Exciting News and an Opportunity to See a Rare 1776 Printing of the Declaration of Independence
NEWS
Important Revolutionary War André Capture Medal
Donated to the Citizens of New York
The 1780 Fidelity Medal measures about 2-1/4 x 1-5/8 inches and is engraved on both sides.
We are excited to share the news that the 1780 Fidelity Medal awarded to Isaac Van Wart, one of the captors of the British spy, Major John André, has been donated to the New York State Museum in Albany. The medal was donated by the estate of Rae Faith Van Wart Robinson, late of Westchester and a direct descendant of Van Wart, consistent with Robinson’s stated wishes.
The medal is one of three ordered to be struck by the United States Congress on November 3, 1780 in gratitude for Van Wart’s role in the capture of André. The British spy was captured in Tarrytown on September 23, 1780 by Issac Van Wart, John Paulding and David Williams. André was carrying papers in the handwriting of American General Benedict Arnold intended to aid the British in an attack on the American fort at West Point. André’s capture led to the discovery of the Arnold’s treason.
General George Washington applauded the actions of the three militiamen, stating that the soldiers “acted in such a manner as does them the highest honour, and proves them to be men of great virtue.”
The whereabouts of the Paulding and Williams medals are unknown. They were both donated to the New-York Historical Society in 1905 which displayed them in a locked, glass-topped case. In mid-1975, the two medals were apparently stolen, along with the pocket watch originally belonging to Major John André.
Jennifer Lemak, Chief Curator of History at the New York State Museum, and Devin Lander, New York State Historian, received the medal from the estate of the Van Wart family.
According to Devin Lander, New York State Historian, “These three young men from Westchester—Van Wart, Paulding and Williams—encountered André disguised in civilian clothes and traveling under a fake name. Had they not followed their instincts that something was amiss and searched him… had they not rejected his bribes to let him pass… the War could have had a different outcome. As we approach the 250th celebration of the Revolutionary War, we are especially grateful to Rae Faith Van Wart Robinson for sharing her family heirloom with all the people of New York State.”
During the Revolutionary War, Westchester County was contested ground between British-occupied New York City to the south and the Hudson Highlands to the north where the Continental Army was active.
“This medal is a tangible connection to one of the many important events that occurred in Westchester County during the Revolutionary War,” said Constance Kehoe, president of Revolutionary Westchester 250. “Despite the fact that Westchester was quite literally torn apart by the war, tenant farmers like Van Wart, Paulding and Williams picked up their muskets and fought for their new country and, by extension, us. Theirs is one of many stories that Revolutionary Westchester 250 will be highlighting throughout the 250th Commemoration.”
The medal is expected to be on periodic display at the New York State Museum and perhaps at other sites.
Living History-to-Go Catalog & Funding Support
If you’re looking for a professional living history reenactor for a presentation or event, RW250’s Living History-to-Go catalog is now online. The catalog includes more than 50 programs, arranged thematically, from spies and traitors to colonial crafts, music, and dance. The contact information, fees and site requirements for each program are included. Email us here and we will send you the link.
For organizations looking for financial support to cover the expense of engaging presenters, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area (HRVNHA)’s sponsorships may be particularly helpful. Visit https://www.hudsonrivervalley.com/grants and read the requirements carefully.
Some relevant points are noted below:
All municipalities in Westchester County are in the NHV and may apply.
Not-for-profit organizations may apply, including “friends” groups.
Applications for Heritage Development sponsorship funds (up to $2,500) are approved on a rolling basis.
Application for Heritage Development Grants (up to $7,500) must be received by close of business September 1 or November 3, 2023.
The HRVNHA’s theme “Freedom and Dignity” includes projects about the Revolutionary War.
Funding priorities include projects that focus on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution in the Hudson Valley and/or commemorate this milestone.
Living history programs and reenactments are eligible.
Applications must list all expenses that will apply to the required 1/1 matching. In-kind labor (volunteer and staff) can be included.
