Deborah Sampson
Deborah Sampson dressed in men's clothes and joined the 4th Massachusetts Regiment during the Revolutionary War. She is the only woman known to have received a full pension for serving in the Continental Army.
Collection Highlights
Two different objects related to Deborah Sampson help to tell the story of her service during the Revolutionary War.
Biography of Deborah Sampson
Deborah Sampson worked with editor Herman Mann to write this biography that documented her life and wartime story of dressing in men's clothes to serve in the Continental Army.
Abner Weston's Daybook
Abner Weston, a corporal in the Massachusetts militia, mentions an "uncommon affair" of Deborah Sampson's first attempt to enlist in the Continental Army.
Deborah Sampson Unveiled: A Virtual Conversation
Explore the life and dress of Deborah Sampson, who dressed in men's clothes to fight in the Revolutionary War, in a discussion co-presented by American Repertory Theater featuring A.R.T.'s Sarah Schofield-Mansur as moderator, 1776 costume designer Emilio Sosa, author and Sampson descendent Alex Myers, and the Museum's Tyler Putman.
More Resources
Explore more about Deborah Sampson and her world with books featured in the Read the Revolution series and more resources on women during the American Revolution.
Revolutionary
Masquerade
Revolutionary Women
View exhibitions, videos, and other resources that tell the stories of women during the Revolutionary era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Deborah Sampson.