Revolutionary Westchester 250 Countywide Summit

Revolutionary Westchester 250 was pleased to partner with Westchester County Tourism & Film for the Revolutionary Westchester 250 Countywide Summit, which took place on September 27 at the County Center in White Plains. 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and Westchester had a dramatic and crucial role in our fight for independence. The Summit provided a glance back at the programs and events over the last several years and a look forward into plans for reenactments, exhibits, audio tours, and a parade of historic tall ships.

More than 100 people attended from historic sites and museums, hotels, businesses, historical societies, local schools and libraries as well as many municipal administrators and elected officials. Philipse Manor Hall, St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, The Square House Museum, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund at the Pocantico Center, the Neuberger Museum, the Hudson River Museum, the Octagon House, the Smith Tavern Complex, Westchester County Historical Society and the Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters were among the organizations represented.

Following remarks from County Executive George Latimer and State Senator and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and a presentation by RW250 President Constance Kehoe, a panel moderated by Natasha Caputo, Westchester County Director of Tourism & Film, provided information about the national, state, and New York City plans for the 250th. Devin Lander, New York State Historian; Marie Salerno, President of New York City’s Federal Hall Conservancy; and Chris O’Brien, President of Sail250 New York, participated.

A second panel, highlighting 250th initiatives in Westchester, included White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, Tarrytown Village Administrator Richard Slingerland, Westchester Library System Executive Director Terry Kirchner, Niles Jaeger of Revolutionary Hastings and Barbara Davis, Co-director of the Westchester County Historical Society.