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In 1850, New York State acquired the nation’s first historic site – Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh. Now, over 175 years later, New York State manages dozens of state historic sites and parks connected to the American Revolution. Discover their stories, explore artifacts and exhibits and experience the Revolution first hand.
Senate House State Historic Site
Kingston, NY
 Photo Credit: Kerry Sclafani Photography
Then: When the New York Provincial Congress fled from British action in downstate New York, Kingston was the location chosen for a constitutional convention. On April 20, 1777, the new New York State Constitution was adopted, and the government began organizing into the Senate, the Assembly and the Judiciary. With no single building large enough to hold all three branches of government, each rented separate spaces. The Senate rented a room in Abraham Van Gaasbeek’s home, meeting there for a month starting September 9, 1777.
Soon after – as part of Britain’s 1777 invasion of New York – British General John Vaughan sailed toward Kingston with 1,600 soldiers and a fleet of 30 ships to create a diversion as General John Burgoyne fought American forces in Saratoga. Calling Kingston a “nursery for almost every Villain in the Country," Vaughn burned the city and destroyed more than 400 houses, barns and mills on October 16, 1777. Beams in Senate House still bear evidence of the fire.
Now: Recently refreshed by major historic restoration projects, Senate House State Historic Site explores New York’s early political history, Kingston’s legacy and is a valued valued green space in downtown Kingston. Visitors are invited to explore exhibitions, enjoy the grounds, take tours and participate in special programs.
Don’t Miss! Two new exhibitions Revolution Comes to Kingston and Vanderlyn the Artist are now open! And, later this month, Senate House will host “Let Freedom Ring” on Saturday, June 27.
This Month
NY250 Event Roundup for June
From events to exhibits, artifacts to programming, Revisit the Revolution at New York State Parks and Historic Sites! Discover what's happening in your community as well as across the state with our featured events.
Planting Pride: Revolutions on the Runway | June 6
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park
Join Planting Fields Foundation and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for a special evening honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States and celebrating the revolutionary spirit that continues to shape our nation. From a captivating historical reenactment and thought-provoking author conversation to a complimentary book signing and a high-energy drag performance hosted by Thorgy Thor (RuPaul’s Drag Race), the evening brings together history, storytelling and contemporary expression in a vibrant celebration of revolutions past and present! Register at plantingfields.org.
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George vs. Guy: The Fate of the Black Loyalists | June 10
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
When the Preliminary Articles of Peace were signed in November of 1782, they included a clause – inserted by the American delegation – that prevented the British from carrying off any property – “including negroes” – as they evacuated from the colonies. But the British had already promised thousands of people of African descent freedom through Dunmore’s Proclamation and the Philipsburg Proclamation. What would happen to the Black Loyalists? Learn how General George Washington pursued every avenue to prevent the Black Loyalists from leaving and how and why British General Sir Guy Carleton encouraged them to do so.
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Niagara at the Crossroads: Indigenous Nations and the American Revolution | June 13
Niagara Falls State Park
Join us for an immersive three-part event that invites you to experience history through Indigenous voices, artistry and lived tradition. Through cultural dance demonstrations, guest speakers and interactive learning activities, the program is intended to highlight Niagara Falls as a place of deep Indigenous significance and a strategic crossroads during the Revolutionary War. This event centers the experiences of Indigenous Nations who navigated diplomacy, alliance, conflict and survival during a time of upheaval, often with enduring impacts on their lands and sovereignty. The blend of storytelling, movement and interactive learning demonstrates that Indigenous cultures are not confined to the past but are vibrant, resilient and present today, offering visitors a richer and more inclusive understanding of the Revolution and Niagara's continuing Indigenous legacy. For more information and to reserve, please visit Eventbrite.
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“Battle in the Margins” Writing Workshop | June 27
Riverbank State Park
Open to students, emerging writers and professionals, this series of writing workshops invite New Yorkers across all five boroughs to grapple with the Revolution’s contradictions – a fight for liberty in a society where enslavement remained legal. Through thought-provoking prompts and community dialogue, participants will explore themes of freedom, displacement and identity in Revolutionary-era New York. “Battle in the Margins” is a new theatrical project collaboration between New York State Parks and Black Gotham Experience exploring Black life in New York City during the American Revolution. Developed through a series of original one-act, ten-minute plays, this project centers the African Diaspora’s experiences, resistance, and role in shaping early American history – shining a light on stories often left out of the nation’s founding narrative. The productions will premiere this September at FDR Four Freedoms State Park.
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4th of July Fireworks | July 4
FourLeaf Air Show | July 5 + 6
Jones Beach State Park
The annual Jones Beach fireworks will once again light up the sky on Saturday, July 4. The festivities will feature live performances, children’s inflatables, lawn games, information booths, food and retail concessions and the main event: the annual Jones Beach fireworks show! Spectators will enjoy vibrant colors and awesome sounds simulcast to a musical array of patriotic songs.
The FourLeaf Air Show will take place on Sunday, July 5 and Monday, July 6 (with a practice day on Friday, July 3). United States Navy Blue Angels will headline the air show, which is one of the most respected in the country. Additional performers include the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, NY Air National Guard and others.
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