What to Do in Westchester: Revolutionary Winter Events
In winter, Westchester County is a wonderland. The first snow brings visitors and locals out to its rolling hills, blanketed in white, for sledding, skating, and wintery walks. Westchester County is also brimming with irresistible events, candlelight tours, and unique historical experiences this winter.
From now through February, an inspiring slate of experiences, curated by county historians, puts you at the center of Westchester’s Revolutionary War history. So, fill a mug with something warm and plan your itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff or simply a lover of Hudson Valley charm, let the flicker of a candle in the window of a historic home welcome you here.
Through Feb 27 - North Castle! Celebrating America’s 250th,” at the North Castle Public Library: Hear ye, hear ye—come one and all to “North Castle! Celebrating America’s 250th,” at the North Castle Public Library through Feb 27. The town’s history in the Revolutionary War will be on display and an art contest will inspire artists to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Dec 1 - Jan 1 The Unforgiving Yardstick: A Look at Women’s Roles and Struggles in Westchester County: Explore the stories of trailblazing Westchester women through this exhibition at the Square House Museum. Led by artist Fleur Spolidor, the exhibition presents 23 original works, including portraits of remarkable Westchester women and sculptural pieces that challenge us to consider the ways in which women’s lives have been shaped and constrained through history.
Dec 6 - The Experiences of Black Soldiers: Eric Chandler, an historian and lecturer, shares the often-overlooked experiences of Black soldiers, on both sides, during the Revolutionary War at St. Paul's Church National Historic Site. One of New York's oldest parishes, St. Paul's Church dates from 1665 and was used as a hospital following the Revolutionary War Battle at Pell's Point in 1776.
Dec 7 - Annual Candlelight Tours at Sherwood House Museum: The Yonkers Historical Society celebrates the holiday season with its annual Candlelight Tours at the historic Sherwood House Museum. The event features holiday sales at the Cottage Gift Shop, costumed Christmas carolers, book signings, sculptor exhibits, special guests, and more!
Dec 11 - The Week That Won the War: The True Story of the Firing on The Vulture: Come hear the riveting story of the British ship, the Vulture, hit by a cannonade fired from Croton Point on September 22,1780. This defining act stranded British spymaster Major John André and thwarted Benedict Arnold’s plan to hand West Point over to the British.
Jan 1 - Yonkers First Day Hike: Saw Mill River History: On this 2.5 mile, 2.5 hour urban hike, explore the Saw Mill River over 400 years of history, from its days as a fishing tributary called Nepperhan to its industrial heyday. Learn about its historic mills, the influence of the Old Croton Aqueduct, and how the river shaped Yonkers’ working life.
Jan 3 - Historical Games: Learn to Play Liar's Dice: Step back in time to play Liar’s Dice and other dice-based games, common amusements from the Revolutionary period. Dating back to 15th century Peru, Liar's Dice is fast-paced game that became popular throughout Europe by the end of the 17th century.
Jan 14 - Fort Knyphausen and Other Mishmash: Hessians in Westchester County During the American Revolutionary War: Between 1776 and 1783, Great Britain hired more than thirty thousand German soldiers—known as Hessians—to fight in its war against the American rebels. Learn about these soldiers, and the hundreds of women and children they brought with them, in the region around Fort Washington in what was then part of Westchester County.
