This week on The Historians Podcast, historian and regular New York Almanack contributor Bruce Dearstyne encourages New Yorkers to celebrate April 20th as the birthday of the Empire State.
The first New York State constitution was adopted in Kingston on April 20th, 1777 during a momentous year in the Revolutionary War.
In an article in New York Almanack, Dearstyne said, “It was a remarkable document, prepared on the fly by the patriot leaders who had fled from the city of New York to White Plains, to Fishkill and finally to Kingston where they completed their work.”
A state commemoration along the lines of Massachusetts’ Patriot’s Day (which happens a day earlier, April 19th) might be considered as a long-term goal, according to Dearstyne. Massachusetts has been observing Patriot’s Day since 1894.
Dearstyne said the story of New York’s birthday could be integrated into planning for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
You can listen to the podcast here.
Dearstyne, who lives in Guilderland, was formerly on the staff of the Office of State History and the State Archives. He has written books and articles on New York State history.
You can find more podcasts and stories at bobcudmore.com.
For a full list of this week’s New York Almanack podcasts announcements click HERE.
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