Boundless K-12 Curriculum: CONTINUANCE

How can portraits help us understand the past?

An oil painting of Hepsibeth Bowman/Crosman Hemenway. She has dark hair and is wearing a white bonnet and dark dress.
Unidentified artist (American)

Hepsibeth Bowman/Crosman Hemenway, ca. 1840s
Oil on canvas
Courtesy of the Collection of Worcester Historical Museum
Gift of Frederick F. Hopkins

Hepsibeth Bowman/ Crosman Hemenway was born in 1763 to a Nipmuc mother and a white father.

She was well-known in her hometown of Worcester, Massachusett, as a skilled baker — she made wedding cakes for many prominent families throughout the region.

She was self-supporting and, in addition to baking, gained income by providing laundry services. 

Hepsibeth was respected in her community, and Nipmuc people today remain very proud of their ancestor.

In the 1840s, it was rare for anyone but wealthy white individuals to have their portrait painted. Hepsibeth’s portrait–of a working-class, multi-racial woman–is unique and plays an important role in archiving community histories.

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Would we know the story of Hepsibeth Hemenway if she never sat for a portrait? Why? Or why not?

Learn more about the portrait of Hepsibeth
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Boundless K-12 Curriculum

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