• CANCELLED: God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man

    The Old Church 11550 NY-22, Austerlitz, NY, United States

    Jack Kelly, public scholar, historian, and novelist, will discuss the history and legacy of the infamous Benedict Arnold, probably the most famous Revolutionary War soldier after George Washington, because of his treason. We will hear an overview of Arnold’s life and achievements and gain a better understanding of him and the Revolutionary War. Copies of […]

  • The Turning Point of the American Revolution: The Battles of Saratoga

    The Old Church 11550 NY-22, Austerlitz, NY, United States

    Eric Schnitzer, military historian at Saratoga National Park, will provide an overview of the military campaign which resulted in the Battles of Saratoga, leading to the first surrender of a British army in world history! Crowned the world’s “Battle of the Millenium” by the New York Times, Saratoga is generally hailed as the turning point […]

  • Firearms of the American Revolution

    The Old Church 11550 NY-22, Austerlitz, NY, United States

    For more than 30 years, Ron Toelke has participated in historic reenactments, learning the use of such firearms as the British Brown Bess, various French muskets and other period flintlock weapons. He helped form a Revolutionary War reenactment group of the 7th Albany militia, and later, units of the Continental First New York Regiment. Several […]

  • The Oneida Nation, America’s First Allies

    The Old Church 11550 NY-22, Austerlitz, NY, United States

    Why did the Oneidas choose to help the colonists in the Revolutionary War? Ron Patterson, an Oneida member (wolf clan), will discuss the structure and traditions of the Oneida Society, the importance of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Oneida’s difficult decision to oppose their Confederacy brethren. The Oneidas made contributions at Valley Forge and other […]

  • The History of African-Descended Soldiers and Civilians Serving in the Revolutionary War

    The Old Church 11550 NY-22, Austerlitz, NY, United States

    Learn about the history of African-descended soldiers and civilians serving with both the Continental Army and with Loyalist troops in the British Army. Special attention will be paid to individuals serving in New York as well as the impact of the Philipsburg Proclamation, which was signed at Philipse Manor Hall in 1779. Speakers are: Sarah […]

  • Of Arms and Artists: The American Revolution through Painters’ Eyes

    The Old Church 11550 NY-22, Austerlitz, NY, United States

    Paul Staiti, Professor and Art Historian at Mount Holyoke College, will explore the American Revolution through the lives and works of five artists – Charles Wilson Peale, John Singleton Copley, John Trumbull, Benjamin West and Gilbert Stuart – who created iconic images that shaped the new nation’s identity, all while navigating political allegiances and personal […]

  • The Roles of Women in the American Revolution

    The Old Church 11550 NY-22, Austerlitz, NY, United States

    Women played many important roles during the Revolution, most overlooked in standard histories. They managed the farm or family business, supported husbands on military marches and raised money to support the Patriot cause, among other things. Join Gretchen Maresco of the Henrick Hudson DAR to learn more about this lesser-known topic. No charge to attend.