When we think back to history class, certain names from the American Revolution probably pop right into your head: George Washington, Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson. We hear their stories so often they can feel larger than life. But history is so much richer and more interesting than just the headlines, and it certainly wasn't only shaped by men.
While many women supported the cause by managing farms and boycotting British goods, countless others were on the front lines in incredible ways—as spies, soldiers, poets, and strategists. Their stories are ones of grit, ingenuity, and unbelievable courage. Sharing them is a powerful way to show the kids in your care that heroes come from every walk of life.
Here are 10 amazing women who risked it all for freedom, along with a few ideas to spark conversation and fun with the children in your life.
10 Revolutionary Women to Inspire Your Nanny Kids With
Molly Pitcher (Mary Ludwig Hays)
When her husband was wounded at the Battle of Monmouth, Mary didn't hesitate. She reportedly took his place at the cannon, fighting for hours on end. She also earned her famous nickname by carrying water to thirsty and exhausted soldiers on the battlefield, saving countless lives. General George Washington himself thanked her for her bravery.
- Activity Idea: The Water Brigade Relay! On a warm day, set up a simple relay race where kids have to carry water from one bucket to another using a small cup or sponge. It’s a fun way to get moving and talk about the importance of teamwork and helping others when they’re in need.
Sarah Bradlee Fulton, mother of the Boston Tea Party
Known as the "Mother of the Boston Tea Party," Sarah was a key planner behind one of the most famous protests in American history. She helped disguise the men as Kanienʼkéha (Mohawk) warriors and was a trusted messenger for General Washington, carrying secret notes through dangerous enemy territory.
- Conversation Starter: Sarah was a leader in her community. Ask your nanny kids: What does it mean to be a leader? Do you have to be the loudest person in the room? Can anyone be a leader?
Elizabeth Freeman (Mum Bett)
Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mum Bett, was an enslaved woman in Massachusetts who couldn't read but listened intently. When she heard the new Massachusetts Constitution being read aloud, stating that all people were "born free and equal," she decided those words should apply to her, too. In 1781, she found a lawyer and sued for her freedom in court—and won. Her case was a landmark victory that helped lead to the end of slavery in Massachusetts.
- Conversation Starter: Elizabeth used powerful words to fight for her freedom. Talk about what words like "free" and "equal" mean. Why is it important for rules and laws to be fair for everyone?
Lydia Darragh
A Quaker woman living in Philadelphia, Lydia used her unique position to become a spy for the Patriots. When British officers commandeered her house for a secret meeting, she pretended to be asleep while eavesdropping on their plans for a surprise attack. The next morning, she walked for miles through the snow to deliver the warning, saving Washington's army from disaster.
- Activity Idea: Play a game of Telephone! It’s a classic for a reason. It shows how messages travel, how details can get mixed up, and how important it is to be a good listener—just like Lydia was.
Nancy Hart
Talk about a power move! When a group of six British soldiers invaded her home in South Carolina and demanded she cook for them, Nancy Hart played along. She served them wine until they were drunk, then secretly began stealing their rifles. When they caught on, she held them at gunpoint until help arrived.
- Conversation Starter: Nancy stood up for her home and her beliefs. Ask the kids: When is it important to stand up for something you believe in, even if it feels scary?
Emily Geiger
This South Carolina farm girl became a hero on horseback. When a general needed to get an urgent message to another commander 50 miles away through British-occupied land, Emily volunteered. She was captured and searched along the way, but not before she memorized the message and ate the paper it was written on! She was released and delivered the message verbally, saving the day.
- Activity Idea: Create Your Own Secret Messages! Write notes with invisible ink (lemon juice is a classic—just gently heat the paper to reveal the message) or create a secret code together. It's a great way to talk about why secret information was so critical during the war.
Deborah Sampson
Deborah Sampson wanted to fight for her country so badly that she disguised herself as a man, enlisted in the Continental Army under the name Robert Shurtleff, and fought for two years. She was wounded twice, once even digging a musket ball out of her own leg to avoid being discovered by a doctor. Her identity was eventually revealed, and she was honorably discharged.
- Conversation Starter: Deborah had to pretend to be a man to become a soldier. Why do you think she had to do that? It’s a great opportunity to talk about rules, fairness, and what it means to be true to yourself.
Prudence Wright
When the men of Pepperell, Massachusetts, marched off to war, Prudence Wright and the other women in town didn't just sit back and wait. They formed their own armed militia to guard a crucial bridge. They successfully captured a Tory spy carrying secret messages to the British, proving that everyone has a role to play in protecting their community.
- Conversation Starter: Prudence and her friends worked as a team. What’s something you can accomplish with your friends that might be harder to do all by yourself?
Phillis Wheatley
Kidnapped from West Africa as a child and sold into slavery in Boston, Phillis Wheatley learned to read and write, eventually becoming one of the most famous poets of her time. She wrote a poem celebrating George Washington that he loved so much, he invited her to visit him at his headquarters. Her powerful writing helped fuel the anti-slavery movement, and she became the first Black woman to ever have a book published.
- Activity Idea: Find one of Phillis Wheatley's poems online and read it together. Then, try writing your own short poems about something you care deeply about—like friendship, fairness, or even your favorite pet!
Elizabeth (Betty) Zane,
During a fiery siege on Fort Henry, Virginia, the American defenders ran out of gunpowder. The only supply was in a small house about 100 yards away, and it seemed like a suicide mission to go get it. But young Betty Zane volunteered. She sprinted through the battlefield, gathered the gunpowder in a tablecloth, and ran back under heavy fire, saving the fort and everyone in it.
- Activity Idea: The Gunpowder Run! Set up a safe but challenging obstacle course in the living room or backyard. The mission? To get from one end to the other as quickly as possible to “save the day,” just like Betty.
History is filled with incredible people whose stories are just waiting to be told. As nannies and caregivers, you have the amazing opportunity to share these richer, more complete histories and inspire the next generation to be brave, clever, and compassionate.
Yet not alone by men reclaimed.
Brave women too achieved their part
With courage, love and loyalty,
They bore war’s cruel smart
We turn no printed page to-day,
Their gracious deeds to magnify
Within our hearts their memories rest,
Their influence cannot die.
We raise this modest table stone.
Our sister’s name and fame to keep
The impress of her noble life
Ends not with a dreamless sleep–May we be wise and ever prize,
The lessons taught us here,
That freedom comes by sacrifice
And duty knows no fear.
-Mary Jane Seymour
