Van Wyck Homestead hosts colonial demonstrations
The Sixth Annual Revolutionary War Weekend will take place at the Van Wyck Homestead, 504 Route 9 in Fishkill, on Sept. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At 1 p.m., the Fishkill Historical Society (FHS) and Friends of the Fishkill Supply Depot (FOFSD) will unveil official National Park Service (NPS) display panels marking the Fishkill Supply Depot’s inclusion in the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail, known commonly as the W3R.
Research conducted by the two groups over the past few years has uncovered Fishkill’s clear connection to the French forces that served in the Revolution: Fishkill’s bake ovens and stores provided the French Army with food during its march toward Yorktown, and French soldier Jean Bonnaire, a fusilier of the Saintonge Regiment of Infantry, died in the hospital in “Phisquil” on Oct. 31, 1781.
Additionally, visitors can expect a multitude of colonial-era activities, including blacksmithing and musket-ball fabrication, candle making and cannon/artillery demonstrations. Musician Linda Russell will entertain the crowds with a variety of colonial-era instruments, and Founding Father Benjamin Franklin is rumored to make an appearance.
Tours of the Van Wyck Homestead, herb garden and regimental encampments are provided all day and interpretive walking tours to the burial ground at select times on both days. All are free to the public.
