Dutchess County to Host the Ultimate Revolutionary War Reenactment

As Dutchess County kicks off its multi-year commemoration of America’s Semiquincentennial, Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI), the Dutchess County Rev250 Committee, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum will host RevCon 2024, an immersive event with living history demonstrations dedicated to celebrating and exploring Dutchess County’s pivotal role in the American Revolution.

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RevCon 2024 will be held June 8, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park. Reenactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution will demonstrate military camp life, tactics, and weapons demos and answer questions about life in Revolutionary America. The accompanying history fair will allow the public to engage with local historians and organizations who will share stories of the people, places, and events that tie in with the continuing themes and promises of the Revolution.

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“We are excited to co-host RevCon 2024, a truly unique event that brings history to life in an engaging and accessible way,” said Melaine Rottkamp, DTI president & CEO. “Learning about our past is crucial for understanding our present and shaping our future. RevCon provides a fun and interactive opportunity for residents and visitors alike to connect with the rich history of Dutchess County.”

The following organizations and historical societies are scheduled to participate:

• Amenia Historical Society
• Chancellor Livingston Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
• Dutchess Tourism
• Dutchess County Historical Society
• Dutchess County Historian’s Office
• Dutchess County Rev250 Committee
• East Fishkill Historical Society
• Empire State Society, Sons of the American Revolution
• Fishkill Historical Society
• Poughkeepsie Public Library District
• Town of Dover Historian & Town of Dover Historical Society

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Visitors can choose from a variety of hands-on experiences. Larry Maxwell, Town of Patterson Historian from neighboring Putnam County, will have a display of reproduction uniforms that the public can try on. Neil Murray of the Dutchess County Rev250 Committee will display and discuss the weapons and accoutrements that Dutchess County soldiers carried to war. The East Fishkill Historical Society’s interpretive team will demonstrate butter making and children’s games from the era.

Read More: Dutchess Tourism Brings George Washington Back to Life w/ VR

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Dutchess County Historian Willliam P. Tatum, III emphasized the significant impact the county had on the Revolutionary War, stating, “RevCon offers the public an opportunity to explore our rich heritage, offering insights into the local contributions to securing American liberty. Dutchess County played a critical role in the American Revolution as the closest secure territory to New York City under patriot control. In addition to hosting the primary supply depot for the Northern Department of the Continental Army, Dutchess provided troops for the 4th New York Regiment and detachments from the county militia that served as far away as Saratoga and Manhattan.” For additional details, visit www.dutchesstourism.com/rev250. Fun for all ages, this free event will be held rain or shine.

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RevCon 2024 is part of the broader REV250 initiative, a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, highlighting the pivotal moments and contributions of Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley region. The event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Revolutionary era and inspire a new generation of history enthusiasts. Launched last February, the Commander in Cheers program allows the public to participate in a unique, augmented-reality experience by visiting designated pubs, restaurants and other locations to hear tales about Dutchess County’s revolutionary endeavors. Visit www.commanderincheers.com for more information.

About Dutchess Tourism

Dutchess Tourism, Inc., the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County, is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, it works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses and the community by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world. The office is located at 3 Neptune Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie with 18 Tourist Information Centers located around Dutchess County. Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess. DutchessTourism.com | 845-463-4000.