A Midwife's Tale

In 1785, Martha Ballard began a diary, faithfully recording the weather, her daily household tasks, her midwifery duties and incidents that reveal the turmoil of a new nation.

When historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich unearthed Ballard's diary, she was immediately captivated. This is the recreation of the lives of that 18th century midwife and the 20th century historian who brought her words to life.