New York Almanack

History, Natural History & the Arts

Independence Day

Celebrating the Fourth: Some History

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ben_franklins_worldIt wasn’t always fireworks on the fourth.

John Adams predicted Americans would celebrate the Second of July, the day Congress voted in favor of independence, “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of the Continent to the other.” He got the date wrong, but he was right about the festivities in commemoration of Independence Day. And yet July Fourth events have changed a great deal since 1776. [Read more…] about Celebrating the Fourth: Some History

July 4th Event At Clermont Historic Site

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Clermont State Historic SiteThe Clermont State Historic Site in Germantown is set to host a Old-Fashioned Independence Day Festival on July 4th, from 2 to 10 pm.

In honor of Clermont’s important Revolutionary War history, Clermont staff and volunteers will be dressed in historic costume while they demonstrate the skills and chores of 18th century life. [Read more…] about July 4th Event At Clermont Historic Site

Independence Day Event At Schuyler Mansion in Albany

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The Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site in Albany has invited the public to attend an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration on the mansion grounds, on Thursday, July 4th, 2019, from 11 am to 4 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

There will be a variety of 18th century inspired activities that may be sampled throughout the afternoon and demonstrations of candle-dipping, tin-smithing and natural dying. “Dr. Stringer,” Philip Schuyler’s physician, will discuss the subject of 18th-century medicine, including the use of leeches, bleeding, and oxygen. [Read more…] about Independence Day Event At Schuyler Mansion in Albany

July 4th and History Events in Manhattan

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Lower Manhattan Historical AssociationThe Lower Manhattan Historical Association (LMHA) is set to hold the fifth annual Independence Day march through Lower Manhattan on Thursday July 4, at 12 pm and a 3 pm ceremonial reading of George Washington’s “Newport Letter.”

Starting behind Castle Clinton in Battery Park, with an opening ceremony at 11:45 am. the LMHA march will then step off at noon at the conclusion of the Veteran Corps of Artillery-State of New York’s Salute to the Nation, a fifty round firing from 75mm Pack Howitzers. [Read more…] about July 4th and History Events in Manhattan

Celebrating Independence at Senate House, Kingston

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senate houseThe Senate House State Historic Site is set to celebrate Independence Day on Saturday June 29, 2019 from 11 am to 3 pm.

There will be a ceremony with dramatic readings and songs. The Third Ulster Militia will be encamped on the grounds demonstrating 18th century camp life including hearthside cooking and colonial medicine. In addition, Ben Franklin will perform science experiments and hands-on activities. Musician Mark Rust will be performing patriotic songs. 18th century games and toys will be on hand to try out. [Read more…] about Celebrating Independence at Senate House, Kingston

Independence Day Celebration at Sagamore Hill

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Sagamore Hill equestrian reenactmentSagamore Hill National Historic Site, located at 20 Sagamore Hill Rd, Oyster Bay, Long Island, has invited the public to a free day of outdoor activities on Thursday, July 4th.

Attendees can see Theodore Roosevelt, performed by Joe Wiegand, as he greets visitors throughout the day, and take part in family friendly activities from noon to 4 pm. [Read more…] about Independence Day Celebration at Sagamore Hill

Old Fashioned Independence Day at Clermont

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Tom Hanford will play his interactive musical experienceClermont State Historic Site has announced an Old-Fashioned Independence Day Festival has been set for July 4th, from 2 to 10 pm.

From 2 to 6 pm, the museum will be surrounded by hands-on experiences taken from daily life of the 18th Century. Visitors will be able to sample all kinds of activities, attend polite tea parties, hear a speech by George Washington, learn Palatine cooking and see a musket firing demonstration by Revolutionary War re-enactors, as well as a chance to meet Martha Washington. [Read more…] about Old Fashioned Independence Day at Clermont

Independence Day At Old Stone Fort in Schoharie

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Re-enactors conduct the flag switching ceremony during an Independence Day observanceThe Old Stone Fort Museum is set to hold its annual Independence Day living history activities on Wednesday, July 4 at 1 pm on the lawn of the Revolutionary War era fort.

The observance will feature audience-interactive readings of historical documents of the time, including the Declaration of Independence, and 13 historic toasts. [Read more…] about Independence Day At Old Stone Fort in Schoharie

Fourth of July Fun at Hanford Mills Museum

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kids fishing derbyHanford Mills Museum in Delaware County is set to hold its annual Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 4.

Activities include a kids’ fishing derby on the Mill Pond, frog jumping contests, live music, local food, and steam-power and water-power demonstrations in the Museum’s historic sawmill, gristmill and woodworking shop. [Read more…] about Fourth of July Fun at Hanford Mills Museum

Fort Ticonderoga Independence Day Events June 30-July 6

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Guns by Night Evening ProgramFort Ticonderoga has announced a week-long celebration of Independence Day, from June 30th to July 6th.

Visitors will experience the American Revolution on the very ground the fight for liberty occurred with museum staff and costumed interpreters recreating and exploring the events of the year 1777. Guests will have the opportunity to follow the footsteps of the Continental Army and see first-hand the struggle for freedom. [Read more…] about Fort Ticonderoga Independence Day Events June 30-July 6