STAFFORD — Did You Know - There was a lady’s name on the Declaration Of Independence? I learned this when Nora O’Donnell was interviewed on “CBS Sunday Morning.” Norah has written a book, “We the Women,” about little-known women in history.
When the Declaration of Independence needed to be officially printed, they took it to Mary Katharine Goddard (1738–1816). She was an early American printer, publisher, and postmaster whose contributions during the Revolutionary era exemplify civic courage and highlight the often overlooked roles women played in shaping the nation. In January 1777, amid the turbulence of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, temporarily relocated to Baltimore, commissioned Goddard to print the first official broadside of the Declaration of Independence that included the names of its signatories. This edition, known as the “Goddard Broadside,” was significant not only for its content but also because it prominently bore Goddard’s name at the bottom. This was a bold and risky act, considering that associating oneself with the Declaration was deemed treasonous by the British.
Her willingness to publicly align with the revolutionary cause placed her at personal risk, showing her commitment to American independence. It was also an act of defiance toward gender roles; usually, Goddard signed her documents “M.K. Goddard,” but for this broadside, she printed her full name, identifying her as a woman. (Source: Google)
This Tuesday is an evening of enjoying and sharing books. Recently Read will be meeting at 5:30; come join us.
March is shaping up to have two great opportunities to learn at Nora’s Place:
• March 12 at 3 p.m., Jennifer Gleason is leading us in learning about AI and how it can make life better. Jennifer will help us recognize AI in our world today. AI is here, all around us, and we need to know more about it.
• March 24 at 2:30 p.m., Alda Hildebrand is going to demonstrate how to make a strip quilt. She is bringing her sewing machine and iron to show us this easy and fast way to make a family heirloom. Wow! I am so excited! Reservations are needed for this demonstration so please call ahead. The cost is $5.
Coming up:
• Monday Mornings 10-11, Preschool Story Hour
• D&D Every Wednesday 4-6
• Winter Reads to Contentment Leads - Book Challenge
• Every Wednesday except second Wednesday - ESOL with Rachel Sandoval, 6 p.m.
• April 9 - Books, Balls and Blocks Developmental Screening Event
• Next Board Meeting: March 11
Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library, 108 N. Union St. in Stafford. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library. Library hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday; 2-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
