New York’s colonial women ranged from indigenous people to those of Western European descent (Dutch, English, French, Belgian, and German, among others) – from religious refugees to enslaved Africans to capitalists. As in all periods, age and marital status also created diversity among women. Beginning with an overview of Colonial New York, this talk will focus on the many ways in which women shaped the history of the Hudson Valley between 1609 and 1775. We will end with a short addendum on New York women’s experiences in the American Revolution.

This Hurley Heritage Society lecture was presented by Susan Ingalls Lewis, Professor Emerita in History at SUNY New Paltz.