EVENTS
The Revolution’s Last Men
Author and historian Don Hagist explores themes from his book, The Revolution’s Last Men: The Soldiers Behind the Photographs, which recounts the stories of the final six surviving Revolutionary War soldiers who were photographed and interviewed for a book that was published in 1864. Now, for the first time, the military careers of these men have been researched in detail using a wide range of primary sources. The result is a new perspective on the actual service of these soldiers, from enlistment to discharge, along with new details of their relatively quiet postwar lives. This event is free.
Saturday, July 1, 1 p.m. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
Annual Memorial Service for French Soldiers
The Van Cortlandtville Historical Society will hold its annual memorial service for the eight French soldiers who died at Old Saint Peter’s Church during the Revolutionary War.
Continuing a tradition that began in 2001, the Society’s Past President Jeff Canning will lead the 20-minute service which will include a background talk, a musket salute by uniformed re-enactors, a bilingual prayer and a mourn arms ceremony.
French forces used Old Saint Peter’s, located at Oregon Road and Locust Avenue in the Town of Cortlandt, as a military hospital in 1781 and 1782 when they were in the area before and after the victory of Generals Washington and Rochambeau over the British in Yorktown, Virginia in October 1781. This event is free.
Sunday, July 2, at 3:00 p.m. Old Saint Peter’s Church, corner of Locust Avenue and Oregon Road, Cortlandt, N.Y. Off-street parking is available in the cemetery, or at the Little Red Schoolhouse, 297 Locust Avenue, adjacent to the cemetery.
July 4th Revolutionary History Re-enactment Showcase
This Independence Day, join local historian Duane Jackson on the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor for a Revolutionary History Re-enactment Showcase. Costumed presenters will portray soldiers in the 1st Rhode Island and 2nd New York Regiments, exploring local battles fought by a pioneering regiment of Black soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The presentation will last approximately 2 hours and will include a demonstration of musket firing. This event is free.
Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Avenue, Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.
St. Paul’s Church Annual July 4th Celebration
St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site’s traditional Independence Day celebration features a reading of the Declaration of Independence and tolling—13 times—of the historic church bell, along with talks, re-enactors (including General Washington), music and refreshments. This event is free.
Tuesday, July 4, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Declaration reading at 11 a.m. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
Walking Tour of the Battle of Pells Point
St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site’s staff leads an interpretive walking tour of the Pell’s Point battlefield, exploring the Revolutionary War battle of October 18, 1776, situated at what is today the northern end of Pelham Bay Park, in the Bronx, New York.
Wednesday, July 5, 10 a.m. Space is limited. Please call St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site at 914-667-4116 for reservations and details.
African Americans and the American Revolution: An Exploration
Dr. Michael Crowder, Public Historian at the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies, at Iona University, will explore the theme of African Americans and the American Revolution. Dr. Crowder also teaches American History at Queens College/CUNY. This event is free.
No reservations necessary for in person attendance, but registration is necessary for the livestream. Click here for details.
Saturday, July 8, 1 p.m. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
18th-Century Toys & Games
Unleash your inner child (or your actual child!) in this hands-on demonstration of 18th-century children’s activities. Tom Hunt will introduce period-correct reproductions of toys and games as he discusses a child’s place in the household and colonial society. Participants are encouraged to play with all toys and games – including whirly-gigs, ball & cup, game of goose, nine pins, bilbo catchers, Nine Men’s Morris, and more.
Purchase tickets here. Suggested for ages 8+. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This program will be outdoors at Rockwood Hall. DO NOT go to the main entrance. The parking lot is on Kendal Way off route 117, just after the intersection of Phelps and Regeneron. If the lot is full, you may park in the Phelps garage (free). Walk up the hill across the street from the parking lot, make a right at the kiosk and walk 5 minutes until you reach the foundation.
Sunday, July 9, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Rain date: July 16. Rockwood Hall, Phelps Way Pleasantville, N.Y. Sponsored by Rockefeller State Park Preserve.
George Washington Tuesdays
Beginning on Tuesday, July 11, and on subsequent Tuesdays in July and August at the same time, General George Washington will be a special guest and tour guide at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site. Learn about the history of the site and the Revolutionary War from his Excellency, portrayed by experienced living historian Michael Grillo. The events are free.
