Faded Memory: Women & People of Color in the American Revolution & Beyond

In many New England towns, memorials commemorating the American Revolutionary War are a familiar sight. Throughout the conflict, inhabitants from various communities across what would become the United States joined in the struggle, impacting everyone involved. However, the memorials, markers, and documents from the 18th century often highlight the contributions of a specific group: white male soldiers. This program offers participants the chance to delve into this selective representation by embarking on a self-guided exploration of the Sudbury Revolutionary War Cemetery, uncovering the often-overlooked narratives of women and Patriots of Color through presentations, and engaging in facilitated small-group discussions. By examining the consequences of selective documentation and memorialization on collective memory and historical narratives, this program aims to broaden perspectives and deepen understanding.

This FREE program is hosted by Athina Education and the Sudbury History Center & Museum in partnership with Freedom's Way National Heritage Area.

Dr. Katina Fontes is the Founder and President of Athina Education. She received her Ph.D. in Education from Lesley University. Dr. Fontes previously worked as the Education Coordinator for The Wayside Inn Foundation, as an instructor for the Lesley University Graduate School of Education, and as the Heritage Studies Graduate Program Director at Regis College. Recent research projects include the impact of alcoholism on the Howe Family in Sudbury, local indigenous history, and the lives of Sudbury's women during the Revolutionary War era.

Dr. Benjamin Remillard teaches history courses at Stonehill College. He received his Ph.D. in History from the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Remillard's current book project, Friends, Brothers, and Citizens, explores the words and activist efforts of the Revolution’s veterans and non-veteran Patriots of color who lived across the Northeast during the early American republic. His research and teaching interests intersect the study of race, law, citizenship, and memory, and his work has received financial support from the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Society for Military History.

Host or Publisher Athina Education