
250 YEARS OF REVOLUTIONARY PEOPLE & PLACES
Explore the History, Places & Personalities That Built a Nation in Putnam County, New York

Putnam County formed in 1812; named after Major General Israel Putnam, a hero in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War.

Living History through Many Lenses
Gain a new perspective with tales of revolutionary women like Sybil Ludington, whose 40-mile horseback ride rallied militia after the burning of nearby Danbury, Connecticut.
Remember the often forgotten slavery economy in the north through the eyes of people such as Prince Cornwall, an enslaved man who served under General George Washington.
Hear the treasonous tale of Major General Benedict Arnold and visit Constitution Island, an integral location for military strategy of the Great Chain and the site General George Washington made his final address to the troops.
I Love NY - NYS Pathway Through History: Path Through History | Attractions, Events & Sites
I Love NY - America’s 250th Commemoration: America’s 250th Commemoration
Hudson Valley Tourism Rev250: Take A Revolutionary Tour - Hudson Valley Tourism
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Tours at Constitution Island
Dates: Saturday, June 14th, Saturday, June 28th, Saturday July 12th, Saturday, July 26th,
Saturday, August 9th, Saturday, August 23rd, Saturday, September 13th, Saturday, September 27th
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Location: 1 Chestnut St, Cold Spring, NY
Constitution Island Association | West Point -
The three libraries along the historic route Sybil Ludington rode on the night of April 26
Did you know there are three libraries along the historic route Sybil Ludington rode on the night of April 26, 1777, to alert her father’s militia about the burning of Danbury?
To mark the 248th anniversary of her legendary ride, the Putnam County Historian’s Office has partnered with Kent Public Library, Reed Memorial Library of Carmel, NY, and Mahopac Public Library to offer special Sybil-themed goodie bags to patrons who visit on Saturday, April 26th — get ‘em while supplies last!Each goodie bag includes:
-A horse-themed friendship bracelet
-A commemorative bookmark
-A poster featuring “The Ride of Sybil Ludington” poem by Marjorie Barstow Greenbie
-A fun word search puzzle
-A list of recommended reading -
Putnam County Day
Date: June 12, 2025
Location: The Whipple-Feeley Memorial Chapel at Putnam Veteran’s Memorial Park -
Path Through History Weekend
Date(s): June 14-15, 2025
- Join the Putnam History Museum for their 119th Annual Meeting
Free and open to everyone! In-person space is limited, so be sure to register soon!
The highlight of the meeting will be a special presentation by Doc Bayne entitled “The Chain that Saved the Colonies.” During the American Revolution, the Great Chain stretched across the Hudson River between West Point and Constitution Island to protect it from British invasion. Doc will present the history of his discovery of the forge in Sterling Forest that made the chain.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/rh7u3xpt
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Putnam History Museum (63 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY) -
“Shot Heard Round the World.”
Join Putnam County Executive Kevin M. Byrne, members of the Revolutionary Putnam County Committee and other officials for a special reading of two iconic American works: Ralph Waldo Emerson’s "Concord Hymn" and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride” on Saturday, April 19th at noon at the Historic Courthouse in Carmel. This event commemorates the 250th anniversary of the famous Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements between Britain and the American Colonies, which sparked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.
Date: Saturday April 19, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: The Historic Courthouse Carmel - Local History Presentation at the Kent Public Library.
Join historical reenactor and local teacher, Robert Buccheri for a fascinating talk on our area's participation in the American Revolutionary War!
Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Kent Public Library (17 Sybils Crossing, Kent, NY)

In Partnership with
