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AMERICA 250: The Bronx

The area of today’s Bronx played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States—particularly in the battle of ideas. On the occasion of the 250th birthday of our Republic, The Bronx County Historical Society has a full slate of programs scheduled—at least one per month through 2026. Check this page to stay up to date on these programs and events. We hope you will celebrate with us.

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A circular logo with a blue background that says 'Authentic Original from the Bronx'. The word 'Bronx' is stylized with black letters, a microphone, a turntable, a spray paint can, and a duck illustration holding a microphone and wearing sunglasses, all in a cartoon style.

EVENTS

  • The Battle of White Plains Virtual Book Talk flyer

    The Battle of White Plains Virtual Book Talk

    Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, 7:00pm Eastern
    Virtual Talk on Zoom

    Join BCHS, From The Bronx, and author Stephen DeVillo for a virtual book talk on Stephen's The Battle of White Plains.

    In October 1776 central Westchester witnessed a critical episode in the early campaign of George Washington’s ragtag Continental Army and its quest for American independence. Often overlooked as just an interval between the disastrous Battle of Brooklyn and victory at Trenton, the Battle of White Plains showcased Washington’s sly strategy of perseverance. Poor decision making and ignorance of the area’s hilly terrain among British leadership gave the patriot army a chance to secure a path to safety despite being on the run and outmanned. Though British General Howe claimed victory, the battle’s lessons informed Washington’s cat and mouse strategy that ultimately brought success later in the war.

    Part of our yearlong “America 250: The Bronx” programming, in commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    Register
  • flyer for revolutionary resistance at pelham bay symposium suny maritime october 4

    SYMPOSIUM: REVOLUTIONARY RESISTANCE AT PELHAM BAY

    Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10:00am
    SUNY Maritime College
    Mess Deck, Special Events Room
    6 Pennyfield Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10465

    Join BCHS, SUNY Maritime, Kingsbridge Historical Society, Revolutionary Westchester 250, From The Bronx, and other local organizations for a symposium examining the Battle of Pell’s Point/Pelham, one of the most significant conflicts in our area during the American Revolution. The symposium will feature lectures by Dr. Friederike Baer, BCHS Trustee Professor Lloyd Ultan, and Nick Dembowski.

    Free Registration
  • the bronx and the american revolution flyer nypl hunts point

    The Bronx & the american Revolution

    Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 7:00pm Eastern
    Virtual Lecture on Zoom

    As part of our yearlong America 250: The Bronx programming, join the Friends of Pelham Bay Park, From The Bronx, and Roger McCormack, Director of Education at The Bronx County Historical Society, to explore the significance of The Bronx in the American Revolution. This virtual webinar will highlight the Battle of Pell’s Point, the impact of the war on ordinary Bronx farmers and inhabitants, and the general history of the war in the area.

    Register
  • the battle of pell's point/pelham flyer for sunday october 18

    The Battle of Pell's Point/Pelham

    Sunday, October 18, 2026, 10:00am
    Orchard Beach Promenade

    Join BCHS, Revolutionary Westchester 250, Kingsbridge Historical Society, Friends of Pelham Bay Park, SUNY Maritime College, and other local historical and community organizations for a reenactment of the Battle of Pell’s Point/Pelham on the occasion of its 250th anniversary, featuring a British landing and Patriot resistance.

  • gouverneur morris america250 lecture

    PAST EVENT: A Birthday Celebration of the Constitution's Penman, Gouverneur Morris

    Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:30pm
    Fordham Law School
    150 West 62nd Street
    Bateman Room, Second Floor
    New York, NY 10023

    Join The Bronx County Historical Society for the kickoff of its yearlong America 250 programming, commemorating our area’s role in the founding of the United States in 1776.

    Our Gouverneur Morris Endowed Lecture this year will be in celebration of the birthday of Founding Father and Bronxite Gouverneur Morris (b. Jan. 31) and will be delivered by William M. Treanor, Agnes Williams Sesquicentennial Professor of Constitutional Law and Constitutional History and Dean Emeritus of Georgetown Law. The lecture is co-sponsored by Fordham School of Law and will be followed by a light reception.

    Register by clicking on the button below.

