Film Screening: The Unsexing of Emma Edmonds

Join us for a viewing of this film documenting the life of Sarah Emma Edmonds. Born right here in Magaguadavic, Emma famously disguised herself as a man to serve as a soldier and spy during the American Civil War. It is a remarkable tale of bravery and local heritage!

Sarah Emma Edmonds was not one to be deterred by the rules of her time. In 1861, when women were strictly barred from military combat, 20-year-old Sarah took matters into her own hands.

Disguising herself as a man, she enlisted under the name Franklin Thompson and served the Union Army during the American Civil War as a field nurse, soldier, and spy. After leaving the service in 1863, she penned her sensationalised memoirs, Female Spy of the Union Army, sharing her incredible tale.

The legacy of her experience has been preserved in books, and memorials have been established in her honour. She remains the only woman buried in the Grand Army of the Republic section of Washington Cemetery in Houston, Texas. If you drive down Saunders Road (off Farm Point), you’ll see a monument commemorating her. It was conceptualised by Terry Middleton and the 20th Maine Company I reenactors, who tracked down her original homestead and raised the funds for the monument’s construction in 2005.

We are also proud to count Sarah Emma Edmonds as one of the distinguished inductees on our own Harvey Heritage Wall of Recognition.

EVENT DETAILS

Film Screening: The Unsexing of Sarah Emma Edmonds
When: Tuesday, April 12 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Harvey Public Library (2025 Route 3)
Admission: Free