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Description
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).
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.”
Photo Credit: Rita Parisi as Prudence Cummings Wright
About Rita Parisi
Parisi is an actor, singer, dancer, producer, and playwright with 30 years of performance experience. In 2005, she founded Waterfall Productions to showcase her one-woman dramatic shows featuring women from history and literature. She is the recipient of over 100 grants supporting her performances which have allowed her to tour extensively in New England, New York, New Jersey and Florida. In addition to her solo work, she has performed in Boston regional theater and some of her theatrical credits include Mother Superior in “Nunsense,” and Mary Warren in “The Crucible.” Her films have premiered at the Boston International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival, and she is a member of the largest acting union in the country, the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
About NH250
This event is part of NH250, an ongoing series of programming developed by New Haven Museum to complement “America 250.” Culminating with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the series will highlight inclusive, local, and lesser-known stories, connecting past and present.
Date & Time
Sun, Jun 8, 2025 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Venue Details
Pardee-Morris House
325 Lighthouse RoadNew Haven, Connecticut 06510