  • Thomas Paine lecture flyer on february 10

    PAST EVENT: Thomas Paine and the Founding of the United States

    Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 7:00pm
    Vladeck Hall, Amalgamated Housing Co-op
    74 Van Cortlandt Park S. (at Hillman Ave.)

    Join BCHS and Amalgamated Housing Co-op for a lecture by Gary Berton, President of the Thomas Paine Historical Association, on the contributions of Thomas Paine to the founding of the United States.

    During the final years of his life, Thomas Paine lived in relative isolation on his farm in New Rochelle, a short distance from today’s Bronx. We are celebrating his pivotal role to our nation’s founding on the occasion of Paine’s birthday (Feb. 9) and America 250.

  • the fight for freedom flyer

    PAST EVENT: The Fight for Freedom

    Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:00pm
    On Zoom (register below)

    In celebration of Black history month and as part of “The Bronx Celebrates America 250” series, join local historian Nick Dembowski for a presentation that delves into historical documents revealing how Black people experienced the Revolution in today’s Bronx. This includes new research about local figures and landmarks such as the little-known “Negro Fort.”

    This free presentation will take place on Zoom on Thursday February 26th at 7:00 PM. This is a joint presentation of Van Cortlandt House Museum, the Kingsbridge Historical Society, and Bronx County Historical Society.

    To get the Zoom link register for the event on Eventbrite by clicking on the button below.

  • Cato: A Tragedy flyer

    PAST EVENT: Cato: A Tragedy

    Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2:00pm
    Edgehill
    2570 Independence Ave.
    The Bronx, NY 10463

    Join BCHS, From The Bronx, the Kingsbridge Historical Society, and Van Cortlandt House Museum for a performance of “Cato: A Tragedy” by Live History. This play was among the most popular stage productions during the generation of America’s founding, and multiple Founding Fathers, including George Washington, were inspired by the play’s dramatization of commitment to liberty in times of tyranny.

    Reserve your free ticket by clicking on the button below.

    Made possible with the support of New York State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

    Reserve Tickets
  • PAST EVENT: Andrew Corsa's Revolution flyer

    PAST EVENT: Fluid Loyalties

    Thursday, April 23, 2026, 7:00PM
    The Bronx Beer Hall
    Inside Arthur Avenue Retail Market
    2344 Arthur Avenue
    The Bronx, NY 10458

    Join BCHS and From The Bronx at The Bronx Beer Hall for a free lecture by Dr. J. Keith Doherty of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site on Andrew Corsa. Corsa, part of a prominent family in Fordham Village and remembered as an American patriot and member of the Westchester Guides, had a complicated history of shifting allegiance during the American Revolution. Dr. Doherty will unpack this history and speak more generally about the complex nature of the Revolution.

    Part of our “America 250: The Bronx” yearlong programming, and co-sponsored by the Kingsbirdge Historical Society and Van Cortlandt House Museum with the support of the New York State Council on the Arts and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

  • john adams performance flyer

    PAST EVENT: Meet John Adams

    Thursday, May 7, 2026, 7:00pm
    St. Clare of Assisi Church
    1027 Rhinelander Ave.
    The Bronx, NY 10461

    Join The Bronx County Historical Society, East Bronx History Forum, and From the Bronx for a witty and revolutionary conversation with America’s second President, John Adams, played by George Baker. In this interactive historical reenactment, President Adams will speak about his life, the American struggle for liberty, and will touch on the period he spent as President living in Eastchester in 1797 to avoid a yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia.

    Event, part of our yearlong America 250: The Bronx programming, is free and open to the public and is made possible with the support of Assemblyman Michael Benedetto.

  • rev nyc roundtable discussion new york state history conference

    PAST EVENT: Creating a NYC 5-Borough Commemorative Journal for America 250

    Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:30am
    2026 New York State History Conference
    Murray Student Center at Marist University
    3399 North Road
    Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

    Join The Bronx County Historical Society at the 2026 New York State History Conference for “Creating a NYC 5-Borough Commemorative Journal for America 250,” a roundtable discussion with editors Steven Payne (The Bronx County Historical Society), Jessica B. Phillips (Historic Richmond Town), Peter-Christian Aigner (Gotham Center), and Dominique Jean-Louis (Center for Brooklyn History), moderated by Gabriella Leone of Historic Richmond town.

