi is an actor, singer, dancer, producer, and playwright with 30 years of performance experience. In 2005, she founded Waterfall Productions to showcase her one-woman dramatic shows featuring women from history and literature. She has received over 100 grants supporting her performances. Those have allowed her to tour extensively in New England, New York, New Jersey and Florida.
In addition to her solo work, she has performed in Boston regional theater. Some of her theatrical credits include Mother Superior in “Nunsense,” and Mary Warren in “The Crucible.” Her films have premiered at the Boston International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. She is a member of the largest acting union in the country, the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Women of ’76 Part of NH250
This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250.” Culminating with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.
The Pardee-Morris House
About the Pardee-Morris House
Located at 325 Lighthouse Road, in New Haven, the Pardee-Morris House dates from about 1780. It is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. Built by Amos Morris around 1750, the British burned it during their raid on New Haven. The Morris family then rebuilt and expanded it.
In 1918, William S. Pardee, a descendant of the Morris family, willed the property to the New Haven Colony Historical Society, today the New Haven Museum. For a complete list of summer events at the Pardee-Morris House, visit: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/pardee-morris-house/ For New Haven Museum’s event calendar: http://newhavenmuseum.org/visit/events-calendar/ Sign up for e-blasts at [email protected].
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the Museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life. It features collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach.
As a Blue Star Museum, the New Haven Museum offers the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, free admission all year. For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org or @NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.
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Learn more 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.
Image of Pardee-Morris House By Versageek – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5075787.