PROGRAMS - Mrs John Hancock

A Woman's View of the American Revolution

With Mrs. John Hancock

Married to John Hancock, the richest man in colonial Boston, Dorothy Quincy Hancock led an exciting life filled with luxury and sometimes danger. She observed first hand the momentous times in our country's early history and later as the First Lady of the new state of Massachusetts. With the unsettling experience of seeing bounty hunters seek her husband's head, she came to truly understand the costs of revolution and the benefits of freedom. As guests in her parlor, the audience enjoys a fresh take on historic times. Dorothy's view of the American Revolution includes a generous sprinkling of romance for older visitors and a guessing game for younger ones, with costumed parts for up to 7 students. Step back in time to that exciting era!

Length: 60 minutes

Curriculum Connections: American Revolution, Massachusetts History, Women's History

Audiences: Adapted to specific ages

A native New Englander, Belinda West was educated at Dartmouth College and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Since 1990, she has portrayed historical ladies for PBS radio and television, film, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Emily Dickinson International Society, the Audubon Society, Young Audiences of Massachusetts, museums, libraries and thousands of students at schools. She has also served as a consultant on Emily Dickinson to the History Channel.

She is a member of the New Hampshire and Vermont Councils' Humanities Speakers Bureaus

and the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Event and Touring Roster.