    The 2026 New York History Conference, New York at 250: The Empire State’s Role in U.S. Independence, will be held at Marist University on June 11 & June 12, 2026. Marist’s Hudson River Valley Institute, in conjunction with the New York State Historian, the New York State Museum, the New York State Library, the New York State Archives, the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, and the Cooperstown Graduate Program at SUNY Oneonta is excited to announce this year’s conference.

  • the bronx crucible of liberty exhibit opening flyer

    PAST EVENT: The Bronx; Crucible of Liberty. Opening Reception

    Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 6:00pm
    Museum of Bronx History
    3266 Bainbridge Ave.
    The Bronx, NY 10467

    In celebration of America 250, join The Bronx County Historical Society on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 to celebrate the grand opening of a new permanent exhibit at the Museum of Bronx History, The Bronx; Crucible of Liberty. Radicals, Runaways, & Revolutionaries; 1600–1850. The exhibit tells the little-known story of how the area of today’s Bronx and lower Westchester County shaped the American struggle for freedom.

    Part of The Bronx County Historical Society’s “America 250: The Bronx” programming, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Exhibit supported in part with funds provided by New York State Assemblymembers Jeffrey Dinowitz and Michael Benedetto.

  • the bronx in the american revolution flyer nypl hunts point

    PAST EVENT: The Bronx in the american Revolution

    Monday, July 20, 2026, 7:00pm Eastern
    Virtual Lecture on Zoom

    As part of our yearlong America 250: The Bronx programming, join Roger McCormack, Director of Education at The Bronx County Historical Society, to explore the significance of The Bronx in the American Revolution. This virtual webinar will highlight the Battle of Pell’s Point, the impact of the war on ordinary Bronx farmers and inhabitants, and the general history of the war in the area.

  • handwriting the constitution flyer

    PAST EVENT: Handwriting the Constitution

    Wednesday, August 19, 2026
    Session 1:  3:30–5:30pm
    Session 2:  6:00–8:00pm

    The Bronx County Archives
    3313 Bainbridge Avenue
    The Bronx, NY 10467

    In this free workshop—offered in two time slots—artist Morgan O'Hara will guide participants through handwriting the Constitution, in whole or in part, highlighting the ways that this practice can help us form a more profound personal relationship with and deeper understanding of this "glorious liberty document" (in the words of Frederick Douglass). This will be a particularly meaningful activity for Bronxites, since the Constitution in its final form owes much to Gouverneur Morris, whose family estate occupied much of today's South Bronx. The workshop is part of The Bronx County Historical Society's yearlong "America 250: The Bronx" programming.

    Free Registration

Press Releases

Local History Organizations Commemorate 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Pell’s Point/Pelham with Free Symposium at SUNY Maritime College

“Revolutionary Resistance at Pelham Bay” symposium on October 4 kicks off a month of events marking the Revolutionary War battle fought in the area around Pelham Bay

THE BRONX, N.Y. — Sept. 18, 2026 — Revolutionary Westchester 250, The Bronx County Historical Society, the Kingsbridge Historical Society, From The Bronx, and SUNY Maritime College will present a free symposium, Revolutionary Resistance at Pelham Bay, on Sunday, October 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at SUNY Maritime College, 6 Pennyfield Ave., The Bronx, NY. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required at bronxhistory.org/symposium.

The symposium is the opening event in a series of programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Pell’s Point/Pelham, fought on October 18, 1776, in the area of today’s Pelham Bay. Widely regarded as the most significant Revolutionary War engagement to take place within the boundaries of the modern Bronx, the battle saw an outnumbered group of Patriot soldiers under Colonel John Glover—including the 14th Continental Regiment, known as the Marblehead Mariners, and three other Massachusetts regiments—hold off a much larger British force under General William Howe. The delaying action helped enable General George Washington’s Continental Army to evacuate Manhattan and continue the fight for independence.

“This little acknowledged but pivotal battle delayed the British and helped Washington’s forces successfully evacuate Manhattan in 1776,” organizers noted, adding that the October events are intended to bring wider recognition to the battle’s role in the outcome of the Revolutionary War.

