Celebrating the life of George Washington

(Newburgh) - George Washington’s 275th birthdaywill be celebrated at Washngton’s Headquarters. This site will host a three day celebration of our greatest President. From 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, February 17, 18 and 19, the site will feature Revolutionary War soldiers, 18th century music and even birthday cake at our nation’s first historic site.
On Saturday, visit with General Washington’s troops. Infantry soldiers of the First and Third New York Regiments and mounted horsemen of the Second Continental Light Dragoons will re-enact life in a Revolutionary War camp. Harpsichordist Erik Lichack and violinist Melanie Zanakis will delight visitors with their performance of country dances and music General Washington would have enjoyed. The Institute of History, Archeology and Education will present Professor Ray Raymond speaking on “The Strategic Genius of George Washington,”

On Sunday, Lamb’s Artillery will show how cannon were fired in the Revolutionary War. Puppeteer Fred Greenspan will present the colorful humor of the traditional “Comedy of Punch & Judy” show. Dora Wright, Master Gardener, will talk about 18th century gardening at the joys of spring planting. Members of the Headquarters staff will offer lectures on Washington’s Pllan to invade New York City and on the famous subject of Washington’s teeth.

On Monday, Carmino Ravosa, who has performed his original composition at the White House in Washington, D.C., will tell the story of Washington at Newburgh in song. Author, collector and lecturer George C. Neumann will present “How Washington Won the Unwinnable War.” Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1782, Sergio Morales, will talk about the “Oldest Veteran.” Kathleen Chilcott, owner of Kathleen’s Tearoom in Peekskill, will discuss tea’s history and offer samples of different brews.

Washington’s Headquarters is located at the corner of Liberty and Washington Streets in Newburgh. Please call (845) 562-1191 for more information.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is one of 24 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park commission in New York and New Jersey. To learn more about other state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.