
250 YEARS OF REVOLUTIONARY PEOPLE & PLACES
Explore the History, Places & Personalities That Built a Nation in Putnam County, New York

Putnam County formed in 1812; named after Major General Israel Putnam, a hero in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.

Living History through Many Lenses
Gain a new perspective with tales of revolutionary women like Sybil Ludington, whose 40-mile horseback ride rallied militia after the burning of nearby Danbury, Connecticut.
Remember the often forgotten slavery economy in the north through the eyes of people such as Prince Cornwall, an enslaved man who served under General George Washington.
Hear the treasonous tale of Major General Benedict Arnold and visit Constitution Island, an integral location for military strategy of the Great Chain and the site General George Washington made his final address to the troops.
I Love NY - NYS Pathway Through History: Path Through History | Attractions, Events & Sites
I Love NY - America’s 250th Commemoration: America’s 250th Commemoration
Hudson Valley Tourism Rev250: Take A Revolutionary Tour - Hudson Valley Tourism
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Rendezvous with Treason: The Andre/Arnold Conspiracy
Date: Saturday, October 4th
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Kent Town Center Green (17 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent, NY)
Rendezvous With Treason: The Andre/Arnold Conspiracy - presented in partnership with The Kent Historical Society | Kent Public Library
Step back into the American Revolution!
Join us for “Rendezvous with Treason: The Andre/Arnold Conspiracy” on Saturday, October 4th at 4 PM on the Kent Town Center Green.
Experience a dramatic portrayal of the fateful meeting between Major John Andre and General Benedict Arnold in Haverstraw, NY, 1780, and uncover one of the Revolution’s most intriguing stories!
This program is made possible by a grant from the Putnam County Historians Office as part of their Revolutionary Putnam County programming.
** NOTE: This event is scheduled to take place outdoors. Please bring your own chair and/or blanket to sit on during the performance. ** - The Legendary Ride of Sybil Ludington
Date(s): October 9th – October 16th
Location: The Sybil Ludington Statue along the shores of Lake Gleneida in Carmel, NY
Rally Date: Sunday, October 12th at 2:00 PM
Price: Free
Help us Preserve a Hudson Valley Heroine! Talk a walk along scenic Lake Gleneida in Carmel, NY, and discover the legendary story of Sybil Ludington, the teenage heroine of the Revolutionary War. On this self-guided tour, interpretive panels will share the tale of Sybil’s night ride on April 26, 1777, when she altered her father’s Militia Regiment to the burning of Danbury. You’ll also learn about her life in Putnam County and the celebrated sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington (1876-1973), who created the striking equestrian statue to honor Sybil’s courageous ride. Sybil’s ride has inspired poems, children’s books, television programs, board games, and even an opera! Come uncover the truth behind her story and celebrate the magnificent statue that stands at the heart of Carmel Hamlet, right along her historic route. Join your neighbors and community members for a rally on Sunday, October 12th at 2:00 PM to raise awareness for the statue’s restoration as we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
• PHS Presents: Shards from Patterson's Past
Date: Thursday, October 16th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Community Room at the Patterson Library (1167 Route 311, Patterson, NY)
10/16/2025 | PHS Presents: Shards from Patterson's Past | Patterson Library
An evening of local lore as the Patterson Historical Society shares a fascinating collection of tales and anecdotes, including: The YMCA Camp at Little Pond, The Watkins family and their local artist, Bernard, Early records of the First Baptist congregation (c. 1760), Notable residents during the time of the Revolution, and other stories pieced together from the Society’s archives. Discover the colorful history of our community through storytelling that blends folklore with fact.
- Jean Leon Gerome Ferris Art Exhibit
Date: October 2025
Location: Southeast Museum (1733 Route 6, Carmel, NY)
https://southeastmuseum.org/upcoming-exhibits
A highlight of the Rev250 Exhibit will be the display of the Ryder collection consisting of 35 paintings by renowned artist Jean Leon Gerome Ferris. Brewster High School Students from the Living Skills program will cater for the opening of the Ferris Exhibit, tentatively scheduled for October. The Brewster High School art students will serve as docents for this collection. They will be guiding visitors through the exhibit, which will be premiered in two phases. Phase One will take place in October. Phase Two will take place in January 2026. Exact dates will be determined.
- Tours at Constitution Island
Date(s): Saturday, June 14th, Saturday, June 28th, Saturday July 12th, Saturday, July 26th, Saturday, August 9th, Saturday, August 23rd, Saturday, September 13th, Saturday, September 27th, October 4th
Time: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Location: 1 Chestnut St, Cold Spring, NY
Constitution Island Association | West Point - • American Revolutionary Banners (The American Revolution Experience Traveling Exhibition on Tour)
Date(s): September 6th – September 26th
Location: Southeast Museum (67 Main Street, Brewster, NY)
https://southeastmuseum.org/upcoming-exhibits - The Enoch Crosby Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust are excited to feature the American Revolution Experience at the Southeast Museum from September 6 - September 26, 2025.
The innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation.
The exhibit is open to the public during the following hours:
Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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• Constitution Week (September 17-23, 2025)
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2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Guided Hikes: Mount Nimham
Date: Saturday, September 20th (9:30 AM)
Location: Mount Nimham
Rain Date: Sunday, September 21
Cornell Cooperative Extension | MGV Guided Hikes 2025Join us for a hike up Mount Nimham! This is an up-and-back hike through the woods to a paved trail leading to the Mount Nimham Fire Tower. Along the way we'll discuss the tower and its namesake, stone chambers, and the area's history.
All hikers are required to wear proper footwear (sturdy sneakers, hiking boots, etc.) — no sandals or open-toed shoes! Remember to bring water to drink!
** Hikes are free, but registration is required. **
- General Putnam: Behind the County’s Revolutionary Namesake
Date: Friday, September 26th (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Location: Putnam History Museum (63 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY)
General Putnam: Behind the County’s Revolutionary Namesake – Putnam History Museum
A fascinating exhibition exploring the many depictions of General Israel Putnam, popularly known as “Old Put.” The prints and interesting artifacts come from the collection of George Whipple III, as part of Revolutionary Putnam County 250. - History Hike: Benedict Arnold’s Flight
Date: Saturday, September 13th (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location: Marcia's Mile Parking Lot / Glenclyffe Trailhead Parking Lot (8 Glenclyffe Philipstown, NY
History Hike: Benedict Arnold’s Flight – Putnam History Museum
General Benedict Arnold is infamous for his thwarted plan to surrender American-controlled West Point to the British during the Revolutionary War. Join PHM for a history hike of Arnold’s escape path through present day Garrison, NY. Along the way we’ll discuss why the General was driven to betray the Revolution and how prominent local loyalist Beverley Robinson aided Arnold’s mission. - 250th Anniversaries of the American Revolution in New York State
Date: Thursday, September 4th (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
Location: Reference room at Reed Memorial Library (1733 Route 6, Carmel, NY)
09/04/2025 | 250th Anniversaries of the American Revolution in New York State | Reed Memorial Library
In this exciting presentation, Rob Buccheri (a local teacher) will describe the American Revolution in New York City and the Hudson Valley and the 250th anniversary events that will be celebrated in local communities. Registration for this event opens Thursday, August 7 at 12:00 AM. - Forgotten Drinks of Colonial New England
Date: Saturday, September 6th (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Location: Putnam History Museum (63 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY)
Forgotten Drinks of Colonial New England – Putnam History Museum
An historical happy hour at the Putnam History Museum, Saturday, September 6th from 5 PM - 7 PM. Author and drinks writer Corin Hirsch will explore the origins and composition of early American beverages during an interactive lecture and tasting of three proto-cocktails that resurrect lost flavors. Registration is required. You must be 21 or over to attend this event. - Join the Putnam History Museum for their 119th Annual Meeting
Free and open to everyone! In-person space is limited, so be sure to register soon!
The highlight of the meeting will be a special presentation by Doc Bayne entitled “The Chain that Saved the Colonies.” During the American Revolution, the Great Chain stretched across the Hudson River between West Point and Constitution Island to protect it from British invasion. Doc will present the history of his discovery of the forge in Sterling Forest that made the chain.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/rh7u3xpt
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Putnam History Museum (63 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY) -
“Shot Heard Round the World.”
Join Putnam County Executive Kevin M. Byrne, members of the Revolutionary Putnam County Committee and other officials for a special reading of two iconic American works: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s "Concord Hymn" and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride” on Saturday, April 19th at noon at the Historic Courthouse in Carmel. This event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the famous Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements between Britain and the American Colonies, which sparked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
Date: Saturday April 19, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: The Historic Courthouse Carmel - Local History Presentation at the Kent Public Library.
Join historical reenactor and local teacher, Robert Buccheri for a fascinating talk on our area's participation in the American Revolutionary War!
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Kent Public Library (17 Sybils Crossing, Kent, NY) -
The three libraries along the historic route Sybil Ludington rode on the night of April 26
Did you know there are three libraries along the historic route Sybil Ludington rode on the night of April 26, 1777, to alert her father’s militia about the burning of Danbury?
