Penelope's Rebellion - Our Reenactment of the famous 1774 Edenton Tea Pary

Penelope Pagett Barker and 50 friends changed America with their courage.  During a period when the monarchy was all powerful, and the King's Parliament had virtually no limits as well, the first women's political activism in America occurred when Penelope and her friends held the first Edenton Tea Party.  Though the most famous Tea Party was in Boston the year before, the men involved hid their identities.  The 51 women from Edenton who signed their resolution rebuking Parliament, and by inference the King, proudly affixed their names.

It was not until the time the Declaration of independence was signed that an act of equal courage can be found.  "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."   To stand up publicly takes true courage.

This year that famous rebellion will be reenacted as the finale to our annual Edenton Tea Party Rally.  It will be a fitting tribute to the demand for freedom and the individual courage that is needed to be free in these troubled times.





Dress Rehearsal Photo - Reenactment Cast