Celebrate the day that changed American history - Expert to talk about Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy

New Windsor — America’s Congress was at war with itself while 13,000 enemy soldiers stood poised at the mouth of the Hudson River. The country’s military leaders were divided about to what to next. Treacherous messages circulated through the countryside. In a simple log “temple” at the top of a windswept hill, the 51-year-old commander-in-chief of the world’s newest army walked through the door and changed the course of history. Dr. James Kirby Martin will present the lecture “George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy: The Nation’s Most Critical Hour” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, in the auditorium of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, 374 Temple Hill Road (Route 300) in New Windsor. Dr. Martin is the Distinguished University Professor of History at the University of Houston and a nationally recognized scholar of early American history, especially the era of the American Revolution. His current publications are the second edition, with Mark Edward Lender, of “A Respectable Army: The Military Origins of the Republic, 1763-1789,” “Forgotten Allies: The Oneida Indians and the American Revolution” (with Joseph Glatthaar), and the third printing of “Ordinary Courage: The Revolutionary War Adventures of Joseph Plumb Martin.” Dr. Martin will sign books after the lecture. He also serves on the board of editors for the “Critical Historical Encounters” book series with the Oxford University Press. He is currently working on a volume about Major General Benedict Arnold’s treason. Before the main program, guests are invited to find out about the 75th anniversary plans of the National Temple Hill Association at a brief informational meeting beginning at 1 p.m. Preserving the legacy of Revolutionary New Windsor since 1933, the association purchased and developed the historic site of the “Temple of Virtue,” where the events of March 15, 1783, came to a head. Volunteers will provide previews of this year’s new programming and light refreshments to help celebrate the day. Guests can also tour the latest and most auspicious addition to the historic site, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. For more information call 561-1765 or visit www.palisadesparksconservancy.org.