THE SCHUYLER SISTERS (35) Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Thursdays, 10:30am-12:00pm, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12

When Philip Schuyler married Catherine Van Rensselaer in 1755, it united two of New York’s wealthiest and most influential families. Together they enjoyed immense political and military influence, vast landed wealth, and social prestige. Their daughters—especially the eldest three—became closely connected with many of the leading figures of the American Revolution. Angelica’s wit, intelligence, and charm carried her into the most vaunted social and political circles of New York, London, and Paris. Elizabeth married Alexander Hamilton, one of the principal architects and defenders of the new nation. Margaret (“Peggy”) married Stephen Van Rensselaer III, heir to one of America’s greatest fortunes. They were followed by two much younger sisters, Catherine and Cornelia, born nearly a generation after their famous elder sisters. In this six-week course, we will explore the lives of these remarkable women and place their stories within the turbulent world of Revolutionary America. We will also examine their portrayal in the musical Hamilton, using songs from the show to illuminate their characters while separating historical fact from the artistic license that Lin-Manuel Miranda employed in bringing their story to the stage.

Leader: Kathy Welch is a former corporate attorney and history teacher. She has led numerous history and science classes for Saratoga A.L.L.