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THREE-DAY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON

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NEWBURGH, N.Y. — Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site will celebrate George Washington’s birthday on Saturday, February 16, through Monday, February 18, from 1 to 4:30 pm daily. Each day  will begin with the cutting of a birthday cake in the general’s honor. Alexis Diner and Rootz International in Newburgh and Hannaford’s in Vails Gate have generously donated cakes for this event.

This year’s theme “From Revolution to Republic” sheds light on some aspects of Eighteenth Century living that evolved into a spirit of independence. The evolving roles undertaken by George Washington and the Founding Fathers included directing colonial productivity into a new nation’s attitude of self-reliance. The entertainment, lectures, military drills and demonstrations featured during these three days will highlight some of those areas of creativity. 

Although George Washington would have been 276 years old this February, he will be in his office in the guise of John Koopman, a Washington reenactor, on Saturday, while author John Buchanan will offer a lecture about George Washington titled “A Wise, A Good and A Great Man.” Storyteller Lorrain Hartin-Gelardi will appear on Saturday and Monday.

Washington reenactor Hugh Francis will perform as the general on Sunday, while for children of all ages, Fred Greenspan’s puppets will entertain with “Punch Van Winkle.” Also on Sunday, historical interpreter Peter Bedrossian will deliver a lecture on the commander-in-chief’s guard. “Ben Franklin” will regale with his wit and wisdom on Sunday and Monday. Weaver Lindy Dolan will demonstrate and sell some of her handiwork on Monday.

Military drills will take place throughout the weekend with Lamb’s Artillery Company doing a cannon drill and salute on Saturday, Tim Potts portraying a Light Dragoon on Sunday, and the Third and Fourth New York Regiments will demonstrate “Soldier Life and Military Drills” on Monday. Katy Cruel’s Tavern in the museum basement will serve root beer and birthday cake each day while supplies last. 

In the historic headquarters, Rich Bala will perform songs about the Revolution and the Hudson Valley on Saturday, while Erik Lichak and Melanie Zanakis will entertain with Revolutionary-era music on Sunday and Thaddeus McGregor will play the banjo and sing songs highlighting the new republic on Monday.

Admission to this event is by donation and includes the historic headquarters and museum.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is at the corner of Liberty and Washington Streets within the city’s East End Historic District.

For information, 845-562-1195  or www.nysparks.com.