Anne was born to the Marbury family in 16th-century England. From a young age, she developed a passion for reading and critical thinking, and after marrying and giving birth to more than ten children, she followed her religious leader and took her family to North America. At the age of 43, Hutchinson settled in Massachusetts Bay Colony – working as a midwife. She then started hosting at her home women from the colonists’ community to Bible reading meetings. The gatherings became popular with both men and women, with up to 80 listeners in an evening. Her exceptional position as a woman who is leading religious discussions challenged gender roles of the time. She was put on trial for heresy and exiled from the colony. Her husband supported her all the way through. After banishment, the family made a six-day journey and moved to Rhode Island colony with dozens of followers. Hutchinson is known as one of the founders of the Rhode Island Colony. Today, opinionated and outspoken Anne is honored as an early feminist icon. In 1987, more than three centuries after her banishment, she officially pardoned by the governor of Massachusetts.   Read more...