53 episodes

Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant is a podcast that showcases 18th and early 19th-century women’s letters that don’t always make it into the history books. Join historian Kathryn Gehred and her guests as they explore the lives of women and the world around them through their letters.

Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant: A Women's History Podcast R2 Studios

    • History
    • 4.9 • 82 Ratings

Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant is a podcast that showcases 18th and early 19th-century women’s letters that don’t always make it into the history books. Join historian Kathryn Gehred and her guests as they explore the lives of women and the world around them through their letters.

    Episode 50: The Feathers are the only Tolerable Ones

    Episode 50: The Feathers are the only Tolerable Ones

    Martha Washington to Eleanor Parke Custis, c. February 1797. In which Washington warns her granddaughter that her dress may not arrive from Philadelphia in time for a Virginia ball. 
    Featuring Dr. Alexandra Garrett, Assistant Professor of History, St. Michael's College.
    Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant is a production of R2 Studios, part of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. 
    Find the official transcript here. 

    • 39 min
    Episode 49: Deposition of Phillis Tatton

    Episode 49: Deposition of Phillis Tatton

    Deposition of Phillis Tatton, 3rd November 1837
    In which Phillis Hinkley Saunders Tatton appeared before the County of Probate in the state of Connecticut in an attempt to secure a pension for her late husband’s service during the American Revolutionary War.

    • 42 min
    Episode 48: Political Subjects are too often at Variance

    Episode 48: Political Subjects are too often at Variance

    Elizabeth Willing Powel to Elizabeth Parke Custis, February 28, 1816. In which Powel advises Martha Washington's pro-French granddaughter to avoid talking about politics with pro-British family members. 
    Featuring Samantha Snyder, Research Librarian & Manager of Library Fellowships at the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, and Dr. Cassandra Good, associate professor of History at Marymount University and author of First Family: George Washington's Heirs and the Making of America (2023). 
    Your Most Obedient & Humble Servant is a production of R2 Studios at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. 

    • 33 min
    Episode 47: To Persevere In Grace & Faith

    Episode 47: To Persevere In Grace & Faith

    Phillis Wheatley to Obour Tanner, October 30, 1773 in which Wheatley discusses faith, her book, and a trip to England. 

    • 39 min
    Episode 46: The Ambassadress Is Nothing But Blunt

    Episode 46: The Ambassadress Is Nothing But Blunt

    Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 Febuary 1786. In which Abigail reports from London to her son on dining with wealthy South Carolinians and the tribulations of her daughter Nabby in matters of the heart. Featuring Dr. Miriam Liebman of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 
    Note: The quoted letters referenced in this episode are available as follows:
    Abigail Adams to John Quincy Adams, 16 February 1786. Adams Papers, Digital Edition. Massachusetts Historical Society. 
    Abigail Adams to John Adams, 22 September 1774. Adams Papers, Digital Edition. Massachusetts Historical Society. 
    Abigail Adams to John Adams, 31 March - 5 April 1776. Adams Papers, Digital Edition. Massachusetts Historical Society. 
    Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 December 1782. Adams Papers, Digital Edition. Massachusetts Historical Society. 
    Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 15 August 1785. Adams Papers, Digital Edition. Massachusetts Historical Society. 
    Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Shaw, 4 March 1786. Adams Papers, Digital Edition. Massachusetts Historical Society. 
    Abigail Adams to John Adams, 23 May 1794. Adams Papers, Digital Edition. Massachusetts Historical Society. 
     

    • 35 min
    Episode 45: You Must Not Complain Of My Silence

    Episode 45: You Must Not Complain Of My Silence

    Elizabeth Mason to Mary Barnes Mason, 3 March 1811. In which Elizabeth attempts to update her daughter Mary on the latest news from home while her family distracts her. 
     

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
82 Ratings

82 Ratings

Katekmhkmh ,

A joy to listen to!

A refreshing take on history. I smile and laugh the whole time I listen to this podcast!

MryTim ,

A lovely show!

I always enjoy listening to this show. It's informative, it's relaxing, and it's interesting!

Dvdbssn ,

I love this podcast!

I like the way Kathryn sets up each letter. She provides great background information. I can’t wait for more episodes.

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