Anne Bradstreet From the Author to my Husband

Nearly 350 years after Anne Bradstreet's death, I marvel at the thousands of lines of versified history, politics, science, and astronomy Anne wrote while also birthing, nursing, managing property, hosting, homeschooling, and merely surviving the harsh life of nascent New England. What is perhaps the most instructive is the finesse with which she stood for women's intellect without alienating herself from her contemporary Puritans, a people not exactly known for their tolerance of dissenting opinions. Can Anne speak to our present American dilemma, manipulated as we are into political polarities? Anne grew into her best work by nesting in her domestic sphere. When she listened to what was immediately around her, Anne grew more innovative in her poetic forms. But it was Anne's engagement with the present crises of her time that transitioned her writing from imitative and erudite to original and relatable. I'm beholden to and emboldened by America's first famous working mother. It is diversity of ideas in respectful, educated, constructive dialogue that makes America great, how we need Anne now. From the author to my husband, we'll play at the Whipple House in Ipswich, Massachusetts. For tickets, visit historyalivesalem.com.