News & Events (Lots of Events!) from Revolutionary Westchester 250
NEWS
Award for Local Educator Sean Grady
Congratulations to Sean Grady, who received the New York State Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Outstanding Teacher of American History Award on September 24th at the yearly New York State DAR convention. Sean was nominated by the Hudson River Patriots Chapter. In addition to playing the role of British Major John André at events in the Hudson Valley, Sean is a teacher in the Ardsley Union Free School District.
Rip Van Winkle’s Republic: Washington Irving in History and Memory
Washington Irving wrote The Legend of Sleepy Hollow 40 years after the Revolutionary War. In his essay in a new book published by LSU press, RW250 Historian, Dr. Erik Weiselberg, explores how the legend that Irving created connects explicitly back to events in the Revolution. Weiselberg cites the capture of British spy Major John André in Tarrytown by three Patriots in 1780 as one of those events. The book also includes an essay by RW250 Advisory Board member Dr. Elizabeth L. Bradley, Vice President of Programs and Engagement at Historic Hudson Valley.
Rip Van Winkle’s Republic: Washington Irving in History and Memory, edited by Andrew Burstein and Nancy Isenberg, is available from LSU Press and other online booksellers.
EVENTS
All events are free unless otherwise noted.
The Recruiting Sergeant
Historical performer Michael Grillo portrays a sergeant in the Westchester County Militia in 1775. He will touch upon every major campaign of the battle for New York. Learn about the life of a common soldier: clothes, food, where they were quartered, which nations were involved and so much more. This talk is about one hour and includes a question-and-answer period. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ardsley Public Library, 9 American Legion Drive, Ardsley, N.Y. To register email peggym@wlsmail.org or call (914) 693-6636.
History in Our Backyard: Stories & Tours of the Battle of Edgar’s Lane
Join Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk as he shares the story of the Battle of Edgar’s Lane in Hastings. There will be period music and characters, tours of the Revolutionary Walk site and more. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 1, noon to 3 p.m. Wagner Park at Warburton Ave & Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson, park at Zinsser Field. Sponsored by the Hastings Historical Society.
Hulda: The Other Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Storyteller Carla Lynne Hall performs as Mother Hulda of Bohemia, a woman who lived in Sleepy Hollow during the 1770s. In Edgar Mayhew Bacon’s 1897 book Chronicles of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, he mentioned the woman whose basket weaving and healing abilities led to her being shunned as a witch, while her skills as a sharpshooter made her a Revolutionary War hero. Musical accompaniment by Jim Keyes. Ages 8+ and adults. Admission is free.
October 1, 1 to 2 p.m. Dobbs Ferry Public Library theater, 55 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. 914-693-6614 or gelbert@wlsmail.org
This program will also be presented at the Katonah Village Library on October 19 at 4:30 p.m.
The Burning of New York City: The Great Fire of 1776
Who set New York City ablaze in September 1776, while some of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War raged in the areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn? Why did they do it? Explore these absorbing questions through a presentation by a distinguished author and historian of the American Revolution, Professor Benjamin Carp of the CUNY Graduate Center.
Admission is free. This will be a live talk and it will also be offered as a livestream through shared platform. Please register for either of these formats by using the “contact us” pop-up form on this page. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 1, 12 noon. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
Twin Forts Day: 245th Anniversary of the Battle for Forts Montgomery and Clinton
Commemorate the 245th anniversary of the battle for Forts Montgomery and Clinton, with reenactors representing units present on the day of the battle, who will bring to life the dramatic defense of the forts through cannon firings, military drills, demonstrations of camp life and children’s activities. See the complete schedule here. This event is free.
October 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, 690 Route 9W, Fort Montgomery N.Y.
Revolutionary Walk: Exploring the Battle of Edgars Lane
This outdoor lecture and short walk explore fresh perspectives on the details and context of a Revolutionary battle site in Hastings. On September 30, 1778, along the old Albany Post Road south of Dobbs Ferry (in today’s Hastings-on-Hudson), a combined American force consisting of Continental infantry and cavalry carried out a successful ambush on a marauding Hessian patrol, killing over 15 and taking many prisoners, without suffering significant losses themselves. Fred Charles and Niles Jaeger, speakers, are part of Revolutionary Hastings, a committee of the Hastings Historical Society. Admission is free.
Thursday, October 6 at 10 a.m. Located in Wagner Park, at the intersection of Broadway and Warburton Avenue in Hastings-on-Hudson. Park across the street at Zinsser Park, at the intersection of Edgar’s Lane and Broadway. Presented by Revolutionary Hastings and the Hastings Historical Society. Register here with the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct.
