Washington County History Festival | July 11 & 12 • Washington County NY

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A HISTORIC CELEBRATION

2026 is a monumental year as our nation proudly celebrates its 250th anniversary.

The Washington County 250th Commemoration Committee invites residents and visitors to attend and/or participate in the History Festival they are organizing in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary!

This immersive and interactive festival will be entertaining and educational for all ages and interests, offering opportunities to learn about local and national history while enjoying hands-on experiences including living history demonstrations, displays, kids’ activities, live music, wagon rides, food vendors, and more.

General George Washington will make a special appearance at the festival, strolling among guests and bringing the spirit of the American Revolution to life in Washington County.

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Dates: Saturday, July 11 & Sunday, July 12
Times: Sat. 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sun. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds,
392 Old Schuylerville Road, Greenwich, NY 12834
Driving Directions
Admission: FREE

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

President Lincoln will give the Gettysburg address and visit the Union Soldiers.

Kids' Corner will have games, activities, crafts, stories & more for kids of all ages.

Petting zoo (Saturday only) that includes Tunis sheep!

Steve Mattison: various demonstrations at the "Demonstration Station"

Tintype Photography Demonstrations and Portrait Sittings (portraits for purchase)

Come test your archery skills at the Federation of Sportsman building

Don't miss the various quilting and quilting-related demos both days

Chair caning demonstrations on-going on both days

HISTORIC DEMONSTRATIONS

Hollie McNeil will present "Ride Like Your Life Depends On It"

Union soldiers to give demonstrations at their encampment

Pilgrims will give musket demonstrations

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

(Check back often as more events are added!)

Ongoing Events

Activity
Throughout the festival, visitors will enjoy exhibits hosted by historians, museums, organizations, and more! Visitors will tour American Revolution and Civil War encampments, interacting with Washington County Militia (American Revolution) and Union soldiers (118th NY Volunteer Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery) who bring each era to life. Living history demonstrations will occur continuously throughout the camps, complemented by artillery demonstrations on the battlefield (see schedule for artillery demo times). A special appearance by President Lincoln may even rally the Union ranks and boost morale.
The Farm Museum and Sportsmen Federation Building will be open for guided tours and self-guided exploration.

Activity

Throughout the festival, visitors will enjoy exhibits hosted by historians, museums, organizations, and more! Visitors will tour American Revolution and Civil War encampments, interacting with Washington County Militia (American Revolution) and Union soldiers (118th NY Volunteer Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery) who bring each era to life. Living history demonstrations will occur continuously throughout the camps, complemented by artillery demonstrations on the battlefield (see schedule for artillery demo times). A special appearance by President Lincoln may even rally the Union ranks and boost morale.

The Farm Museum and Sportsmen Federation Building will be open for guided tours and self-guided exploration.

