First Oval Office Project & New York State’s Launch of the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War

Washington’s Revolutionary War Tent, his office and sleeping quarters, served as his mobile command center for the Continental Army. On September 21 and 22, Washington’s Headquarters Historic Site in Newburgh will welcome the Museum of the American Revolution’s full-scale replica sleeping marquee and baggage tents as part of a recreated Revolutionary War encampment called the First Oval Office Project. This program launches the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s commemoration of the Semiquincentennial (250th) of the Revolutionary War. Staff from the Museum of the American Revolution will welcome visitors to tour the tents while explaining how the original artifact, which is on permanent display at the Museum in historic Philadelphia, was used by Washington. Washington’s Headquarters will offer additional programming including professional reenactors General George Washington and Martha Washington as portrayed by John Koopman III and Sandy Spector, tours of the Hasbrouck house, and exhibits in their museum. View military drills and learn about camp life with reenactment regiments including the experiences of Revolutionary War soldiers of African descent as portrayed by the Living History Company. Speak with historic site staff from across the state to learn about their plans for the Semiquincentennial.