About the talk:
How were women defined in colonial America? Did class struggle and social identification have a place in the class structure of the period? How did the rigid patriarchal society of colonial America determine the social structure of the period. This talk will explore how women in colonial America had very little chance for self-governance, with virtually every aspect of their lives being ruled by others. The differing dynamics of the “social ladder” will be discussed as well as a sneak peek into a few women who either succumbed to social rule or fought against the normal expectations of the period. Additionally, this lecture aims to give the audience a broader understanding of how women were viewed in colonial America and the significant role they played in the founding of a nation.
About the speaker:
Michelle Seddon is the Community Engagement Coordinator and Historian at Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. Having lived in many places throughout her 54 years, she has always felt drawn back to the beautiful landscapes of Virginia. Michelle is the mother of two adult sons and is blessed with an amazing daughter-in-law.
A professional historian, Michelle began her academic and career journey later in life. In 2023, she earned both a B.A. in American History and an M.A. in Public History from Southern New Hampshire University. Her experience in public history includes working as a historian, researcher, and interpreter at private historic homes and museums, as well as serving for two years as a Park Ranger-Historian at Sky Meadows Historic State Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Michelle also completed a term-limited detail as a Park Ranger-Historian with the National Park Service at the James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Ohio. Her work spans multiple disciplines, including public history, land conservation, historic preservation, and museum collections care and management.
In her role at Red Hill, Michelle supports outreach and civic engagement efforts, enhances the visitor experience, helps develop educational programming, and collaborates with staff on special events.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys hiking mountain trails and exploring historic sites, battlefields, and museums with her loved ones—and her dogs. She can often be found browsing antique shops, old bookstores, or visiting local farmers’ markets. She follows a personal philosophy: “History is reliable until the next great discovery.”
