Guest Speakers

The staff of St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site is pleased to offer a variety of off-site or traveling programs -- at area schools and community centers -- that foster an appreciation and understanding of topics in early American history related to St. Paul’s. These include talks, musical presentations, digital slide shows and costumed interpretive programs. Most of the programs run 30 to 45 minutes. The usual range of travel would be the Bronx and Westchester County, New York. There is no charge.

Some of the programs offered are:

The Approaching 250th anniversary of the American Revolution
In 2026, we will mark the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our country, and many commemorations, anniversaries and reflections on the course and meaning of the American Revolution are planned. This presentation serves as an introduction to the historic and fascinating story of the origins of our nation. It will also outline programs already underway to mark the historic occasion, and discuss ways to participate in the upcoming celebrations. This presentation can be adapted as an assembly program for school groups on the elementary or secondary levels, where it would include General Washington.The program runs about 45 minutes. It is free.For information: 914-667-4116; [e-mail]

Songs of America
A traveling program offered by St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, Mt Vernon, New York. This is a performance, and sing-along, of songs from colonial times though the 20^th century, chronicling America’s story, with historical commentary. The program would be available, beginning in January 2024, Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM.The program runs about 45 minutes. It is free.For information: 914-667-4116; [e-mail]

Mary Gedney: A Woman of distinction buried at St. Paul's
A traveling program exploring the fascinating story of the life and times of Mary Gedney, a woman of distinction buried at St. Paul’s Church. A businesswoman, President of national voluntary organizations, community leader, wife and mother, Mary Gedney, who lived from 1860-1910, reflects a relevant and interesting chapter in the history of our community and our country. This is a visual, digital presentation, with historical commentary, running about 40 minutes, including questions and answers. The program is offered free of charge by St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, which is located in Mt. Vernon, New York. It would be available, beginning in January 2024, Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM.For information: 914-667-4116; [e-mail]

A St. Paul’s Story: The Duncombe Legacy. A very wealthy man and a titanic battle over his inheritance
This is a traveling program. It explores the life and times of Alfred H. Duncombe, a 19^th century businessman who made a fortune as a brush manufacturer. He lived near St. Paul’s, and died in 1893, followed by burial at the churchyard. His death was also followed by a battle over his fortune between branches of his family that dragged on, in the courts and newspapers, for 20 years. This would be a power point presentation by St. Paul’s staff, with commentary. Program would be available weekdays, between 10 AM and 4 PM. There is no charge.For information: 914-667-4116; [e-mail]

(Please Note: Community organizations requesting these free traveling programs should be located within a reasonable proximity, a 45-minute drive, of St. Paul's Church N.H.S., in Mt. Vernon, NY.)

A Special Role: St. Paul's Church and World War II
This exhibition is available for loan by museums, libraries, archives, community centers and schools, beginning in early 2024. For more information, please contact the site at 914-667-4116)