The Patriot Daughters Story – a PowerPoint presentation with reenactors in period dress reading from eyewitness accounts, letters and newspaper articles, plus short biographies on the prominent women who powered this effort to support the troops –including sending nurses, supplies and cooks to Gettysburg immediately after the battle.

FREE with Museum Admission
Lydia Ziegler Clare Education Center
Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center

During the Civil War, numerous societies, often referred to as “ladies’ aid societies,” were formed in the North and South by civilians wishing to support the troops and contribute to the war effort. On April 22, 1861, a group of ladies met at the Lancaster County Court House to form the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster with Rosina Hubley, owner of the White Swan Tavern and Hotel, as president. The initial purpose of the organization was to provide money for food and supplies for soldiers serving in local companies of Pennsylvania Regiments. Their mission grew as they organized supplies for Union hospitals, provided nursing at a local Lancaster infirmary for soldiers, and traveled with volunteer nurses and hospital supplies to Gettysburg in the summer of 1863. 

Since 1992, our living historians portray the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster, their supporters, teamsters, and the soldiers they served. Today’s Patriot Daughters appear at living history events, Civil War reenactments and museums. The group also presents community programs on Civil War life and the home front with frequent appearances in Lancaster and Gettysburg.