These Are the Times That Try Men’s Souls: Thomas Paine and the American Revolution
Dr. Michael Crowder, Public Historian at the Paine Institute of Iona University, will explore the writings and pivotal influence of Thomas Paine during the American Revolution. Dr. Crowder also teaches American History at Queens College/CUNY. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 8, at 1 p.m. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y. No registration is necessary for live attendance at the site. Reservation is required for the livestreaming, shared platform, of the presentation. Call 914-667-4116.
The Trial of Major André
Written and performed by two local educators, the play recounts the trial of British Major John André, American General Benedict Arnold’s accomplice in their treason plot. Had Arnold’s plot to deliver the plans for West Point to the British been successful, the loss of the key strategic fort could have led to an American defeat and the loss of our independence. Presented by the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 8, from 2 to 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown, N.Y. 1880 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. To park, enter the paved lot off Route 132.
Washington’s Headquarters/Miller House Tour
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Washington’s Headquarters Museum, also known as the Miller House, is an 18th-century style farmhouse that served as a command post during the Battle of White Plains in 1776. As part of Path Through HistoryFall weekend, Miller House will be open to the public for free tours with re-enactor “Ann Miller.” Event by Daughters of Liberty’s Legacy. Admission is free. Registration is not required. On-site parking is limited.
Sunday, October 9, from 12 – 3:00 pm. Miller House, 140 Virginia Road, White Plains, N.Y.
Westchester’s Revolutionary War Places Presentation
Constance Kehoe, president of RW 250, will highlight some of the Revolutionary War events that took place in Westchester—from the Battle of White Plains and the crucial vote that made the Declaration of Independence unanimous, to the capture of British spy Major John André with the plans for West Point in his boots. She will focus on local sites and the people whose actions here made a difference to the outcome of our war for independence.
Wednesday, October 12, at 6 p.m. Zoom only. Preregister here for this free presentation. Co-sponsored by Yonkers Historical Society and Yonkers Public Library.
This program will also be presented in-person at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site on October 15. See below, Battle of Pell’s Point Encampment.
Pell’s Point Battlefield Walk
St. Paul’s staff leads a walking tour of the Pell’s Point battlefield, located on what is today the Split Rock Golf Course, in nearby Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, N.Y. Admission is free. Pre-registration is required. Number of participants is limited.
Wednesday, October 12, 10 a.m. Please call 914-667-4116 for registration and directions.
The Headless Horseman of White Plains, A Revolutionary Origin Story
Washington Irving hints that the Battle of White Plains launched The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Get the full story of the galloping goblin’s start on Halloween 1776! Performing in period dress, Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk shares how a Yankee cannonball, perhaps fired by a unit commanded by a future founding father, took away the head of a Hessian trooper. Registration is required for this free, in-person event. All ages 10+
Thursday, Oct 13 6 to 7 p.m. Tuckahoe Public Library, 71 Columbus Ave., Tuckahoe, N.Y. Contact Elaine Provenzano at eprovenzano@wlsmail.org or 914-231-3151.
Candlelight Cemetery Tour and Concert
Join us for a free concert of colonial folk music and a candlelight tour of the historic cemetery at St. Paul’s Church.
Friday, October 14, 7 p.m. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y., 914-667-4116.
Battle of Pell’s Point Encampment
St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site hosts their annual Battle of Pell’s Point Encampment, with re-enactments, performances, including members of Hearts-of-Oak, demonstrations and a presentation exploring the battle fought near St. Paul’s on October 18, 1776, and the era of the American Revolution. At 12 noon Constance Kehoe, president of RW250, will give an in-person (no livestream) presentation on Westchester’s Revolutionary War Places. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y., 914-667-4116.
Local Revolutionary War Relics and Their Stories
Susan Seal, President of the Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters, will show some of the treasures found at the site, and will discuss the progress being made to restore the house and create a museum. This event is free.
October 15, 2 to 3 p.m. Warner Library, 121 North Broadway, Tarrytown, N.Y. Call Francisco Miranda 914-631-7734 for details.
The display of objects found at Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters will be at the Warner Library from October 4 to October 31.
Ministers of Apollo Chamber Music
Come listen to Ministers of Apollo perform authentic instrumental and vocal music that was popular during the period 1775-83 and learn more about how the music illustrates the lives of people during the conflict. Using period clothing, cosmetics and instruments, Erik and Eliza Lichack will transport you back to the period of the Revolutionary War. Admission is free, but registration is required.
October 15 at 1 p.m. Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Rd. Scarsdale N.Y. To register email scaref@wlsmail.org or call 914-358-6060.
