HOOSICK, NY – The Friends of the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site and New York State Parks will host a commemoration marking the 242nd anniversary of the Battle of Bennington on Friday, August 16th at 7:00 PM. Representatives from the 2nd Continental Artillery Regiment, the Battle Monument in Vermont, as well as SAR and DAR chapters will help to mark the occasion. Historical accounts will be shared before a wreath laying and artillery salute. Local students will also participate in the ceremony. Beginning at 5:00 PM, visitors may tour the students’ encampment on the hilltop.
The site is located on Route 67 in Hoosick, New York. The program is free and open to the public. Information on how to become a member of the Friends organization will be available to visitors.
Other events will take place over Battle Weekend. Historian Eric Schnitzer will deliver a presentation on his new book created in collaboration with an historical artist, Don Troiani’s Campaign to Saratoga – 1777 on August 17th at 11:00 AM. The talk will take place in the Caretakers House (located at 30 Caretakers Road in Hoosick, NY). On August 18th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM tours of the battlefield will be offered to the public on the hour. Groups will meet under the flagpole.
The Battle of Bennington was a pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War resulting in an American victory. It provided a much-needed boost to patriot morale and inflicted severe losses on General Burgoyne’s army before the Battles of Saratoga, ultimately leading to the failure of the 1777 British invasion of New York and eventual independence.
For more information contact David Pitlyk, 518-860-9094.