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June 29, 2016- Most people have no idea how much Lower Manhattan played a role in the American Revolution. George Washington set up camp here, before being run out by the British, which invaded by ship from Staten Island. Later, he was sworn in as the first president at Federal Hall on Wall Street. And the biggest battles occurred on the East River.
The history you can explore during the day is better than the cheesy fireworks and bad grilled meat. This is a press release we received:
Jack Sherry, performing as Dr. Benjamin Franklin, will deliver a talk called “Ben Franklin’s Reflections on Independence and July 4th” this coming Monday July 4th at Federal Hall 26 Wall Street in New York City at 1 PM. The Federal Hall program includes George Washington and runs from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. See here for further information.
Jack Sherry has performed as Dr. Benjamin Franklin for the New-York Historical Society, Washington’s Headquarters at the DeWindt House in Tappan, N.Y., for the National Geographic Channel’s documentary “Ben Franklin’s Pirate Fleet”, as well as for numerous historical societies, libraries, and senior citizen groups.
See www.visitwithBenFranklin.com for more information on Jack Sherry as Dr. Benjamin Franklin.
Steve
The LMHS had an amazingly successful program this year, supported by HHC, Downtown Alliance, and John Herzog. Count me among the amazed.
The Immigrant Achievement Awards at Federal Hall on July 3 were well attended and greatly appreciated by the honorees, who included Margaret Chin, one of the few public officials who seems still to have your favor. I think she is terrific.
Gale Brewer kicked off the parade on July 2, from the Hunger Memorial (which you have defended) to Bowling Green, commemorating 100 years from Ireland’s version of the Declaration of Independence.
As you may know, July 4, 1827, was the end of slavery in New York, and I understand it was marked at the African-American Burial Ground on the afternoon of the 4th. After three days, I was evented-out with the cannons at the Battery. As you reported, Federal Hall continued its educational July 4 programs.
In view of the significance of the American Revolution, I agree with Jim Kaplan (as apparently you do) that the hot dog eating contest is a travesty that trivializes the occasion.
Keep it up.
AMR