The Dorrite Women Letter Collection dives into previously neglected aspects of gender and constitutional reform in Rhode Island in the antebellum period. Students will learn about the careers of a remarkable group of women, including Catharine R. Williams, Abby Lord and Ann Parlin. The letters span from the summer of 1842 to the fall of 1845. Teachers will want to pair the letters from 1844-45 with several of those found in the Dorrite Prison Correspondence. Dorr comments at length on the activities of women who were working towards his liberation.

To learn more about Dorrite women, read this contextual essay by Dr. Erik Chaput.

Browse the Dorrite Women Collection →