Rendezvous with Treason: The Andre/Arnold Conspiracy
This dramatic portrayal shares the history of two of the most intriguing characters in the American Revolution—Major John André and General Benedict Arnold and their fateful meeting in Haverstraw, New York in 1780. The events following their collusion played out across Putnam, Westchester and Rockland Counties. The performance by local educators Sean Grady and Gary Petegrine, allows these infamous men an opportunity to tell their side of the story and the motivations behind the plot that could have ended the cause of Independence. Admission is free. No registration required.
Saturday, October 15, 2:30 p.m. at the Briarcliff Manor Public Library, 1 Library Road, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. Information dpesce@wlsmail.org
RW250 Book Group
We are excited to announce that historian Mary Beth Norton, the author of our next book group selection, will join us to discuss her book 1774: The Long Year of Revolution. Her book traces the critical “long year” of 1774 and the revolutionary changes that took place, from the Boston Tea Party and the First Continental Congress to the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Institute for Thomas Paine Studies at Iona University is once again joining RW250 as a cosponsor and host of the RW250 Roundtable Book Group. Dr. Michael Crowder, ITPS Public Historian will moderate the discussion. Free and open to the public on Zoom. Registration required here to receive Zoom link.
Sunday, October 16 at 2 p.m. on Zoom.
Questions & Curiosities of the American Revolution
Living History presenter Joe Ryan will perform his “Questions & Curiosities of the American Revolution.” Did you ever look at a picture of an American Revolutionary War battle and wonder why they fought in lines and across open fields? Learn what “a flash in the pan” was, and other daily duties of a common soldier’s life including: hygiene, field medicine, food, etc. Be sure to bring a sense of humor! For adults and teens age 12+. Space is limited. Registration required.
October 16, 2 p.m. Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St. South Salem, N.Y. Call 914-875-9004 to register.
Hulda: The Other Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Storyteller Carla Lynne Hall performs as Mother Hulda of Bohemia, a woman who lived in Sleepy Hollow during the 1770s. In Edgar Mayhew Bacon’s 1897 book Chronicles of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, he mentioned the woman whose basket weaving and healing abilities led to her being shunned as a witch, while her skills as a sharpshooter made her a Revolutionary War hero. Musical accompaniment by Jim Keyes. Ages 8+ and adults. Admission is free.
October 19, 4:30 p.m. Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah, N.Y. Call 914-232-3508 or email info@katonahlibrary.org
Revolution in Song and Story
Join us in a musically historic journey for the entire family! Balladeer Linda Russell brings the world of 18th century Westchester to musical life in this entertaining, educational, and interactive presentation. Children under 10 must be supervised. Registration required. Admission is free.
October 19 at 11:00 a.m. Scarsdale Public Library, 54 Olmsted Rd. Scarsdale N.Y. scakids@wlsmail.org or 914-358-6078.
Historical Tailoring
This hands-on demonstration teaches historical sewing techniques, the politics behind the fashions, what textiles were used and why, and more. Participants will work on a project to take home. This program is for adults, but teens ages 12 and up are welcome. Admission is free. Registration is required. Sign up early, as space and supplies are limited!
October 20 at 7:00 p.m. Town of Pelham Public Library, 530 Colonial Avenue, Pelham N.Y. To register, please click here or call 914-738-1234.
Revolution on the Hudson! Living History Experience
Revolution on the Hudson! will feature historical figures such as George Washington, Benedict Arnold, Major John André, Benjamin Franklin, and Patriot David Williams. Multiple military reenactor groups will be on-site, including a cavalry unit, the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, with several of their military horses, and Alexander Hamilton’s militia unit, Hearts of Oak. There will be craft demonstrators including blacksmithing, demonstrations of Lenape technologies, colonial-period music, a military tent encampment and a marching/parade demonstration of more than 30 soldiers with musket firing. Theatrical performances will take place at intervals on the park’s outdoor stage—providing immersive, entertaining, and educational experiences. For updates and information email 1776RW250@gmail.com. This family-friendly event is FREE.
October 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at Pierson Park, Tarrytown, N.Y.
Commemoration of the Battle of White Plains
Tour the 301-year-old Purdy House and enjoy the commemoration with George Washington, troops, and the Young Colonial fife & drum corp. See demonstrations of blacksmithing, broom making and Native American crafts. Children’s activities. White Plains Historical Society. Free and open to the public.
October 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jacob Purdy House, 60 Park Avenue, White Plains, N.Y. Parking on the surrounding streets. Information cynthia@doll1776.com