Historic Hudson Valley Women
Fifty years ago The Feminine Mystique by Hudson Valley resident Betty Friedan was published, heralding the start of the Feminist Movement. Throughout the centuries, women have had a marked impact not only on the history of the Valley, but on the history of America. Here are just a few of those from the Hudson Valley who made a difference for all of us.
Martha Washington’s residency at Hasbrouck House in Newburgh was her longest stay anywhere during the Revolutionary War. Now known as Washington’s Headquarters, the charming stone house overlooking the Hudson River was where she was hostess to visiting dignitaries and her own friends. The complex has a fascinating new exhibit of items used during her tenure. (845) 562-1195
2. Sybil Ludington
The war also had feminine firebrands who acted in the name of the patriots. Sybil Ludington is recognized as one of the most heroic women of the Revolution. In April 1777 at age 16, Sybil rode 40 miles on a rainy night to warn Washington’s troops of an impending British attack. Historical markers tracing her route can be found throughout eastern Putnam County, and sculptor Anna Huntington’s commemoration of Sybil’s ride rests at a public park on the shore of Lake Gleneida in Carmel. (845) 808-1015 ext 49394
Hard times frequently brought forth women leaders, even in the early 1800’s when slavery was not just relegated to the Deep South. Here in the Mid-Hudson a slave by the name of Isabella escaped from her master and in 1843 chose the name Sojourner Truth. She became a forceful advocate of Civil Rights and Women’s Rights, speaking throughout the country. Follow the Sojourner Truth Freedom Trail from West Park to trace the amazing legacy of this former slave who could neither read nor write. Despite the slave owners in the Hudson Valley, the Underground Railroad ran through the region carrying hundreds of slaves north to freedom. Harriet Tubman is perhaps the best known woman conductor, always traveling at night to and from the southern states, guided by the North Star. Her route took her through Nyack where a marker on Route 59 commemorates one of the secret stopping places that Tubman used along the way. (845) 331-3709
At the same time the Underground Railroad traversed the region’s territory, another movement was underway to document its landscape. Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of Painters, lived in Catskill where you can visit his home. Women may have been educated in the arts in the 19th century, but the profession of artist was the sole domain of men. Undaunted, women like Cole’s sister Sarah and her daughter Emily painted in the style of the Hudson River School, creating unsung works that could easily be mistaken for those painted by their male counterparts. Emma Willard felt that women’s education should go far beyond just the arts. She opened her namesake school in 1812 to ensure that girls received the same education as boys. From February 22nd through March 29th, the Rensselaer County Historical Society in Troy celebrates the Emma Willard School’s bicentennial with photographs and artifacts in an exhibit called “Wrought with Steadfast Will.” Two hundred years later, the school is still inspiring and educating young women. (518) 272-7232
From artists to educators to poets, the Hudson Valley inspired many women to be the best that they could be. Edna St. Vincent Millay ranks today as a major figure in 20th-century American literature. The legacy of this Pulitzer Prize-winning poet is found at her historic home, Steepletop, in the village of Austerlitz. Both the house and gardens are open for tours, and stellar poetry events take place at the estate from May through October. Houses belonging to notable women are scattered throughout the Hudson Valley. One of these is the Villa Lewaro in Irvingrton, home of Madam C.J. Walker. Completed in 1918, the Italianate villa was built for Mrs. Walker, the first African-American female to be a self-made millionaire. The home is now privately owned, but is part of Westchester’s African American Heritage Trail. (914) 995-8501
Probably the most famous woman the Governor’s Mansion in Albany has housed is Eleanor Roosevelt. When Franklin Delano Roosevelt became governor in 1929, Eleanor began a lifelong fascination with politics. She spent hours at the Capitol Building watching the legislature in action, an education that contributed greatly to her own rise as an inspirational leader to our nation. Today the mansion is open for tours even as it functions as the current home for New York State’s governor. (518) 473-7521
When Eleanor Roosevelt needed time to herself, she’d retreat to Val-Kill, her personal home in Hyde Park. It is, in fact, the only National Historic Site to be dedicated to a first lady, and it is here that she pursued social and political interests that resulted in her becoming one of the most influential first ladies and become known as ‘First Lady of the World’. Not only did she served as First Lady, she advocated for women’s rights, civil rights, and was one of the authors of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations. (845) 229-9422
Award-winning, world-renowned artist who creates one-of-a-kind reverse hand-painted "Ulla" lamps. To view and purchase her artwork visit www.ulladarni.com
Elizabeth Schuyler lived in Albany at the Schuyler Mansion. She is the daughter of Revolutionary War General Philip Schuyler and wife of founding father Alexander Hamilton. As the wife of Alexander Hamilton, Eliza had a front row seat to events that shaped this country in the years immediately following the revolution. She is also credited for preserving her late husband’s legacy. https://www.nysparks.com/historic-sites/33/details.aspx
Learn about Mother Ann Lee and how she outlined her theology for the community that would become known as the Shakers. Seasonal calendar of exhibitions, lectures, tours, and workshops at America’s most significant Shaker historic site, Mount Lebanon Shaker Village. 518-794-9100