Reflections on Heroes and Highwaymen: A Local Perspective on the Capture of Major André

This video of Dr. Sara Mascia’s 2024 Pocantico Fall Forum lecture provides a local perspective on Major John André’s remarkable capture in Tarrytown during the American Revolution and why the spy’s fame eclipsed the reputation of his captors. Using historical images of the capture and the local militiamen responsible, Dr. Mascia reflects on why local militiamen John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart—who captured André as he fled toward New York City—have often been overlooked, diminished, or vilified. She also explores the rise of André’s persona in popular culture, as well as the historical importance and consequences of his capture.

Dr. Sara F. Mascia completed her Ph.D. in historical archaeology with a secondary area of historic preservation from Boston University. She is vice president of the cultural resource management firm Historical Perspectives Inc. and an assistant professor at SUNY Westchester Community College. She is also the executive director of The Historical Society, Inc. Serving Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, the village historian of Tarrytown, and the author of numerous publications and presentations.