Dive into the novel Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy with New-York Historical Society educators and author Gary D. Schmidt! Set in 1912 and based on a true story, the book charts the friendship between Turner Buckminster, a boy who's just moved to Phippsburg, Maine, and Lizzie Bright Griffin, a girl from Malaga Island, a community founded by formerly enslaved persons. After discovering that the town’s elders and Turner’s father are plotting to force the islanders to leave Malaga, Turner and Lizzie band together to try to save her community. Ages 9-12 

Ages 18 and under with their adults

Scare yourself silly at our annual Hallowe’en party! Wear your costume, bring your grown-up, and join us inside the Museum and outside in the courtyard, where we're celebrating the New-York Historical exhibition Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere.

In case of bad weather, activities—but not the ponies, unfortunately—will be moved inside the Museum.

Among the activities in store:

Free with Museum Admission
All ages

During the American Revolution, New York City was second only to Charleston, SC, for the size of its enslaved population. Delve into the lives, work, and culture of Africans—both free and enslaved—who called New York their home in the 18th century. Among the Living Historians on hand this weekend: Underwater archaeologist Joel Cook illuminates the duties of sailors, and Nastassia Parker reveals the secrets of millinery and dressmaking, trades practiced by free Black women. 

Foodways of the American Revolution​: 11 am–3 pm

Free with Museum Admission, all ages

Keeping the Continental Army fed was part of the battle. Dig in with culinary historian Lavada Nahon in our outdoor courtyard as she uncovers the meals that kept the soldiers marching. 

Check out Revolutionary Summer for a full roster of related programs for all ages.

18th-Century Clothing:
11 am–3 pm

Free with Museum Admission
All ages

Dress for the Revolution! Explore how 18th-century clothing was made, take a turn on loom with educator and Living Historian Diane Schwindt, and cheer on the N-YHS historical interpreters as they race to sew a women’s bed gown.

Check out Revolutionary Summer for a full roster of related programs for all ages.

Free with Museum Admission,
all ages

The Continental Army wants you! Fall in with a company of soldiers for the afternoon. Explore displays of 18th-century weaponry, learn military drills, and interact with all of the tools and equipment of a common soldier.

Check out Revolutionary Summer for a full roster of related programs for all ages

George Washington’s
Headquarters Tent:
Saturday, 10 am–6 pm;
​Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

Metalsmithing: 11 am–3 pm

Free with Museum Admission, all ages

Enter George Washington’s Headquarters Tent and experience where he strategized, dined, and slept. Hear from Museum of the American Revolution educators as they detail Washington’s daily life with his troops.

Free with Museum Admission,
all ages

The Continental Army wants you! Fall in with a company of soldiers for the afternoon. Explore displays of 18th-century weaponry, learn military drills, and interact with all of the tools and equipment of a common soldier.

Check out Revolutionary Summer for a full roster of related programs for all ages

Free with Museum Admission, all ages

Meet Deborah Sampson, the woman who disguised her gender to enlist in the Continental Army—as portrayed by Judith Kalaora of History at Play—and members of her regiment, the 4th Massachusetts. Join Deborah for military drills, then explore the inner workings of a regiment, from muskets to tents and knapsacks to ground cloths. 

George Washington's Headquarters Tent:
Saturday, 10 am–6 pm;
​Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

Field Music on the March: 11 am–3 pm

Free with Museum Admission, all ages

March along to Revolutionary War field music performed by the drum and fife musicians of Hearts of Oak and the New Jersey Field Music Group. You’ll follow in formation from the Museum, to Washington’s Headquarters Tent in the courtyard, and back again!