1:00-2:00 PM
FREE

The Gunn Library book club is celebrating America’s 250 with a riveting Revolutionary-era drama of the first published rape trial in American history—and its long, shattering aftermath—revealing how much has changed over two centuries, and how much has not. Join us for a meaningful discussion.

On a moonless night in 1793 New York, seventeen-year-old seamstress Lanah Sawyer accused a wealthy gentleman of rape—an almost unprecedented act. Her charge sparked a sensational trial involving figures like Alexander Hamilton, exposed deep inequalities of class and gender, and ignited public unrest. Though Lanah ultimately won justice, the cost was immense. The Sewing Girl’s Tale reconstructs this landmark case with gripping detail, revealing how one young woman’s courage helped shape American law and challenged who was heard.
Books are available at the circulation desk.

Registration is required

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

2026-04-10

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/gml-friday-book-club-the-sewing-girls-tale-by-john-wood-sweet/