July Happy Hour: The Patriot Daughters Story

– Wednesday, July 8th
– Happy hour starts at 5:30pm
– Presentation starts at 6:30pm

Patriot Daughters of Lancaster presents:

The Patriot Daughters Story – a slideshow presentation with reenactors in period dress reading from eyewitness accounts, letters and newspaper articles

During the Civil War, numerous societies, often referred to as “ladies’ aid societies,” were formed in the North and South by civilians wishing to support the troops and contribute to the war effort. On April 22, 1861, a group of ladies met to form the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster with Rosina Hubley, previous owner of the Swan Tavern and Hotel, as president. The initial purpose of the organization was to provide money for food and supplies for soldiers serving in local companies of Pennsylvania Regiments. Their mission grew as they organized supplies for Union hospitals, provided nursing at a local Lancaster infirmary for soldiers, and traveled with volunteer nurses and hospital supplies to Gettysburg in the summer of 1863.

Since 1992, our living historians portray the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster, their supporters, teamsters, and the soldiers they served. Today’s Patriot Daughters appear at living history events, Civil War reenactments and present programs on Civil War life and the home front with frequent appearances  in Lancaster and Gettysburg.

The presenters for this appearance are:

• Jeanne Herr Cassidy, President of the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster. She is a retired reading specialist, elementary teacher, and served as adjunct faculty at Millersville University.
• Sharon Metzger, Civilian Coordinator PDL.  She retired working with individuals with disabilities in school and job training.  She also serves as Captain in the Artillery Reserve on headquarters staff. Yes, she fires real Civil War cannons for fun.
• Michael Cassidy is a retired policy analyst with the PA Legislature and served as longterm adjunct faculty at Penn State and Temple Universities. He portrays a Regimental Quartermaster in presentations on Union rations and the roll of the home front in supplementing nutrition.