Saturday, December 8th, 11:30 am - 4pm?*
at the home of
Westchester's most famous patriot, John Jay
Be at the place where it truly happened! Join us for the launch of
Revolutionary Westchester 250
with a full day of historic programs, indoors and outdoors for every age. Learn about life during the turbulent times of
John Jay,
Benedict Arnold,
Ann Miller
,
Aaron Palmer
and
George Washington
.
Updated Schedule and Activities
11:30am in the Jay Meadow
- Enjoy musket drills & musical performances from over two dozen historic re-enactors from the
Hearts of Oak Militia
and the
2nd New York Provincial Battalion
. Hear the Fife and Drum Corps! Stroll the historic grounds where John Jay returned to celebrate the treaty he forged to end the Revolutionary War! Enjoy a complimentary frozen hot chocolate treat from Jimmy's Soft Serve Truck until 2:30
12 Noon at the Jay Mansion
- Meet CBS anchor and Yonkers First Lady,
Mary Calvi
, author of
Dear George, Dear Mary: A Novel of George Washington’s First Love, Mary Philipse.
Hear about Washington's romance with a Loyalist that may have been thwarted not only by the British but by John Jay's brother Sir James Jay. Pre-order your advance copy from our favorite bookseller in Rye and take home favors from St. Martin's Press.
12:45 at the Carriage House
- Actors from
Storyhorse Theatre
will share excerpts from their compelling drama
"The Kept Private"
about a 93 year old black farmer named Andrew Frazier and his pension application for his service in the Revolutionary War - was he enslaved or free at the time of his service? If enslaved did he deserve compensation? (The full play will be performed in February 2019 at JHC)
1:15pm at the Carriage House
Lunch bites available for purchase. Pose for photos with our re-enactors or speak to these living historians about their uniforms and the battles they recreate. Enjoy a 2nd performance of the Fife and Drum Corps.
1:45pm at the Carriage House
the Honorable County Executive
George Latimer
will introduce Revolutionary Westchester 250 Director
Constance Kehoe
and Westchester Historical Society Executive Director
Katie Hite
moderating a panel about diverse topics including:
- The Quakers in Westchester County during the Revolutionary War by noted author Gray Williams;
- America’s First Integrated Regiment at Yorktown and commemorating the 1st Rhode Island Regiment at Pines Bridge with heritage preservers George Harmon and Olney Reynolds
- The Battle of Edgars Lane Re-Remembered with photographer, Frederick Charles, Revolutionary Hastings
- Tales of Adventure, Espionage and Patriotism at the Center of the Fight for Independence with Irvington and Revolutionary Westchester historian Erik Weiselberg.
4:00pm at the Carriage House -
Concluding remarks, refreshments, and musical 273rd birthday toast to John Jay by the
Yale Spizzwinks
(because no one should go unsung on their birthday!)
This day-long FREE Program has been organized by
Revolutionary Westchester 250
in cooperation with
The Westchester County Historical Society, Jay Heritage Center, The Westchester County African American Advisory Board
and
Westchester County Tourism
.
Funding for this community event was provided by the
Jay Heritage Center.
Event is
FREE
but RSVPs are requested for planning purposes. Sign up here:
