Founding Mothers with Cokie Roberts

While it may be true that “behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes,” revolutionary fervor seemed to infect both sexes in America back in 1776. From the remarkable Abigail Adams to Englishwoman-turned-patriot Esther Reed, this History Channel-aired entry from the Time Machine series profiles several women featured in journalist Cokie Roberts' book Founding Mothers. The prominent, well-educated ladies who had more leisure time to write letters and keep diaries are the focus here; however, viewers will also learn about women such as Mary Hays McCauley (“Molly Pitcher”) who “manned” a cannon after her husband was injured in battle; Deborah Sampson, who dressed and fought as a soldier (and earned a veteran's pension after the war); and Elizabeth Freeman (“Mum Bett”), the first slave to sue for her freedom. There's even a tip of the tri-cornered hat to the least-cherished women of wartime, the camp followers (usually laundresses, cooks, and nurses, occasionally doubling as prostitutes). Hosted by Roberts, and featuring historic re-enactments, on-location footage, paintings, and maps, this title nicely fits in with Adams' request to her husband John to "remember the ladies." Recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Reagan)