Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Homework Room 208 — 1 School St., Sharon, MA
Local resident Steve Connolly presents this program about Deborah Samson for the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Disguised as a man, Deborah served for more than a year in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. After her (honorable) discharge, Deborah married Benjamin Gannett of Sharon and lived here until her death. This presentation covers Deborah's life primarily before and after the American Revolution. Her military service set many precedents for women in the military, allowing future generations of women - and men - certain rights which we today take for granted. Deborah Samson was proclaimed the Massachusetts State Heroine in 1983. Her statue, created by local sculptor Lu Stubbs, stands in front of the Library at 1 School Street. Steve Connolly and his wife have lived in Sharon for nearly 40 years. Steve is a retired engineer, giant pumpkin grower, and amateur historian from the Sharon Historical Society. This program is funded by the Friends of the Sharon Public Library.