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Saint Paul's Church National Historic SiteExplore the cemetery that pays tribute to soldiers of the Revolutionary War and Civil War
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The Church That Preserves an Important Chapter in Our Nation's History

St. Paul's Church helps to tell the story of the development of colonial society and the road to the American Revolution. It consists of an 18th century stone church that was used as a Revolutionary War hospital, a cemetery with burial stones dating to 1704 and the remnant of a Village Green that was the scene of the famous Election of 1733 which raised issues of Freedom of Religion and the Press.
 
Discover more about life during the time of the Revolutionary War at St. Paul's Church

Living History in a Cemetery?

St. Paul's Church hosts several special events during the year for visitors to experience history firsthand. Colonial fairs, military encampments and candlelight tours all help recreate the past for visitors of all ages. Schools and day camps may also arrange for costumed interpretive programs or musket firing demonstrations. Guided tours, costumed demonstrations and special events explore the site's rich history.

 

Program Schedule July-December 2008

Guided tours of the site, Monday to Friday, 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Join us for a memorable walking tour of this National Historic Site, encompassing an orientation program, museum exhibitions, the 18th century stone and brick church that served as a Revolutionary War hospital, and one of the nation’s oldest cemeteries.

Friday, July 4, 10:30 AM Independence Day Celebration A traditional July 4th celebration featuring music, speeches, refreshments, reading of the Declaration of Independence, and tolling of the 250-year-old St. Paul's church bell - 13 times.

Wed., July 9, 10:30 AM Tour of Pell's Point Battlefield A walking tour of portions of the Split Rock Golf Course, in Pelham Bay Park, site of the Revolutionary War battle of Pell's Point. Reservations must be made in advance through St. Paul's; space is limited; call 914-667-4116 for details;

Friday, July 11, 3 PM Church Tower Walk Join us for a talk and a walk up the 74 steps of the centuries-old Church tower, leading to the historic bronze bell, celebrating its 250th anniversary. (This program will be repeated every other Friday, weather permitting, through September -- July 25, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 5, Sept. 19, Oct. 3.)

Sat., July 12, open from Noon to 4 PM Turning Point of the Revolution: The Battle of Saratoga At 2 PM, historical speaker Jack Sherry delves into the decisive 1777 confrontation in northern New York that turned out to be the pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War. There's also a performance of American Revolution songs, a demonstration about the use of the church as a wartime field hospital, and a tour of the historic cemetery.

Wed., July 16, 12:15 PM Bayonets, Musket Balls & Ship's Bread Witness a costumed demonstration about the life of a Revolutionary War soldier; beverages provided, activities for children before the program.

Wed., July 23, 12:15 PM How did the Americans Win? A talk exploring how and why the Americans won the Revolutionary War; beverages provided, activities for children before the program.

Sat., Aug. 9, open from Noon to 4 PM Posting Letters Two Centuries Ago At 1:00 PM, guest lecturer George Kramer, board chairman of the American Philatelic Society, explores the colonial postal system -- imagine a postal service that’s unreliable, may require weeks to deliver a letter, and then demands payment from the recipient. There's also a 2:30 tour of the historic cemetery.

Wed., August 13, 12:15 PM John Glover and the American Revolution A special talk, by staff historian Maria Byrne, and gallery tour of the site's feature exhibition, "Overlooked Hero: John Glover and the American Revolution"; beverages provided; activities for children before the program.

Sat., Sept. 13, open from Noon to 4 PM The Battle of White Plains A talk and demonstration by staff historian John Wright, at 1 PM, explores the important battle fought between three armies (American British and Hessian) in Westchester County in October 28-31, 1776. Tours of the historic church and cemetery are offered before and after the talk. 

Sat., Oct. 4, open from 11 AM to 4 PM Open House New York We're open as part of this great celebration of history and architecture in New York. The feature event is the guided, interpretive Church Tower Walk. The historic cemetery, church, and museum are also open and available for viewing.

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 10 AM Tour of Pell’s Point Battlefield Join us for a walking tour of the Split Rock Golf Course, in Pelham Bay Park, site of the Revolutionary War battle of Pell's Point. Reservations must be made in advance through St. Paul's; space is limited; call 914-667-4116 for details.

Fri., Oct. 17, 7 PM Candlelight Tour & Historic Music Program Tour the historic cemetery by candlelight, visiting the graves of soldiers and civilians who lived through the American Revolution; hear a performance of 18th century music by Linda Russell & Companie, in the historic Church; refreshments served -- part of the Battle of Pell’s Point Encampment.

Sat. Oct. 18, 10 AM to 4 PM Battle of Pell’s Point Encampment An encampment that commemorates the nearby 1776 Battle of Pell’s Point. It includes talks on the American Revolution, musket firing and militia drill, period music and dancing, dramatizations, crafts and cooking, historic children's games and toys, with dozens of costumed re-enactors, representing the armies that fought in the Revolutionary War. Educational programs for school groups on Thurs. and Fri., Oct. 16-17.

Sat., Nov. 8, open from Noon to 4 PM Great talk and music At 1:00 PM, historian Robert W. Arnold III explores “New York and the War of 1812,” the oft-forgotten war that was largely fought on New York’s soil. At 2:30, enjoy a special performance in historic St. Paul's Church by the Mark Morganelli Jazz Forum All-Stars. Refreshments served.

Sat., Dec. 13, open from Noon to 4 PM Opera in the historic church Join us for a 2 PM performance by the Bronx Opera Company, featuring favorite excerpts from classic operas as well as performances, and sing-along, of some traditional seasonal carols and Holiday favorites.

Mon. Dec. 15, 10 AM - Noon Bill of Rights Program An educational program marking the 217th anniversary of the adoption of the Bill of Rights.

Sun., Dec. 21, 2 PM Holiday Organ Concert A recital by Jan Piet Knijff featuring classical music on the historic 1833 pipe organ, including some traditional Holiday favorites. Refreshments served. Arrive early, at 1 PM, to hear seasonal tales and legends, by local storyteller Stephanie Mita.

Th., Dec. 22-23, 26, 29-31, 10 AM to 4 PM Family Holiday Program Historic games, activities, music and demonstrations, designed for children on vacation from school, as well as parents, adults, and others. Schedule is Subject to Change.

For More Information: (914) 667-4116

 
 
 

Write to

St. Paul's Church National Historic Site
897 South Columbus Ave.
Mount Vernon, NY 10550

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(914) 667-4116

Media Relations
(212) 668-2251

Climate

Summers are warm and humid. Winters can range from mild to extreme depending on weather patterns. In heavy snow, the site is hard to reach due to challenging road conditions.
A closeup view of the delicate pink blooms of Mountain Laurel  

Did You Know?
Although it is native to the Blue Ridge Mountains, much of the beautiful mountain laurel you see blooming along Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive in June was planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
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Last Updated: April 24, 2008 at 09:51 EST