A Free Woman: The Amazing Grace of Mum Bet with Diane Taraz

In 1781, during the American Revolution, a slave named Bet sued for her freedom in a court of law in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. She won her case and chose a new name: Elizabeth Freeman. Her fierce desire to be a free woman led her on a path that illuminates the experiences of women in the early days of our country. Diane explores the life of Elizabeth Freeman in the music of the time. She performs in the sort of clothing Elizabeth wore, and accompanies her singing on lap dulcimer and an instrument similar to the English guitar played by women in the 1700s. Refreshments will be served.

Please note that the house is not open for tours on the 26th.  The 2019 season of guided house tours will begin on May 27th at 11 am.

A Pittsfield native, Diane Taraz has long made her home in the Boston area, performing extensively throughout New England. She is the director of the Lexington Historical Society Colonial Singers and a longtime member of the Gloucester Hornpipe & Clog Society. Her recordings are available through her website at http://www.dianetaraz.com.