Saturday, July 11

Time	Location	Activity
10 AM - 8 PM (ALL DAY)	Federation of Sportsmen/Building #29	Learn about the local species that call our region home. Test out your archery skills.
10 AM - 8 PM (ALL DAY)	Farm Museum	Discover an extensive collection of equipment from various eras used in Washington County.
10 AM - 8 PM (ALL DAY)	FFA Farmland (Saturday Only)	Petting zoo featuring goats, sheep, and a donkey.
10 AM - 8 PM (ALL DAY)	Common Threads Comfort Corner/Building #21	Chair Caning - Chris Hubbard demonstrates the traditional craft of weaving cane into beautiful, durable chair seats. Learn about this time honored tradition any time throughout the festival.
10:30 AM	Near Reenactor Encampments	Reenactors representing 17th century pilgrims, 2nd Continental Artillery (Revolutionary War) members of the 118th New York Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery (Civil War) will fire cannons and muskets simultaneously in a coordinated opening battery. Following the battery, each unit will fire demonstration rounds with interpretive commentary.
10:30 AM - 11 AM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Granville Area Chorus
11 AM - 12 PM	Building #21	"It's Revolutionary" Part I. A kid's program on stories, songs, and games from the Revolutionary War. Sisters Debi Craig and Dorothea Craig Casey will present a program in which children will learn about about the Boston Tea Party, Henry Knox's Noble Train of Artillery, Colonial children's games, and more!
11 AM	Tent in front of Farm Museum	Craig Murphy Photography presents authentic tintype demonstrations using the antique process of wet plate collodion photography as practiced in the 19th Century. Visitors may behold the marvel of a likeness appearing upon a hand‑poured metal plate, wrought in the very manner used during the U.S. Civil War era. Those who desire a faithful and enduring portrait (for purchase) are invited to sit and take away a piece of living history.
11AM - 3PM	Farm Museum	Quilting & Loom Demonstrations
11 AM - 5 PM	Barn #4	Draft horse wagon rides. In addition to free wagon rides, the Washington County Draft Animal Association will give logging history by giving demonstrations throughout the day.
11 AM - 12 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	Garrett Cloer, Program Manager for Interpretation & Visitor Experience/National Park Service will speak about the Battles of Saratoga Battlefield
11 AM	Common Threads Comfort Corner/Building 21	Rope Creations - You thought clothesline rope was just for hanging clothes, not anymore! Jill Holmberg shows how to create bowls, trivets and/or coasters. We're betting you get "roped in" to a new creative outlet.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Adirondack A Cappella
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	“Just Stringing You Along”: Sing along to your favorite hits from the 60s and more! Performed by the Senior Center Kingsbury/Fort Edward Area Ukulele Orchestra.
12 PM - 5 PM	Kids' Corner/Barn 2	The Washington County Youth Bureau Hosts “Games of the Ages: Celebrating 250 Years of Play." From handmade toys of the colonial era to modern strategy games, young people have always learned, connected, and had fun through play. Visit each station to experience how games have evolved over the past 250 years! Take It And Make It Button Making/Coloring Station Youth can create their own custom artwork, which will be turned into a wearable button to take home.
12 PM - 1 PM	Demonstration Station in front of Farm Museum	Forging a Fire Steel presented by Steve Mattison
12:30 PM - 1 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	Abraham Lincoln (aka Phil Jessen) will give an engaging talk on the "Recollections of Gettysburg," joined by General Grant. This program covers the lead-up to the Gettysburg Dedication Ceremony and concludes with the Gettysburg Address. Then, follow President Lincoln and General Grant to the battlefield as members of the 118th New York Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery give a demonstration with Civil War cannons. You're invite to join these two men as they review the troops and visit their encampments.
1 PM	Near Reenactor Encampments	Members of the 118th New York Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery will give a cannon demonstration and provide interpretive commentary. These living historians represent 1861-1865 (Civil War). President Lincoln and General Grant will be present and at the conclusion of the artillery demo they will review the Union soldiers at their encampments. Guests are invited to follow the the men along their route. There are many immersive demonstrations at the encampments to visit.
1 PM - 1:30 PM	Demonstration Station in front of Farm Museum	Leatherworking demonstration presented by Keith O'Brien
