“Remember the Ladies” at Lasell Hall July 3 - 15 June 2026

“Remember the Ladies” - Abigail Adams in a letter to her husband John, March 31, 1776

SCHOHARIE — On this 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the ladies of Schoharie County would like to invite you to tea! We’re throwing a tea party on July 3rd at Lasell Hall in the town of Schoharie, to celebrate not only American independence from Great Britain, but women’s rights as well. The right to vote! The right to own property. The right to an education. And many more.

Abigail Adams’ letter to John may have been private, but it held a significant political message. John was in Philadelphia at the time, participating in the debate over the colonies’ relationship with Britain and how best to resolve our differences. His wife reminded him that one-half of the population – women – deserved rights and protections, as well as the men. Her words are remembered as one of the earliest calls for women’s rights in our country. 

The Schohary Rev 250 Committee, together with three chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution: the Schoharie Chapter, the Capt. Christian Brown Chapter, and the Iroquois Chapter, with phenomenal support and assistance from the Schoharie County Historical Society, will serve tea and colonial-style baked goods on Friday, July 3rd from 2-4 at Lasell Hall, 350 Main Street, Schoharie, NY. There will be tents on the lawn with tables where visitors can sip “Liberty Tea” and taste a slice of Martha Washington’s cake or some other colonial treat. Attendees will receive a trading-card style “Bio” about a lady from that time; there will be a colonial fan-making activity; a liberty chain will be forged, and once everyone has settled in, we plan to have two speakers. You may also be able to ask a lady at your table to tell you about a particularly special colonial lady. The event will kick off the next day’s 4th of July celebration at the Old Stone Fort and throughout Schoharie County.

There is ample parking in the county courthouse parking lot behind Lasell Hall. The event is free of charge, but reservations are required in advance. You can register at https://theoldstonefort.org/calendar/remember-the-ladies-a-revolutionary-tea-party-at-lasell-hall/, or with this QR Code: 

A limited number of seats are available, so don’t wait too long!