Nine Partners Meeting: Being Quaker during the American Revolution

Central Dutchess supported the largest population of Quakers outside of Philadelphia during the American Revolution. Their core beliefs often set them apart from others during that time. In 2025, the Millbrook Historical Society introduced the Quakers and their settlement in central Dutchess in the eighteenth century. In 2026, we are looking more closely at the people and how they moved through the revolutionary period as a member of the Nine Partners Meeting.

• Step into the 1780 Quaker Meeting House at Nine Partners, untouched by time. Experience the very setting where Friends worshiped with fellow brethren through trying times between Britain and America. Often viewed as Loyalists during the American Revolution, topical banners and knowledgeable docents will offer insight into this story.

• New this year "Sgt Chirp Dispatch" offers a special window for young persons learning what it meant to be a Quaker of the Nine Partners Meeting in the eighteenth century (Q&A prompted through QR codes).

• Also new this year we will feature a walk through the Nine Partners Burial Ground, highlighting a few of the notable spirits whose faith, community, livelihoods and challenges centered upon this brick meeting house.

• And don’t forget to collect the stories of Quaker men and women, presented as biographical cards at each site, who contributed to the history of the Religious Society of Friends in Dutchess County.