Washington’s Headquarters Hosts Presidents Birthday Celebration

Frank Maxwell, who works in Newburgh and a member of the 4th New York Regiment, was at Washington’s Headquarters over the weekend, volunteering for Lambs Artillery and explaining artillery drill- positions of the gun and how they actually fire. It’s his fourth year volunteering at the annual George Washington’s Birthday Celebration that spanned three days over the holiday weekend.
Frank Maxwell, who works in Newburgh and is a member of the 4th New York Regiment, was at Washington’s Headquarters over the weekend, volunteering for Lambs Artillery and explaining artillery drill- positions of the gun and how they actually fire. It’s his fourth year volunteering at the annual George Washington’s Birthday Celebration that spanned three days over the holiday weekend.

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Looking out on the lawn at Washington’s Headquarters this past weekend, one would think it was over 200 years ago.

Here, men in militia, Revolutionary War era long coats, vests and hat attire could be spotted; while canyons and other artillery from the 18th Century filled the scenic strip overlooking the Hudson. It was living history at its finest, as impressive crowds turned out for all three days over the holiday weekend to celebrate one of our presidential icons, George Washington, and his 285th birthday. The annual event, filled with activities for all ages, served multiple purposes.

“Today is very important because this is Newburgh’s history, and a critical part of our Revolutionary time period,” pointed out Elyse Goldberg, Historic Site Manager at Washington’s Headquarters. “When Washington stayed here, he created the Badge of Military Merit, squelched the Newburgh conspiracy and went about the business of disbanding the army; these were all major events.” Goldberg added, “So, we want people to learn the history because it is important and can be fun for young people, allowing them to really enjoy it.”

From left are Robin Stiles and Laurie Whitney of the 4th Connecticut Regiment, a popular living history group, which recreates Revolutionary War battles- life all over the East Coast. Here, they are are making clothes from scratch, one of many activities offered at the well-attended three day Washington Headquarters George Washington Birthday Celebration.
From left are Robin Stiles and Laurie Whitney of the 4th Connecticut Regiment, a popular living history group, which recreates Revolutionary War battles- life all over the East Coast. Here, they are are making clothes from scratch, one of many activities offered at the well-attended three day Washington Headquarters George Washington Birthday Celebration.

That excitement for history was evident throughout the day Sunday, day two, as youth (as well as adults) excitedly watched cannon and military drill exhibitions conducted by Lambs Artillery & Morgan Rifle Corp as well as the 4th Connecticut Regiment, sang happy birthday and enjoyed birthday cake compliments of Alexis Diner, watched The Washington Project 2020 performance by Newburgh Free Academy students under a big, outdoor tent and even had an opportunity to complete a craft project, “Make your own Badge of Military Merit.” One of the children diligently absorbed in that project was David Santos of Marlboro, who had asked his “Big Sister,” Kelly Hogan to go to Washington Headquarters (for his first visit) to learn all about the time period.

“Going here was really great; I liked to listen to the music from the Limberjack,” said Santos, as he put the final gluing touches on his Merit Badge. “Seeing the canyons and chain and hearing the loud boom was really cool too.”

Also inside Headquarters, where Santos was constructing his craft, two women, dressed in Revolutionary garb, could be spotted making clothing from scratch. From the 4th Connecticut Regime, the women spoke about how their “role playing” goes much deeper than the actual activities, such as battle reenactments, anniversaries of homes, and the Washington Birthday Celebration, they attend.

“We completely immerse ourselves into the time period, sleeping in tents, cooking in cast iron, and using a Reflection Oven,” explained Robin Stiles as she showed her partner some stitching details for the clothing they were making.

Back outdoors, on the lawn, some of Stiles’ male Regime members were taking a break after some demonstration they recently completed, including; drilling the troops, giving a lecture on the history of their unit as well as firing off artillery.

“It’s very important and rewarding to be able to make people aware of the sacrifices people made to have the freedom we do today,” said Dale Bennett of the 4th Connecticut Regime, formed in Woodbury, Connecticut. “We all study a lot of history, live and breathe it, and really enjoy sharing it with others.”

Another one of the Regime’s members, Commander Bob Stiles expressed similar rewarding thoughts.

“I love being an educator,” affirmed Stiles. “The most interesting part is that it’s amazing what people don’t know about what it takes to start a country.”

For those who had the special chance to attend one of the three days at Washington’s Headquarters this past Holiday Weekend, they are likely much more aware as well as grateful about the details of our country’s history during this dynamic time period.

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