Tuesday, July 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
Celebrate the Declaration of Independence and See a Rare 1776 Newspaper Printing
Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk will give a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence on the steps of the White Plains City Hall, with a group of soldiers/musicians playing period fife and drum music, engaging the public with calls of “Huzzah!” and “Down with the King!” The program begins with greetings from local officials, including Mayor Thomas Roach, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by local scouts, recognition of veterans, and brief remarks from Constance Kehoe, President of Revolutionary Westchester 250.
After the event, the public is invited into the City Hall Rotunda to view a special exhibit of historic documents, including a rare July 11, 1776 newspaper printing of the Declaration of Independence. The pop-up exhibit, organized by White Plains-based historic documents dealer Seth Kaller, will also include an exact facsimile of the engrossed Declaration, an Alexander Hamilton love letter, and other rare documents related to America’s struggle for freedom and independence.
This free program is organized by the City of White Plains Recreation & Parks Department in partnership with Revolutionary Westchester 250.
Tuesday, July 11, 12:30 p.m. White Plains City Hall, 255 Main Street, White Plains, N.Y. Park at Hamilton-Main Garage, 365 Hamilton Avenue (behind City Hall) or White Plains Center Garage, 237 Martine Avenue (across the street).
Kids’ Historical Games
How did kids play in the past? Join the museum educators of Philipse Manor Hall to try out all kinds of hands-on historical games. Quoits (a.k.a. ring toss), graces, cup & ball, Dutch-style jousting, sack races, hoop and stick, and more. Bring a blanket and a picnic and spend the afternoon.
Free for all ages. No registration required. Program is weather dependent. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Additional games programs on Wednesdays July 26, August 9, August 23. These events are being held in partnership with Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park.
Wednesday, July 12, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, 29 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, N.Y.
Celebrate Local History in Tarrytown
RW250 and special guest General George Washington will participate in Open Streets Tarrytown, which has a focus this year on local history, particularly the area’s rich Revolutionary War history. Look for The General at our tent along Main Street, which will be closed to traffic. We are pleased to join The Historical Society serving Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown and Tarrytown Village Historian, Dr. Sara Mascia, at this free, family friendly event.
Saturday, July 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. along Main Street in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Occupied America: British Military Rule and the Experiences of a Revolution
Professor Donald Johnson, a historian, and scholar from North Dakota State University, explores themes from his book Occupied America: British Military Rule and the Experiences of a Revolution. Johnson chronicles the everyday experience of ordinary people living under military occupation during the American Revolution. Focusing on day-to-day life in port cities held by the British Army, Johnson recounts how men and women from a variety of backgrounds navigated harsh conditions, mitigated threats to their families and livelihoods, took advantage of new opportunities, and balanced precariously between revolutionary and royal attempts to secure their allegiance.
No reservations necessary for in person attendance, but registration is necessary for the livestream. Click here for details.
Saturday, July 22, 1 p.m. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 South Columbus Avenue, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
Washington’s Marines: The Origins of the Corps and the American Revolution, 1775-77
In this virtual lecture, Major General Jason Bohm explores the origins of the United States Marines. He will explore the parallel stories of the creation and early operations of the Continental Marines, Navy, and Army during the American Revolution, culminating in the Battles of Trenton, Assunpink Creek, and Princeton.
This lecture will be held via Zoom. To register click here.
Thursday, July 27, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Presented by Fraunces Tavern Museum.
The American Revolution in Westchester: From the Hudson to the Sound
From July 9, 1776, when the Provincial Congress of the Province of New York took the vote that made the Declaration of Independence unanimous in White Plains, to the last day of the war seven years later, when the defeated British evacuated from New York City, Westchester County played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. RW250 President Constance Kehoe will highlight some of the Revolutionary War events that took place in Westchester, with a special emphasis on nautical engagements along the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. The presentation will cover well-known events—such as the treason of Benedict Arnold— as well as some lesser-known events that played out along the shores of the Hudson from Yonkers to West Point.
This free presentation is Zoom only. For registration information email FMiranda@warnerlibrary.org or call (914) 631-7734.
Wednesday, August 2, 7 p.m. Warner Library, 121 North Broadway, Tarrytown, N.Y.