About the Symposium

The October 4 program will feature presentations from historians Dr. Friederike Baer, featured on the recent Ken Burns PBS special, The American Revolution; Lloyd Ultan, Bronx Borough Historian Emeritus and Trustee of The Bronx County Historical Society; and Nick Dembowski, President of the Kingsbridge Historical Society, followed by a question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Steven Payne, Director of The Bronx County Historical Society, and David Allen of the SUNY Maritime College Humanities Department.

Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the SUNY Maritime College campus, including historic Fort Schuyler. The site also offers sweeping views of New York City from the base of the Throgs Neck Bridge. The program is appropriate for adults and students of high school age and above.

The symposium will take place in the Special Events Room in the Mess Deck on campus. Coffee and pastries will be provided in the morning, and a buffet lunch will be available at $12 in the student cafeteria.

Part of a Month of Commemorations

The symposium launches a series of free public events in The Bronx and lower Westchester marking the battle’s 250th anniversary throughout October, including:

  • The Bronx and the American Revolution — Tuesday, October 6, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., held on Zoom virtually. Roger McCormack, Director of Education at The Bronx County Historical Society, will provide a free virtual lecture on “The Bronx and the American Revolution” in partnership with Friends of Pelham Bay Park. Free registration at https://bronxhistory.org/revolution.

  • Toast 250! Tavern Night — Wednesday, October 14, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Kenny’s on the Water in New Rochelle. Welcome the Lynx with Revolutionary War trivia, soldiers, reenactors, and music. Food and drink available for purchase.

  • Meet the Historians — Thursday, October 15, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Hommocks Middle School in Larchmont. A conversation about privateers, Long Island Sound and the American Revolution with award-winning author and maritime historian Eric Jay Dolin and Donald Peacock, captain of the tall ship the Lynx.

  • Lantern-Lit Cemetery Tour — Friday, October 16, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site (S. Columbus Ave, Mount Vernon), featuring period music and a candlelit guided tour of one of the nation’s oldest burial grounds.

  • Tall Ship Tours — Saturday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hudson Park, New Rochelle. Come aboard the Lynx, with guided tours, living history, and period family games.

  • Battle of Pell’s Point/Pelham Reenactment — Sunday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park, featuring the tall ship Lynx, the whaleboat Albatross, and reenactors portraying Continental and British forces, complete with fife and drum performances and narrated battlefield maneuvers.

  • Living History Family Day — Sunday, October 18, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Pavilion Field, Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck. See the historic whaleboat, the Albatross, part of Mamaroneck 250: Commemorating the American Revolution.

  • The Battle of White Plains/REV FEST 250! — Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25, at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Pound Ridge. Battle reenactment, living history, Revolutionary heroes, and live performances. Meet the Women of Revolutionary Westchester.

Organizers and Partners

The October commemorations are organized by Revolutionary Westchester 250, The Bronx County Historical Society, the Kingsbridge Historical Society, SUNY Maritime College, St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, From The Bronx, the Town of Pelham, Friends of Pelham Bay Park, Pelham School District, Friends of the Ward House, the East Bronx History Forum, America250 New York, and other organizations.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, in partnership with the City Council; with additional public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Event Details

What: Revolutionary Resistance at Pelham Bay Symposium
When: Sunday, October 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: SUNY Maritime College, 6 Pennyfield Ave, Bronx, NY
Cost: Free (registration required)
Register: bronxhistory.org/symposium

About the Symposium Organizers

Revolutionary Westchester 250, Inc. builds awareness and appreciation for Westchester County’s Revolutionary War era history and serves as a cooperating partner with the County of Westchester.

The Bronx County Historical Society preserves and promotes awareness of the history of Bronx County through its museums, archives, publications, and public programs.

The Kingsbridge Historical Society is dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the history of the Kingsbridge area of The Bronx and its role in the American Revolution.

SUNY Maritime College, located at historic Fort Schuyler on the Throgs Neck peninsula, is the State University of New York’s maritime college, preparing students for careers in the maritime industry, engineering, and related fields.

From The Bronx was started with a mission to help improve the image of The Bronx, New York and to share our borough's rich culture and history with the world!

Media Contact:

Dr. Steven Payne, Director
The Bronx County Historical Society
718-881-8900x109 | spayne@bronxhistoricalsociety.org

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