From the Battle of Saratoga to the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, New York State played an influential role in the Revolutionary War for American Independence. In fact, the war was even brought to the doorstep of the Lower Hudson Valley. Important engagements, like the Battle of White Plains and the Battle of Brooklyn, occurred in this very region. These battles, while occurring over centuries ago, are not just remnants of the past. Instead, they are ever-so relevant today, especially as the nation gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States.
As part of these celebrations, states have been tasked with creating commissions to commemorate this milestone. For the thirteen original colonies, this comes with the job to celebrate the role that their states have played in securing the nation’s independence. According to the New York Almanac, states like Virginia and Pennsylvania have created digital museums to highlight their state’s history, while other states are opting for community-based celebrations.
New York is no different. Back in 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law establishing a commission “to facilitate the planning and development of the commemoration of the 250th in New York State,” per the New York State Museum. This commission consists of numerous experts who have been meeting to recognize the pivotal efforts that New York has played in key periods of American history.
On February 11th, the commission hosted a commemoration summit at the New York State Museum’s Huxley Theater, which will be home to presentations and updates on the milestone. Government officials, tourism executives, and culture/history experts will all be attending this event.
Additionally, the commission has created a field guide for schools and anyone interested to learn more about New York’s rich history. The field guide uses specific lenses and interpretive themes to inspire the exploration of certain topics for the 250th anniversary. Many of these lenses encourage people to look beyond traditional facts learned in school lessons to examine historical power dynamics and understudied topics. These focuses include the views of “We the People” and “Choose Your Side,” both of which highlight the lives and experiences of everyday people during the Revolution and across American history. The field guide also emphasizes how ever-changing the ideals and the history of an independent United States have been. It stresses the important roles that New Yorkers have played to inspire this change, from the Seneca Falls Convention to the Stonewall Inn Riots.
While the efforts made by the commission and the state in general aim to raise awareness of the 250th anniversary, many students at Greeley were unaware of it. However, after being introduced to the commission and its purpose, they expressed interest in exploring more. Rory F., a sophomore at Greeley, addressed his lack of awareness, mentioning that he thought “it would be interesting to obtain knowledge regarding New York State’s celebration of a nation-wide recognition.”
These celebration efforts also represent the importance of looking at the past and applying it to the present and future. In general, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society notes that understanding history aids students in understanding today’s society. This idea was supported by Rory, who stated that “we often take for granted the many freedoms we possess, even amidst all that is going on in the country right now.” However, he argued that looking at the past allows students to develop a differing perspective on the present. “We gain the ability to be reminded of what being American is and why we should be proud,” he added. Another sophomore who asked to remain anonymous agreed, stating that celebrating American history “gives insight into how much work was put into making America the way it is today.”
Another student who asked to remain anonymous also noted that they believe the celebrations are a way to gain lessons from the political history of the United States. They mentioned that looking at the past gives people “hope that we, as citizens, can do something about it [politics], and nothing is permanent. Even the darkest times in government will give way to light, back then as well as today.”
History is one of the most powerful tools for understanding the present, and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence serves as an opportunity to do so. In New York, efforts ranging from commissions to a historical field guide have been enacted to commemorate the past and examine its importance and relevance today. New York has played a crucial role in much of American history: it was key to the victory of the Revolutionary War for America’s independence, and it has shaped how the nation evolves and progresses. By celebrating and recognizing this history, it ensures that New York will continue to play its important role in the years to come.
