Unsung Heroes

Join us on Tuesday, February 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Shrewsbury-Windle House for a lecture focusing on the stories of Black Revolutionary War Patriots and their Madison connections. This program is a partnership between the John Paul Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Historic Madison, Inc. (HMI) in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States and Black History Month. Tickets are free, but advanced registration is required, as seating is limited. Proceeds from this program will benefit preservation efforts for the site and the John Paul Chapter of DAR. Reservations are open now here: https://tickets.madtixevents.com/.../hmi.../tickets.

The speaker for the event, Sally McWilliams, has been a member of DAR for 47 years and has helped many women research and prove their lineage back to Revolutionary War Patriots. She is currently the Regent for the John Paul Chapter of the DAR in Madison. During the America 250 year of celebration, she is working on the society’s national mission of expanding knowledge about African American Patriots. Sally hopes this Black History Month program spotlighting Patriots of Color with “Madison connections” will assist the public in discovering the unique backgrounds and distinct perspectives of African-American Revolutionary ancestors who have all too often been left out of the pages of history.

Called the “best of the best” of America’s Greek Revival buildings, the Shrewsbury-Windle House features a soaring 3-story spiral staircase, 16-foot ceilings, intricate plaster moldings, and ornately carved stone details. Completed in 1849 by architect Francis Costigan, the 13-room mansion features perhaps the most original pre-Civil War Drawing Rooms in the US. The Shrewsbury, Walker, and Windle families lived here for 160 years. Their love for the home still radiates from the walls of this award-winning restoration. The Shrewsbury women were members of the DAR with multiple Patriot ancestors in their lineage.

Registered attendees are encouraged to meet at the Shrewsbury-Windle House at 301 W First St. Doors will open at 6:15. All ages are welcome to attend. The program will last an hour and a half.
Parking is on city streets in a primarily residential neighborhood. Please allow time to find a parking place and walk to the venue.

Please contact Jessica Spiess at Historic Madison, Inc. at 812-265-2967 or programs@historicmadisoninc.com if you have questions.