NEWSLETTER
Highlighted with a 1:00pm presentation of historic speeches on Independence, along with re-enactors, live music, crafts and new exhibits.
Kingston, NY – Get ready to commemorate 250 years of American Independence at Senate House with a special “Let Freedom Ring!” event on Saturday, June 27th from 11:00am - 4:00pm at Senate House State Historic Site. The day will be headlined by a special presentation of historical speeches at 1:00pm, exploring the legacy of the Declaration of Independence throughout American history read by community members. The day will also include re-enactors, live music, crafts, new exhibits, and more.
The featured presentation will begin at 1:00 pm with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by historical speeches from figures such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harvey Milk, and more. Each speech touches on the legacy of the Declaration of Independence and how the speakers applied its words in their time.
The day will also include activity on the site grounds, featuring re-enactors from the 1st and 3rd Ulster Militias, live music from the Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipe Band and performer Mark Rust, demonstrations on hearthside cooking, a take-home craft, and more. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the historic Senate House, a space foundational to New York’s self governance. The 18th century home of the Van Gaasbeek family, Senate House was the first meeting place of the New York State Senate in 1777.
Senate House’s museum building will also be open, including two brand new exhibits unveiled just this year. “Revolution Comes to Kingston” allows visitors to experience the story of the American Revolution through the lens of Kingston and its inhabitants using original objects, documents, and interactives. “Vanderlyn the Artist” offers the chance to see the work and learn the story of world-renowned 19th century neoclassical artist, and Kingston native John Vanderlyn.
Historic Site Manager Aaron Robinson said “What better way to commemorate 250 years of American Independence than immersing yourself in a mix of local and national history? Hearing diverse voices and perspectives from the past gives us a sense of how far we have come, and how far we still have to go.”
Presentation of speeches and outdoor activities are free for all. Admission to the historic house and museum are included in admission, which is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, and children ages 12 and under are free.
Senate House State Historic Site is one of 35 historic sites within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and one of 40 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in New York and New Jersey. For further information please call 845-338-2786, visit New York State Parks at: https://parks.ny.gov or find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/senatehousestatehistoricsite.
The Palisades Parks Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the Palisades Interstate Parks and Historic Sites by raising funds, increasing public awareness and supporting visitor education. Find us at https://www.palisadesparks.org. Palisades Parks Conservancy, P.O. Box 24, New York, NY 10163-0024.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
###