1 PM - 2 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	The History of Fort Edward Pottery presented by Village & Town of Fort Edward Historian and Executive Director of the Old Fort House Museum Paul McCarty
1 PM - 2 PM	Building #21	"It's Revolutionary" Part II. A kid's program on stories, songs, and games from the Revolutionary War. Sisters Debi Craig and Dorothea Craig Casey will present a program in which children will learn about about the Boston Tea Party, Henry Knox's Noble Train of Artillery, Colonial children's games, and more! Please note: children will not have had to attend Part I in order to follow along and enjoy Part II
1 PM - 2 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Guitarist Jeff Pennachio performs a live solo featuring expressive guitar work over blues and jazz backing tracks. The performance will blend smooth melodies, improvisation, and classic influences for an engaging afternoon of live music.
1:30 PM	Common Threads Comfort Corner/Building 21	Kaleidoscope Quilt Block - Join Jill Holmberg for sew much fun! You will never look at fabric the same way again. This demos offers a hands-on experience of arranging fabric triangles and squares into an amazing design. Your brain will be "spinning" with new possibilities.
2 PM	Tent in front of Farm Museum	Craig Murphy Photography presents authentic tintype demonstrations using the antique process of wet plate collodion photography as practiced in the 19th Century. Visitors may behold the marvel of a likeness appearing upon a hand‑poured metal plate, wrought in the very manner used during the U.S. Civil War era. Those who desire a faithful and enduring portrait (for purchase) are invited to sit and take away a piece of living history.
2 PM - 3 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	Steve Mallory to speak about music from the Revolutionary War period and will perform a selection from the Alexander Dixon Tune Book on the violin
2 PM - 3 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Guitarist Jeff Pennachio and vocalist Ayla B. Riley perform an acoustic set featuring a diverse selection of beloved songs spanning multiple genres and generations, including the music of Adele, Patsy Cline, Kate Voegele, Green Day, Laufey, and more, brought to life through heartfelt vocals and intimate acoustic arrangements.
3 PM	Near Reenactor Encampments	Reenactors representing the 2nd Continental Artillery (Revolutionary War) and members of the 118th New York Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery (Civil War) will present cannon demonstrations, followed by musket firing demonstrations from 17-century Pilgrim reenactors. Each unit will provide interpretive commentary.
3 PM - 4 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Al and Kathy Bain: known for the duo-style traditional country, bluegrass and gospel music filled with vocal harmony and humor.
3 PM - 4 PM	Speakers/Youth  Building	Through Susan B. Anthony's Eyes: Susan B. Anthony's Childhood in Washington County presented by Debi Craig and Sandy McReynolds
3:30 PM	Common Threads Comfort Corner/Building 21	Majken Sellar shares part of her extensive collection of Singer Featherweight sewing machines along with the history and evolution as what Majken describes as the "Mini Cooper" of the sewing world.
4 PM - 5 PM	Speakers/Youth  Building	Thomas Ruffing, Washington County Historian: “We make History without even realizing it!” The effects of your everyday may be reason or motivation that makes history tomorrow. Explore how music, educators, and everyday actions make history
4 PM - 5 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Multi-instrumentalist, Brian Fitzgerald has played with and even founded a few local bands, most notably Paradox Saints as their bassist. Brian is credited as the composer for an independent film called Corruption (2007) and recently released his first solo single "Second Life" in 2023
5 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	Devin A. Lander, New York State Historian and Head of Museum Chartering for New York State Department of Education presents how the natural resources and geography shaped Washington County.
5 PM - 6 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	“The Real Deal” with duo Kim Skoll and Gisella Case performing their unique styling of everything from folk to soft rock.
6 PM	Near Reenactor Encampments	Reenactors representing the 2nd Continental Artillery (Revolutionary War) and members of the 118th New York Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery (Civil War) will present cannon demonstrations, followed by musket firing demonstrations from 17-century Pilgrim reenactors. Each unit will provide interpretive commentary.

