For More Information Contact:
Yvette Valdés Smith
Chair of the Dutchess County Legislature
yvaldessmith@dutchessny.gov
(845) 486-2100
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — As preparations for the observance of the United States’ 250th birthday ramp up, Chair Yvette Valdés Smith and the Dutchess County Legislature welcomed County Historian William P. Tatum to share exciting details about upcoming happenings across Dutchess County.
At the Legislature’s April 13th board meeting, Tatum briefed Legislators on events including historical reenactments of colonial-era crafts and trades, to theater performances celebrating Dutchess County’s Revolutionary War history, all supported through the County’s “Dutchess Rev 250” initiative, which was developed in 2025.
“Dutchess County played a key role in the founding of our nation, and we are so blessed and proud to have the opportunity to spotlight our important, shared history,” said Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith, who represents and lives in Fishkill, one of the nine original towns in Dutchess. “These amazing events will allow residents of all ages to get a glimpse of what our region was like in 1776. I hope to see neighbors and visitors alike exploring Dutchess County and observing the 250th anniversary of the great American experiment.”
Set to take place throughout the year starting in April, these special events are intended to supplement–not replace–the County’s many annual Independence Day observances and celebrations help re-focus on the special 250-year milestone America reaches on July 4, 2026.
Program highlights include Dutchess County’s RevCon, scheduled for June 13 at the FDR Library in Hyde Park and featuring a livestock demonstration from the Dover Historical Society, and the Revolutionary Cider Experience, to be held at Fishkill Farms on June 27, featuring historical cooking demonstrations, presentations on cider history, and storytelling by historical interpreter Jonathan Kruk.
“As County Historian, I'm proud to help the County support these wide-ranging and thought-provoking initiatives that bring history to life and enhance the celebration of America's 250th anniversary here in Dutchess," said County Historian William P. Tatum. "I appreciate the support of the County Legislature in helping spread the word about these events, and I thank Chair Valdes Smith for inviting me to share the details at the meeting this month.”
Tatum also unveiled the Chirp Dispatch App, an immersive smartphone application designed to bring 1776 alive for children with an animated cricket which will explain the history behind the events in an engaging way for a young audience.
For more information on specific events, visit the Dutchess County government website.
