Women for Greater Philadelphia Historical Book Club Gathering

Announcing the Spring 2026 gathering of the WFGP Historical Book Club on Sunday, March 8. This event is free and open to the public.

Sentiments of a British-American Woman, Esther DeBerdt Reed and the American Revolution by Owen S. Ireland

… is the book selected by the WFGP Membership Committee for the first Spring Gathering of the Book Club. Esther DeBardt Reed was a genteel, influential woman who followed her heart from England to America where she became a heroine in Revolutionary America. Esther left her home country to follow her husband, Joseph Reed, a young American lawyer, who became a military officer, founding father, and adjutant general to General George Washington. Esther’s story is one of romance, politics, patriots, societal roles, and tragedy.

Once again Laurel Hill Mansion is a part of the story… you will be invited to our book club gathering within the very walls that sheltered both Esther Reed and Peggy Shippen.

Readers who joined us at our inaugural Book Club Gathering in September 2025 when we discussed Peggy Shippen (Treacherous Beauty: The Life of Peggy Shippen Arnold) may recall her husband, Benedict Arnold, was called to task by Joseph Reed -- especially when both were in Philadelphia. Concurrently, their wives, Esther and Peggy could not be more different in their roles during the Revolution. One a spy while the other a devout American patriot. How ironic that both women spent time at Laurel Hill Mansion.

The Autumn inaugural meeting of our Book Club was a huge success and well attended. The afternoon featured astonishment, laughter, delicious snacks, and lavender flavored prosecco. Whether you choose to read, listen, or view Esther’s story, all interested individuals are invited to join in this next adventure of history.

Save Your Seat! Please enroll early to “book” your seat for this free event.

Book Availability

v Sentiments of a British-American Woman, Esther DeBerdt Reed and the American Revolution is available in print (paperback) and for e-book devices - which allow print enlargement. It is also possible to view a podcast on YouTube of an overview of Esther’s life titled The Woman Who Armed Washington’s Army by Terra stories. Another podcast can be viewed on YouTube by Unworthy History titled She Became a Patriot’s Wife: British-born Esther Reed, From First to Last a Stout American. This podcast contains a brief contrast with Peggy Shippen.

v Publication date for the book is 2017 by The Pennsylvania State University Press, ISBN 978-0-271-07929-5.

We hope you will join us to discuss this fascinating revolutionary history featuring a brave young woman and her family.

Your reserved chair will be waiting in Esther’s parlor on March 8th,

Visit www.womenforgreaterphiladelphia.org/pages/book_club.html to learn more about the Women for Greater Philadelphia Historical Book Club.

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