To mark the 248th anniversary of her legendary ride, the Putnam County Historian’s Office has partnered with Kent Public Library, Reed Memorial Library of Carmel, NY, and Mahopac Public Library to offer special Sybil-themed goodie bags to patrons who visit on Saturday, April 26th — get ‘em while supplies last!Each goodie bag includes:
-A horse-themed friendship bracelet
-A commemorative bookmark
-A poster featuring “The Ride of Sybil Ludington” poem by Marjorie Barstow Greenbie
-A fun word search puzzle
-A list of recommended reading - Putnam History Museum New Exhibition: “The American Revolution in the Hudson Highlands: Part One”
Date: May 23, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Putnam History Museum [63 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY]
Exhibition Opening of “The American Revolution in the Hudson Highlands: Part One” – Putnam History Museum
Through a dynamic display of artifacts, historical documents, and reproductions, visitors will explore powerful local stories that helped shape the founding of the United States. This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how the Hudson Highlands played a critical role in America’s fight for independence. From the contributions of local Patriots and Loyalists to the spies that roamed the highlands, this exhibition has something for everyone. -
Putnam County Day
Date: June 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: The Whipple-Feeley Memorial Chapel at Putnam Veterans Memorial Park
Join us for Putnam County Day on Thursday, June 12th from 9:00 - 10:30 AM at the Whipple-Feeley Memorial Chapel at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park.Local history awards, presentation on Chief Daniel Nimham, and a special Oral History Talk with former Governor George E. Pataki interviewed by George Whipple III.
RSVP required:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - To the Heart of Empire: Indigenous Diplomacy and Settler Revolt in the Hudson Valley, 1766
Date: June 12, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: In-person only at the Putnam History Museum (63 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring NY 10516).
** Registration Required **
To the Heart of Empire: Indigenous Diplomacy and Settler Revolt in the Hudson Valley, 1766 – Putnam History Museum - Path Through History Weekend
Date(s): June 14-15, 2025
Learn More! Click the link below.
Pathway Through History – Putnam County - Putnam County, New York - The Revolutionary War & Birth of the U.S. Army 250th Anniversary
Presented By: The Living History Guild
Date: June 15, 2025
Location: Patterson Fire Department
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Price: Free
On June 15, 2025 at 1 pm, there will be a special commemoration celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War and the 250th Birth of the United States Army at the Patterson Fire Department on Route 311 in Patterson, N.Y. Living Historians dresses in historical uniforms for the U.S. Army from 1775 to the Present will be in attendance. There will be a special musket salute as well as a salute from an original cannon from the Revolutionary War. All Veterans and Current Members of the U.S. Army will be honored. Local dignitaries will be in attendance. The site of the event is on the Colonial Crossroad used by all messengers between New England the rest of the Colonies during the Revolutionary War. Col. Henry Ludington and his troops marched through this site on the way to the Battle of Ridgefield and this was the site of the encampment of Gen. Washington and the Continental Army later in the war in 1778. -
The Second Annual Martha Washington Tea Party
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac [411 Route 6N, Mahopac, NY]
Admission: $10 per personThere will be a large variety of teas and baked goods. A brief history of the Church Library Building, Gift shop and silent auction.
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The Second Annual Revolutionary Veteran's Cemetery Tour
The tour will be given by Alicia Bridley, President of the Carmel Historical Society.
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 10 AM -2 PM
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac [411 Route 6N, Mahopac, NY]
Admission: $10 person. (All proceeds go to a matching grant to restore the cemetery.) - Mekeel’s Corners Chapel Independence Day Celebration
Date: July 4, 2025
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Mekeel’s Corners Chapel [321 Route 301, Cold Spring, NY]
Mekeel’s Corners Chapel Independence Day Celebration – Putnam History Museum -
Stories in Stone Weekend: "Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New England and New York” with Susan Allport
Date: July 12, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Putnam History Museum (63 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY)
** Registration Required **
Stories in Stone Weekend – Putnam History Museum
Join the Putnam History Museum for the third annual Stories in Stone Weekend! On July 12, gather at the PHM or join in live online to hear Susan Allport discuss her book “Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New England and New York.” -
Stories in Stone Weekend: The Stone Chambers of Mead Farm History Hike
** Registration Required **
Date: July 13, 2025
Time(s): hikes at both 9AM and 1PM
Location: Meet at the Dunkin Donuts Parking Lot (1090 Route 52, Carmel, NY)
Stories in Stone Weekend – Putnam History Museum
Join the Putnam History Museum for the third annual Stories in Stone Weekend! This hike, lead by PHM staff, will include visits to three stone chambers on the property as well as highlight several impressive stone structures on the way.- • 1776 “A Revolutionary Musical” present by The Brewster Theatre Company
Date(s): July 18th – August 3rd, 2025
Location: The Theater at Drew Methodist Church (28 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY)
1776 - A Revolutionary Musical
- • 1776 “A Revolutionary Musical” present by The Brewster Theatre Company
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“It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence… if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence.”
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History of the Hudson Highland via Kayak
Date(s): July 18th & August 2nd
Time: 2 PM (7/18) 10 AM (8/2)
“Revolutionary War history meets kayak adventure! Join our World's End tour THIS FRIDAY to explore the strategic military site between Constitution Island and West Point. Discover Cold Spring's industrial past, Indigenous history, and 19th-century literary connections. July 18th, 2pm.”
Kayaking Highlights and Special Events - Hudson River Expeditions

In Partnership with
