Speak for Thyself Awards 2026

Celebrating women of the 21st century who embody the spirit of Mayflower passenger Priscilla Mullins Alden.

The 19th Speak for Thyself Awards event celebrates outstanding women who embody the courage and spirit of Priscilla Mullins Alden. This year, we honor two remarkable leaders who have paved the way as pioneers, advocates, and artists in their communities: Marie Fox Young of Duxbury and Karen Rinaldo of Falmouth. We also recognize Lucy Tamburo, of Marshfield, a Boston University student, with the Aspiring Priscilla Award for her exceptional promise and contributions to public history.

These honorees reflect the legacy of Priscilla Mullins Alden, the courageous Mayflower passenger who spoke for herself and inspired generations.

The Alden Kindred of America owns and operates the Alden House National Historic Site, part of the original property granted to John and Priscilla Alden. A National Historic Landmark, the Alden House welcomes visitors from around the world to explore one of America’s founding stories through guided tours and educational programs.

This year’s awards celebration will be held at the Alden House Historic Site.

Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, Awards Program. Tickets $85.

Marie Fox Young, Duxbury, MA

It takes courage to work in the fine arts, and Marie Fox Young embodies that courage. A Duxbury native, her beloved folk art, including the iconic Duxbury 1657–1987 poster featuring the Alden House, appears in homes across the South Shore. Her work also reached the national stage: Lighting the National Christmas Tree is one of two paintings she was commissioned to create for the White House. In addition to her folk‑art legacy, she is a notable trompe l’œil artist known for her meticulous technique. Her later portrayals of women reveal strength, character, and emotional depth, reflecting a mature artistic voice grounded in empathy and insight. Marie’s generosity is equally notable—donating posters for scholarships, gifting rights to Chasing Fireflies to the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society, and leading the successful effort to return the 1793 Rufus Hathaway portrait of Ezra Weston II to Duxbury. Her courage, artistry, and devotion to community make her deeply deserving of this award.

Karen Rinaldo, Falmouth, MA

Growing up in a pre‑Revolutionary homestead filled with stories of George Washington shaped Karen’s lifelong devotion to art and history. She launched her business in 1972, just as the nation approached the Bicentennial, creating montages for all fifteen Cape Cod towns—work that drew a personal note of praise from Norman Rockwell. In 1994, she was commissioned by the National Association of Congregational Churches to portray the assembly of the 53 Mayflower survivors and the 90 Wampanoags at the iconic Pilgrim harvest feast. The First Thanksgiving, 1621 is a detailed depiction that offered the public a vivid, research‑based view of this pivotal moment and resonated widely with Mayflower descendants, the Wampanoag Tribe, and the Smithsonian. The painting is currently displayed at Pilgrim Hall. While creating it, Karen formed a connection with Priscilla Mullins Alden, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire her work as a visual historian. Karen also contributes her artwork to local nonprofit fundraisers, runs her own gallery, co-authored "In the Wake of the Mayflower" with Kevin Doyle, and serves as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce.

"Aspiring Priscilla" Lucy Tamburo, Marshfield, MA

Lucy has quickly become a valued young leader at Marshfield’s Historic Winslow House. She began volunteering in high school, discovering a passion for history that shaped her path. She became a docent at the unuusally young age of 16, mastering Winslow family history and contributing to programs, Open Houses, and media projects. After graduating from Cape Cod Community College in 2024, Lucy was invited to join the Board of Governors, where her insight, research skills, and perspective have strengthened the organization. Lucy now plays a key role in docent training, public tours, and school groups, and serves as a warm and welcoming public face of the Winslow museum through social media and visitor engagement. Lucy is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in history at Boston University and is poised for a bright future in the field of early American history.