Past Meeting

At our public meeting on Sunday, April 19, 2009 the featured presentation was:

The Many Roles of Wives in the 18th Century

by Clarissa F. Dillon, Ph.D.

Our history tends to be full of stories about notable men in the early life of our country. Often overlooked are the many roles and accomplishments of their wives. Attendees heard Clarissa Dillon’s captivating story about the domestic life of wives in the 18th century.

Theirs was not a life of “Desperate Housewives” or romantic escapades as “The World Turns.” Yes, there was love, lively lives, and children. But there was also hard and important work revolving around cooking, gardening, brewing and even medicine. Clarissa told of their challenges and accomplishments.

Clarissa is an accomplished speaker and authority on housewifery in the 18th century. Clarissa has a doctorate in History from Bryn Mawr College. She is a member of the Society, and is a founding member of Past Master in Early Domestic Arts.