Women Seeking Shelter

About the Book

The three women highlighted in this story were chosen to represent a family whose records are all documented through husbands and fathers. They are from very different cultural backgrounds, French, Scots, and English, yet they are the true core of the American woman of their times. Diversity is greater now but it was always part of the country’s fabric.

The women had a geographic location near the sea. This ensured a contact with both Europe and South America from the earliest times, not only because of wars, but in response to the world of ships, ship building and trade. In the 19th century, few citizens of the new country were involved in news from abroad as were those from the ports of New England and the docks of New York.

Specific events from the life time of the three Sarahs are briefly described to show how modern times are clearly tied to the past. Each successive Sarah was affected by what happened to those who preceded her on the family tree. The Sarahs would also be astonished by the role of women in the 21st century. It is a premise of this book that the past and present are clues to the future and common themes run through history despite superficial changes.

About the Author

Jean Romano reitred after 25 years with the Windham Public Schools in Willimantic, Connecticut. She is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Her M.A. degree in Curriculum and Instruction was awarded from the University of Connecticut. Jean’s first book, Transitions in Connecticut, described the move towards Dual Language Instruction in the Windham Schools. Her current interest is the history of women and their rise to power in the U.S. She lives in Hampton, Ct with her husband, Antonio. Their four sons are grown and live on the east coast, the west coast and places in between. The author is the Jean in this brief history, the granddaughter of Sarah Matilda Emery Hughes and recipient of some of the stories from past times.