One of my first pilgrimages to a historic women’s landmark was to the statue of Anne Marbury Hutchinson, located in front of the State House in Boston. Today – July 20 – is the 425th anniversary of her birth. A midwife and “spiritual advisor,” Hutchinson challenged the patriarchy of Boston. Condemned for her “very voluble tongue, more bold than a man,” she was tried, convicted and banished. The plaque heralds her as a “COURAGEOUS EXPONENT OF CIVIL LIBERTY AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE.” Today, a group, including her descendants, is leaving Providence, RI, on a five-day, three state tour of sites to Hutchinson, including New York, where she and several of her children were killed in an Indian raid. One child, Susanna was captured and later traded to family members in RI, is represented in the statue.
The Hutchinson River Parkway and river in New York City are named for her. Anne Hutchinson, I think, is a sorely needed role model in today’s America.