Exploring the Legend of Molly Pitcher at the Henry Guest House

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (September 11, 2025) - The New Brunswick Historical Association invites the public to a special lecture that delves into one of the American Revolution's most enduring and debated figures: Molly Pitcher.

On Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m., researcher and New Brunswick Historical Association member Sarah Walus will present her work, "WARMAIDEN: Molly Pitcher's Legend and Its Historiography," at the historic Henry Guest House, 58 Livingston Ave.

Pitcher, known for famously carrying water to soldiers and even taking a turn at firing a cannon during the Battle of Monmouth, has become a cornerstone of local lore and a symbol of female bravery in the Revolutionary War.

However, as Walus will reveal, the historical record is complex. While celebrated in monuments, newspapers, and textbooks, historians continue to debate the factual basis of her individual story.

Walus's research goes beyond simply questioning the legend's accuracy. She will explore how Molly Pitcher's story has been shaped over time, serving as a powerful encapsulation of the vital contributions of the countless "camp follower" women who supported the Continental Army. Walus will uncover the biases inherent in these representations and shed light on how they reflect a changing American collective memory.