Westchester’s Revolutionary War Places Presentation

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, Westchester County played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Constance Kehoe, president of Revolutionary Westchester 250, will highlight some of these crucial events, with a focus on the local sites and the people whose actions here made a difference to the outcome of our war for independence. Revolutionary Westchester 250 is building awareness and excitement for the events, places, ideas and people—both the unsung and the famous—of the Revolutionary War period in Westchester County, in preparation for the 250th anniversary in 2026.

Hosted by the Briarcliff Manor Public Library. September 22, 1-2 p.m. on Zoom

Register at dpesce@wlsmail.org

Revolution on the Hudson! Living History Experience

Save the date for our Revolution on the Hudson! Living History Experience on the waterfront in historic Tarrytown, NY, on October 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at Pierson Park. This family-friendly event is FREE.

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.

Guns at the Gateway at Ft. Montgomery State Historic Park

RW250 President Constance Kehoe joined the enthusiastic audience at Ft. Montgomery State Historic Park to experience the debut performance of Guns at the Gateway. We found out how Colonel John Lamb (Gary Petegrine) and Colonel James Livingston (Sean Grady) played a critical role in foiling the treasonous plot by General Benedict Arnold to surrender the fort at West Point. Thanks to Peter Cutul and the staff at Ft. Montgomery for organizing this event, and for mother nature for providing the backdrop of the Hudson (North) River! I learned a lot!

Save Mt. Misery!

North Castle Historical Society Vice President Tom Rice, member Nora Manuele, spearheading “Save Mt. Misery,” New York State Assembly member Chris Burdick, Constance Kehoe, president RW250, and State Senator Shelley Mayer gathered on Mt. Misery to review the geography and the historical significance of this high point where General Washington deployed troops during the Battle of White Plains in 1776.

Left to Right: North Castle Historical Society Vice President Tom Rice, member Nora Manuele, spearheading “Save Mt. Misery,” New York State Assembly member Chris Burdick, Constance Kehoe, president RW250, and State Senator Shelley Mayer.

Honoring French Soldiers at Old St. Peter’s Church

Nearly 50 visitors attended Van Cortlandtville Historical Society’s ceremony held at the historic Old St. Peter’s Church to remember and honor the French soldiers who died and were interred at this site during the American Revolution. Jeff Canning, past president of the society led the ceremony. Robert E. Mayes, Cortlandt Town Board member, attended with his son and Constance Kehoe, president of RW250 spoke briefly about planning for the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution.

New York State 250th Commemoration Act Announcement

We were proud to join Revolutionary War-era living history reenactors, historians, state, county and local officials—including New York State Senators Shelley B. Mayer and Pete Harckham and Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky—to celebrate the signing of the New York State 250th Commemoration Act, which will allow the state to plan for the semiquincentennial commemoration of the American Revolution in 2026. The event took place at historic King's Ferry, Verplanck's Point, NY. on March 17, 2022 .

Living History Encampment at St. Paul’s National Historic Site

In October we were pleased to support and participate in the Living History Encampment at St. Paul’s National Historic Site in Mount Vernon, New York.

This free outdoor family day featured music, military drills, period craft demonstrations and more. There were special performances by the Hearts of Oak Militia Company and Fife & Drum Musicians and visitor had a chance to chat with Revolutionary War generals and learn about local history events.

RW250 President Constance Kehoe’s presentation about Westchester’s Revolutionary War sites included demonstrations of colonial dance steps and music.

Battle of Edgar’s Lane Revolutionary Walk Dedication

Revolutionary Westchester 250 has been thrilled to be part of the Revolutionary Hastings project, to bring to the public an inviting plaza with historically accurate interpretive panels that make local history come alive. Thursday, September 30, 2021—on the 243rd anniversary of the Battle of Edgar’s Lane—residents, students, elected officials and many friends, came to the unveiling of this new plaza. Take a look at these photos of the many young people who showed up from Hastings High School and the elected officials who understand how much an awareness of local history enhances our lives and our local communities.

Battle of Edgar’s Lane Revolutionary Walk Dedication Ceremony

RW250 President Constance Kehoe’s remarks at the Revolutionary Walk: Exploring the Battle of Edgar’s Lane dedication ceremony, September 30, 2021.