A Printer’s Role in the American Revolution: Mary Katherine and the Declaration of Independence

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Historical Context

Mary Katharine Goddard (1738–1816) was an early American printer, publisher, and postmaster whose contributions during the Revolutionary era exemplify civic courage and highlight the often overlooked roles women played in shaping the nation. In January 1777, amid the turbulence of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress, temporarily relocated to Baltimore, commissioned Goddard to print the first official broadside of the Declaration of Independence that included the names of its signatories. This edition, known as the “Goddard Broadside,” was significant not only for its content but also because it prominently bore Goddard’s name at the bottom. This was a bold and risky act, considering that associating oneself with the Declaration was deemed treasonous by the British. Her willingness to publicly align with the revolutionary cause placed her at personal risk, showing her commitment to American independence. It was also an act of defiance toward gender roles; usually, Goddard signed her documents “M.K. Goddard,” but for this broadside, she printed her full name, identifying her as a woman. Beyond her printing endeavors, Goddard broke gender barriers by serving as the postmaster of Baltimore from 1775 to 1789, likely making her the first woman to hold such a position in colonial America. Her tenure was marked by dedication, efficiency, and widespread respect from her community. However, in 1789, she was abruptly removed from her role under the pretext that the position required extensive travel deemed inappropriate for a woman. This dismissal is widely believed to have been politically motivated rather than based on performance. In response, Goddard wrote a passionate petition for reinstatement, signed by over 200 prominent Baltimore residents who praised her competence, reliability, and integrity. This petition not only demonstrates her considerable local support but also demonstrates her remarkable advocacy for women’s rights in a period when such actions were rare and courageous. Further exemplifying her determination, Goddard personally wrote to President George Washington on December 23, 1789, appealing directly for her reinstatement as Postmaster. In her eloquent and assertive letter, she expressed her distress over the unjust treatment she had received, emphasizing her years of faithful service and her contributions to the revolutionary cause. Washington acknowledged receipt of her letter but ultimately did not intervene to reverse the decision. Mary Katharine Goddard’s legacy thus extends beyond her revolutionary era printing and postal services, embodying the broader struggles of women seeking recognition and fairness. Her story embodies the intersection of gender, politics, and print culture during United States’ founding,

Connection to History’s Habits of Mind

Understanding Mary Katharine Goddard’s impact means seeing how her personal actions and advocacy influenced conversations about women’s roles in society and the workplace. Even though her bold efforts didn’t immediately reverse her dismissal, they had lasting effects by challenging traditional views on gender and setting examples for future generations. Her story shows us that historical impacts can happen quickly or slowly, intentionally or unintentionally, and that every brave action can create change. Goddard’s experiences highlight why it’s important to look at how individuals and institutions shape history. Her courageous choice to print the Declaration of Independence and her persistent efforts to regain her job as Postmaster affected society both right away and over the long term. Although losing her job was meant to hold her back, it actually drew attention to unfair treatment based on gender, starting important conversations. By studying Goddard’s choices, we see how individual actions can greatly impact society, reminding us that history isn’t set in stone.

Discussion Question

  • Why was Mary Katharine Goddard’s decision to print her name on the Declaration of Independence broadside so risky during the Revolutionary War? 
  • How did Goddard’s petition for reinstatement and her letter to George Washington demonstrate both advocacy and resilience? 
  • In what ways did Goddard’s actions have both short-term and long-term impacts? Can you think of any unintended consequences her fight might have had?
  • How might the people of Baltimore who signed her petition have viewed her removal? What does their support say about community values during this time period?
  • What lessons can we learn from Goddard’s story about the roles individuals play in shaping history? How can one person’s actions inspire larger movements?
  • Are there modern examples of people challenging unfair systems, like Goddard did? What similarities or differences do you notice between their struggles and hers?

Suggested Activity

Materials Needed:

Step 1: Courage Walk [5 mins]

 

Set up: Put up two signs on opposite walls of the room:

  • One side: Low Risk
  • Other side: High Risk

 

Prompt students: “If you lived during the American Revolution, how risky would it be to print your name on the Declaration of Independence? Walk to where you think your action belongs on the spectrum.”

 

Briefly discuss:

  • Why did you choose that spot?
  • What risks might Goddard have faced?

 

Step 2: Primary Source Activity: Imagine You Are… [15-20 mins]

 

Split the classroom white board in half or use a large chart paper labeling one side “Goddard Broadside” and the other side “Goddard’s letter to Washington”. Then, pair students together and give them sticky notes and a printed or digital copy of the following primary sources: 

 

Students write their messages on sticky notes to post on the board in the correct section once they complete the following: 

 

For the Broadside:

  • Imagine you are Mary Katharine Goddard. Write a two-sentence ‘courage message’ you would send to the people who might criticize you for printing this.

For the Letter:

  • Imagine you are Washington. Write a two-sentence reply to Goddard. Will you help her or not? Why?

Step 3: Group Reflection and Sticky Note Share [5-10 mins]

 

Gather everyone back for a whole-class debrief. Read a few sticky notes responses aloud for the Broadside and the letter to Washington. Then ask students the following questions to answer as a class: 

  • What does this activity tell us about the risks Goddard took?
  • How were her risks different from those taken by men in the same time period?
  • Even though Goddard didn’t get her job back, what kind of impact did she still make?
  • Why do small acts of courage still matter?