A Revolution of Her Own, Holliston Historical Society
“A Revolution of Her Own”
Deborah Samson Gannett
Sunday, November 13th at 3:00 pm
Please join us at the Asa Whiting House, 547 Washington Street Holliston to hear actress and historical interpreter Judith Kalaora portray Deborah Samson Gannett, (1762-1827), the first woman to enlist, fight in and be honorably discharged from the American Military.
She was an indentured servant by the age of five and grew up in a man’s world where women were second class citizens without the ability to vote or own property. She educated herself and was the only school teacher in Middleborough, MA. She yearned for more opportunities and when news came to her about the Revolution, a plan was set in motion. She had worked as farm hand and knew her physical strength was equal to her male counterparts .On May 20, 1782, she donned an old soldier’s uniform, bound her chest, tied her hair back and enlisted in the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Army, as “Robert Shurtlieff.”
Judith Kalaora will enact Deborah’s difficult childhood, one and one half years of active combat and her success as the first female professional soldier using interactive stories and period attire.
Ms. Kalaora has appeared on stages from London to Montreal and across the United States. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University and attended the Globe Education Program, Shakespeare Globe Theatre, in London, U.K.
