250 years ago, in 1775, shots were fired at Lexington and Concord and the struggle for independence began. In recognition of this transformative period in American history Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250) and Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site invite the public to experience “Meet the Women of Revolutionary Westchester,” a free, family-friendly living history event on Saturday June 28, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5 p.m, at Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY).
Visitors to “Meet the Women of Revolutionary Westchester” will experience the life of local women during that struggle that played out across Westchester County, a war torn area known as the neutral or contested ground during eight long years of war. RW250 president, Constance Kehoe, noted “As part of the 250th commemoration of the founding of the United States, Revolutionary Westchester 250 is thrilled to be able to bring a free day of women performers – in period costumes – and skilled crafters and musicians who break through some misconceptions about the roles of diverse women during the war years.”
The site will come alive with historical interpreters, performances with music, craft demonstrations, games and more, all emphasizing the essential role of women in the Revolutionary War. Guests will engage and converse with diverse women on both sides, Loyalists and Patriots. They will meet women caring for the troops using herbal medicines of the time, engaging in important tasks such as spinning, weaving and cooking, and even a woman who joined the Continental Army.
In the outdoor tent, visitors will experience five scheduled live performances portraying historic women: Peggy Shippen, who was married to traitor Benedict Arnold and was herself a part of his treason; wealthy loyalist Mary Philipse; an enslaved and then manumitted woman named Liss; Phebe Ward, a mother caught between two armies; and Deborah Sampson, a women who disguised herself as a man and served in the Continental Army. Judith Kalaora, of History At Play, will perform the award-winning A Revolution of her Own! exploring Sampson’s life. Ann Fisher Miller who hosted George Washington at her farmhouse during the Battle of White Plains, after her husband and two sons died in the early days of the conflict, will demonstrate throughout the day the many survival skills in which she and her children engaged. Live period music, dancing, 18th century hands-on crafting demonstrations and period games add additional immersion into 18th century life as visitors mingle and converse with the costumed performers and interpreters.
This free event will be held rain or shine on Saturday, June 28, 2025 on the grounds of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers). For more information, with periodic updates, including performer bios, schedule, directions and parking, visit
https://www.philipsemanorhall.com/programs-and-events/women-of-revolutionary-westchester
“Meet the Women of Revolutionary Westchester” is produced by Revolutionary Westchester 250 in partnership with Philipse Manor Hall State Historical Site with additional funding provided by the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and Westchester County.
