Women of '76 to be Portrayed at Historic Pardee-Morris House (Which Was Burned by the Brits in ’79)

New Haven, Conn. (April 9, 2025) – Actor Rita Parisi will portray some of the spirited women who persevered throughout the American Revolution during, "The Women of '76," at the historic Pardee-Morris House, which was burned by the British during their raid on New Haven in 1779 (and where you can still see a burnt beam from the original structure). The free NH250 event will take place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. (Rain date: Sunday, August 24, 2025). Register here.

Parisi will portray five women who witnessed the American Revolution and changed the course of history. Among them will be Baroness von Riedesel, wife of a Hessian general and chronicler of life in Revolutionary War military camps; Prudence Wright, minute woman and spy catcher; and Nancy Hart, a southern frontierswoman who faced the enemy and won.

Parisi notes how rarely the public hears the stories of women involved in the American Revolution. “When women are mentioned, it's usually the more famous ones, such as Abigail Adams and Martha Washington,” she says. “I decided that lesser-known women deserved to have their voices heard so I created a play about five of them.”

“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this program becomes increasingly relevant,” Parisi says. “I hope visitors gain a better understanding of the sacrifices made by our patriots, both men and women, in order to establish this country and our democracy.”