Acclaimed historians Mary Beth Norton, the Mary Donlon Alger Professor Emerita of American History at Cornell University, and Rosemarie Zagarri, distinguished university professor of history at George Mason University, examine how women influenced the political, social, and intellectual currents of the American Revolution. The conversation explores how women’s experiences and contributions deepen and expand our understanding of America’s founding. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National
This program was streamed live from Philadelphia on March 23, 2026, as a part of the NCC's America's Town Hall Series.
Follow We the People, Live at the National Constitution Center, and Pursuit: The Founders’ Guide to Happiness on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
This episode was produced and mixed by Bill Pollock. It was recorded by David Stotz and Greg Scheckler. With production support from Charles Sahm. Research was provided by Anna Salvatore, Trey Sullivan, and Tristan Worsham.
Participants
Mary Beth Norton, the Mary Donlon Alger Professor Emerita at Cornell University, is a leading scholar of women’s history, particularly in the colonial and Revolutionary eras. She is the author of five books and co-editor of several others. Her works include Founding Mothers & Fathers, In the Devil’s Snare, and 1774: The Long Year of Revolution. Norton also co-authored the widely used textbook A People and a Nation. Her latest work, “I Humbly Beg Your Speedy Answer”: Letters on Love & Marriage from the World’s First Personal Advice Column, was published last year.
Rosemarie Zagarri is a distinguished university professor at George Mason University. She has published four books, including Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic, and A Woman’s Dilemma: Mercy Otis Warren and the American Revolution. Her articles have appeared in leading scholarly journals and in numerous edited collections. Zagarri’s latest book project is titled Liberty and Oppression: Thomas Law and the Problem of Empire in Colonial British India and the Early American Republic. She is also the author of "The Declaration's Grievances Against the King," part of the National Constitution Center's Interactive Declaration of Independence project.
Julie Silverbrook is chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center where she leads the Center’s content and learning strategy and drives the development and national distribution of its educational resources and programs.
Additional Resources
- Mary Beth Norton, Founding Mothers & Fathers: Gendered Power and the Forming of American Society
- Mary Beth Norton, 1774: The Long Year of Revolution
- Rosemarie Zagarri, Revolutionary Backlash: Women and Politics in the Early American Republic
- Rosemarie Zagarri, “The Declaration’s Grievances Against the King”
Stay Connected and Learn More
- Questions or comments about the show? Email us at [email protected]
- Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr
- Explore the America at 250 Civic Toolkit
- Sign up to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate
- Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen
- Join us for an upcoming live program or watch recordings on YouTube
- Support our important work
