The Doylestown Historical Society will explore the life and legend of an 18th-century Pennsylvania woman whose story became part of American folklore during a special USA 250 lecture on Nov. 15.
Historian Nicole Frederick will present “Rachel Wall: Fallacy, Folklore and the Art of Catching a Thief” at 2 p.m. at Doylestown Borough Hall, 10 Doyle St. The event is being held in collaboration with the Friends of the Doylestown Library.
Rachel Wall, a Pennsylvania native, was executed in Boston in 1789 for highway robbery. Over time, she became known in history and folklore as a fearsome pirate, but that reputation was based on a story fabricated by a folklorist in 1959, according to the historical society.
Frederick's presentation will examine the historical record behind Wall's life, crimes and eventual execution, offering a closer look at the circumstances that led to her fate. Research suggests Wall was an intelligent and industrious woman whose struggles with poverty and difficult circumstances played a role in her story.
The lecture will also explore how Wall's legend developed in the years following her death and how her story reflected the challenges facing a newly independent nation.
The presentation is free, but registration is encouraged. Attendees can register through Eventbrite or the Doylestown Historical Society.
For more information, visit doylestownhistorical.org or call 215-345-9430.
