Lydia Darragh: Irish Quaker, Patriot Spy

Last year, you joined us for the Year of the Spy, a series of activations and programming to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the secret meetings between Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and French emissary Julien Alexandre Achard de Bonvouloir that took place on the second floor of Carpenters' Hall in December 1775.

Join us once again for an evening of spycraft and women's history on Monday, October 10th, from 6:30 to 8pm at Carpenters' Hall. Lydia Darragh (1729-1789) was a Irish immigrant and Quaker who passed on information to the Continental Army that she gleaned from British officer meetings that took place in her home in Philadelphia. Darragh overheard General Howe's plan to attack Continental troops at Whitemarsh and was able to warn Washington's troops, allowing them time to prepare for the assault.

Darragh is buried at Arch Street Meeting House. She also had connections to several Carpenters' Company members, including Abraham Carlile (executed for treason in November 1778) and Benjamin Loxley.

The evening will begin with a performance of Philadelphia actor-director Megan Bellwoar's new play about Lydia Darragh. Bellwoar and Darragh biographer Robert Fanelli will then discuss Darragh's life and impact, followed by audience Q&A. Copies of Mr. Fanelli's book, Lydia's Tale: The Mystery of Lydia Darragh, Irish Quaker, Patriot Spy (2025), will be avaiable for purchase.

This event is graciously sponsored by the Government of Ireland. and our community partner is Arch Street Meeting House.