The Wives of Fishermen: The Lives of 19th Century Women and the Records They Left Behind

The women of Nantucket are unique. They were “grass widows” who were left to fend for themselves for often years at a time. This situation meant that these women were so much more than “just a housewife.” Using a case study we will take a look at their lives and the records they left behind as well as what 19th century records might record your female ancestor’s life.