Sunday, July 12

Time	Location	Activity
10 AM - 4 PM (ALL DAY)	Federation of Sportsmen/Building #29	Learn about the local species that call our region home. Test out your archery skills.
10 AM - 4 PM (ALL DAY)	Farm Museum	Discover an extensive collection of farm equipment from various eras used in Washington County.
10 AM - 4 PM (ALL DAY)	Kids' Corner	Holly McMurray hosts colonial games, activities, and crafts kids of all ages will enjoy.
10 AM - 4 PM (ALL DAY)	Common Threads Comfort Corner/Building 21	Chair Caning - Chris Hubbard demonstrates the traditional craft of weaving cane into beautiful, durable chair seats. Learn about this time honored tradition any time throughout the festival.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Building #21	It's Revolutionary" Part I. A kid's program on stories, songs, and games from the Revolutionary War. Sisters Debi Craig and Dorothea Craig Casey will present a program in which children will learn about about the Boston Tea Party, Henry Knox's Noble Train of Artillery, Colonial children's games, and more!
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM	Near Horse Arena	Pony Rides (Sunday Only)
11 AM	Tent in front of Farm Museum	Craig Murphy Photography presents authentic tintype demonstrations using the antique process of wet plate collodion photography as practiced in the 19th Century. Visitors may behold the marvel of a likeness appearing upon a hand‑poured metal plate, wrought in the very manner used during the U.S. Civil War era. Those who desire a faithful and enduring portrait (for purchase) are invited to sit and take away a piece of living history.
11 AM - 12 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	From Country Lane to National Fame: presented by Joan & Dale Prouty. In this presentation the Proutys will highlight some National figures that received their education or taught in early one room schools in Washington County, NY. Many of the school buildings remain today and will be featured in the program.
11 AM - 3 PM	Barn #4	Draft horse wagon Rides In addition to free wagon rides, the Washington County Draft Animal Association give logging demonstrations throughout the day.
11 AM - 12 PM	Horse Arena	Ride Like Your LIfe Depends on It - The History of Horses in Battle. Hollie McNeil, instructor and owner of Riding Right Farm in South Cambridge, NY, demonstrates the origins of dressage—something you may have seen during the Summer Olympics, often described as “horse dancing.” Hollie will show how these elegant movements were originally developed for combat and survival on the battlefield. Learn more about Hollie and her credentials by visiting www.ridingfarm.com.
11 AM - 12 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Brandon Newell and Kevin Newell: The Newell brothers perform acoustic covers of popular rock/folk music from the 60s through today including The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and more!
11 AM	Common Threads Comfort Corner/Building #21	Foundation Paper Piecing Goes Paperless - Mary Ward demonstrates the historic versions of foundation piecing and how foundation piecing exists in the 21st century without screens.
11 AM - 3 PM	Farm Museum	Quilting & Loom Demonstrations
12 PM - 12:30 PM	Horse Arena	Riders of 4J Farmm of Argyle will demonstrate horseback military formations that have been used on battlefields throughout history. There will also be a patriotic routine set to music
12 PM - 1 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	Old Fort House of Revolutionary Suvivors presented by Village & Town of Fort Edward Historian and Executive Director of the Old Fort House Museum Paul McCarty
12 PM - 1 PM	Demonstration Station in front of Farm Museum	Forging a Fire Steel presented by Steve Mattison
12PM - 12:30	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	This Time Around Folk Music Group
12:30 PM	Near Reenactor Encampments	Reenactors representing the 2nd Continental Artillery (Revolutionary War) and members of the 118th New York Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery (Civil War) will present cannon demonstrations, followed by musket firing demonstrations from 17-century Pilgrim reenactors. Each unit will provide interpretive commentary.
12:45 PM - 2PM	Near Horse Arena	Pony Rides (Sunday Only)
1 PM - 1:30 PM	Demonstration Station In front of Farm Museum	Leatherworking demonstration presented by Keith O'Brien
1 PM - 2 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	Pat Niles presents the Origins of the American Revolution in Washington County
1 PM - 2 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Kevin Maynard & Ed Booking: Original songs often described as outlaw country/blue grass rock 'n roll kind of Bob Dylan and the band vibe.
1 PM - 2 PM	Horse Arena	Pony Rides (Sunday Only)
1:30 PM	Common Threads Comfort Corner/Building #21	Needlepoint Demonstration - Mary Ann Fowler, lifelong quilter and proud member of Highland Quilters of Argyle, NY.
2 PM	Near Reenactor Encampments	Reenactors representing the 2nd Continental Artillery (Revolutionary War) and members of the 118th New York Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery (Civil War) will present cannon demonstrations, followed by musket firing demonstrations from 17-century Pilgrim reenactors. Each unit will provide interpretive commentary.
2 PM	Tent in front of Farm Museum	Craig Murphy Photography presents authentic tintype demonstrations using the antique process of wet plate collodion photography as practiced in the 19th Century. Visitors may behold the marvel of a likeness appearing upon a hand‑poured metal plate, wrought in the very manner used during the U.S. Civil War era. Those who desire a faithful and enduring portrait (for purchase) are invited to sit and take away a piece of living history.
2 PM - 3 PM	Speakers/Youth Building	The History of Fort Edward Pottery presented by Village & Town of Fort Edward Historian and Executive Director of the Old Fort House Museum Paul McCarty
2 PM - 3 PM	Building #21	It's Revolutionary" Part II. A kid's program on stories, songs, and games from the Revolutionary War. Sisters Debi Craig and Dorothea Craig Casey will present a program in which children will learn about about the Boston Tea Party, Henry Knox's Noble Train of Artillery, Colonial children's games, and more! Please note: children will not have had to attend Part I in order to follow along and enjoy Part II
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	This Time Around Folk Music Group
2:30 PM - 3 PM	Horse Arena	Riders of 4J Farmm of Argyle will demonstrate horseback military formations that have been used on battlefields throughout history. There will also be a patriotic routine set to music
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM	Stage/Adjacent to Picnic Area	Lucas Garrett has played professionally for over 14 years. Incorporating his idiosyncratic vocal stylings with an unusual blend of progressive rock, folk, new wave, and indie, creating a unique sound that audiences enjoy time and time again.
3 PM - 4 PM	Horse Arena	Pony Rides (Sunday Only)
3 PM	Near Reenactor Encampments	Reenactors representing the 2nd Continental Artillery (Revolutionary War) and members of the 118th New York Infantry and Crenshaw’s Battery Artillery (Civil War) will present cannon demonstrations, followed by musket firing demonstrations from 17-century Pilgrim reenactors. Each unit will provide interpretive commentary.