Celebrate Washington's birthday at historic sites
NEW WINDSOR — Discontent filled the encampment at New Windsor during the winter of 1782-83, as the men bitterly reflected upon their ill-treatment by an ungrateful nation. Heavily armed and angry, the disgruntled officers and soldiers of the Continental Army were the biggest threat to the future of the country.
On President's Weekend, Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., soldiers will bring to life the Continental Army’s final winter encampment with musket and cannon firings, blacksmithing, medical demonstrations and other aspects of daily life.
On both days at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., see muskets and a small cannon fired. Following these firings, children enlist in the Continental Army, drill with wooden muskets and get paid in Continental currency for their service.
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is co-located with the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor on Route 300, 374 Temple Hill Road, in New Windsor.
For more information, call 845-561-1765 ext. 22.
Meet Gen. Washington at Washington's Headquarters
Nearby, Washington’s Headquarters, at 84 Liberty St., in Newburgh, has a full schedule of activities for the Presidents’ weekend. Celebrate the great man’s birth on Saturday, Feb. 15, Sunday, Feb. 16 and Monday, Feb. 17, from 12 until 4 p.m., at the historic headquarters and museum in Newburgh.
While you’re at the site meeting Gen. Washington, take part in some of the exciting and informative programs and presentations being offered. All of them are family-friendly and full of history.
During all three days, the General will be greeting visitors in his office, while balladeer Thad McGregor will be entertaining them. Crafts and demonstrations will be offered for all who would like to take part. Reenactors will be performing military drills and giving presentations each day, culminating with a review of the troops by the General. The troops that will be present: Saturday - Lamb’s Artillery, Sunday - the 5th Connecticut, Monday - the 5th New York.
Each day will have additional offerings. On Saturday, storyteller Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi will be tell her tales to children and adults. Also, a presentation, “Martha Washington – A Timeless Role Model,” will be given. On Sunday, Dick Lahey, of the Mid-Hudson Driving Association, will speak about “Horse-drawn Sleighs of the Hudson Valley,” and “Doc” Bayne, of the Friends of Sterling Forest, will discuss “Making Iron.” Two programs will be given on Monday offering perspectives on the Revolutionary War: “Receiving the French: The French Role in the American Revolution,” and “After Yorktown: Path to Newburgh.”
For more information, call 845-562-1195.