They were called "Good." They were called "Bad." The truth is, they were both.

For generations, the Irish woman in America was trapped by a single name: Bridget. To the outside world, she was a caricature—either the pious, silent servant or the "Bad Bridget" who was clumsy, defiant, and disruptive. This talk shatters that stereotype to explore the real Irish woman’s experience in America, looking at the "good" and the "bad" things they did to survive and succeed.

Join us for a deep dive into the full spectrum of the Irish female spirit. We explore the women who refused to be defined by a label:

The "Bad" Bridgets (The Rebels): We celebrate the necessary defiance of women like Fannie Sellins, a labor martyr who gave her life for the working class, and the "hecklers" who were arrested for demanding the vote. These were the women society tried to shame—but who were actually leading the charge for justice.
The "Good" Bridgets (The Resilient): We look past the apron to find the power. Meet Bridget McPhillips, a domestic worker who used her wages to become a powerhouse philanthropist, and the Sisters of Mercy, who transformed from humble nuns into the professional medical architects of Baltimore’s healthcare system.
The Trailblazers: From colonial spies like Lydia Barrington Darragh to revolutionary soldiers like Margaret Corbin, we show that the "Fiery Irish Rose" has been using her agency to shape America since the very beginning.

These women were never just a footnote. From the kitchens of Baltimore to the coal mines of Pennsylvania, they ignored the labels and used both their grace and their fury to build a life in America. Join us as we share the stories of the real women behind the "Bridget" name.

Beyond the Bridget:

Resilience, Rebellion, and The Irish Rose