Celebrate Presidents Day with historic re-enactments, museum tours and more
February is the month to celebrate those who have served as presidents of the United States.
Presidents Day was established in 1885 as a day to honor George Washington’s birthday, but was changed in 1971 to make for a uniform three-day weekend for U.S. workers and to include 16th president Abraham Lincoln, who was also born in February.
The third Monday in February is a time to honor all presidents, past and present, with many historic sites and groups staging re-enactments and other events during the three-day weekend.
The Hudson Valley is steeped in presidential history, so if you’re looking for a way to learn more about the presidents who have a connection to our area, their leadership and one of the most influential first ladies ever, here are things you can do this weekend that will help bring history to life:
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site
It all started with our first president, George Washington, who was born Feb. 22, 1732. To celebrate his birthday, Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh is hosting three days of activities, noon-4 p.m., Feb.16-18.
The free events kick off with a chorus of “Happy Birthday” for the Founding Father, and what’s a birthday celebration without a slice of birthday cake.There will be re-enactors performing military drills and the “General” and his wife Martha will be there to check the troops and meet the visitors. There also will be guest speakers as well as students from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District who will perform interpretations of events from Washington’s stay at his Newburgh Headquarters.
Go: Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, 84 Liberty St., Newburgh; 845-562-1195; https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/17/details.aspx
New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site
Our founding President George Washington served as Major General and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Have you ever wondered what it was like to be in the middle of the action with the Continental Army? From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb.16 and Feb. 18, visitors can watch re-enactments of the Continental Army’s final winter encampment. There will be cannons and muskets fired at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Children can participate by "enlisting" in the army, drill with muskets and get paid with Continental currency. Afterward, tour the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, which honors both men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart.
Go: New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, Route 300, 374 Temple Hill Road, New Windsor; 845-561-1765, ext. 22; https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/5/details.aspx
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Take in a movie at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, which celebrates the life and legacy of our 32nd president. On Feb. 16, there will be a free 1 p.m. screening of the 1936 "The President’s Mystery," which was written by FDR, followed from 2-4 p.m. by "Documents on Display: Presidential Autographs" in the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home. Visitors can view a selection of presidential autographs from the Roosevelt Library archives. The autographs — more than 30 of them — are from FDR's personal collection and include John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. The signed documents are only on display once a year, so don’t miss it.
Go: Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Library and Home, 4079 Route 9, Hyde Park; 800-337-8474; www.fdrlibrary.org; participants are asked to sign up in advance for the film screening.
While you’re learning about our presidents this weekend, take time to honor first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who served from March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945 during FDR’s four terms in office. At Val-Kill in Hyde Park see the permanent exhibit, "Eleanor Roosevelt and Val-Kill: Emergence of a Political Leader" as well as other exhibits. Guided tours are at 1 and 3 p.m., Thursday-Monday.
Go: Val-Kill, 4097 Route 9, Hyde Park; 845-229-9422; https://www.nps.gov/elro/index.htm
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
It’s not a presidential site, per se, but Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in Yonkers is worth the day trip. Both FDR and Washington have visited the site, which features a collection of presidential portraits. From noon to 3 p.m., Feb.16, take the family to a free event with crafts, scavenger hunts, quizzes and more, including a "visit" from 16th president Abraham Lincoln.
Go: Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site, 29 Warburton Ave.,Yonkers; 914-965-4027; https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/37/details.aspx
Martin Van Buren National Historical Mansion
Put this one on your calendar as a save-the-date. After serving as the eighth vice president and 10th secretary of state under President Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren became our eighth president. He was born and raised in Columbia County’s Kinderhook and this National Historical Site honors his term in office and his legacy. Plan a date in May to tour the facility and learn more about Van Buren and his life. The season runs from late-May through October.
Go: Martin Van Buren NHS, 1013 Old Post Road Kinderhook; 518-758-9689, ext. 2040; https://www.nps.gov/mava/index.htm
Contact freelance writer Lisa Iannucci at email@example.com