Yorktown 250 Initiative Launches with Musical Presentation of “Washington and His Spies” Nov 7 & 14

The Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission will launch a series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a performance of Revolutionary War-era songs.

Recorded at the landmarked Community Church of Yorktown, the program by award-winning duo Anne and Ridley Enslow will be broadcast twice on the Yorktown television channel (Optimum: Channel 20; FIOS: Channel 33) on consecutive Saturdays, November 7 and November 14 at 7:30 P.M.

“This is the first of what will be many events and commemorations,” said Commission Chair, Lynn Briggs. “The Enslows will transport the television audience to a by-gone era infused with a revolutionary spirit that gave birth to our country.”

The Enslows, dressed in historically accurate clothing, give concerts on American themes and play music of the American colonial period, using instruments accurate to the time --- 18th century violin, hammered dulcimer, jaw harp, mountain dulcimer, pennywhistle, and the playful percussion instrument the “limberjack.” The duo has recorded five albums, two of which – Music for the American Colonies and Music for Abraham Lincoln – were named Notable Recordings by the American Library Association. Most of their music is drawn from original manuscripts, sheet music and songsters or wandering musicians.

“This is a great opportunity for families to safely enjoy a learning experience together,” said Supervisor Matt Slater.”  Our community has a rich Revolutionary War history and my hope is that this program will spark our residents’ interest in learning more about Yorktown’s contributions to our country’s struggle for independence.”

In July 2016, Congress passed the “United States Semiquincentennial Act” in order to provide for the observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, which is in 2026. Local, state, national and international activities are being planned, encouraged and developed to celebrate this birthday. Westchester County, and in particular, Yorktown, played a pivotal role in both the American Revolution and the founding of the United States, and passed a local resolution to honor the occasion. The Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission is pleased to partner with Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250) in presenting special events relating to the nation’s birth.

For the Yorktown Concert—their first virtual foray—the Enslows have prepared a selection of songs and music entitled “Washington and his Spies.”  Since much Revolutionary subterfuge took place in Westchester County, and even in Yorktown – the program is a perfect fit. Beginning with “British Grenadier,” the Enslows introduce their program with a traditional 18th century marching song of British military units, performed by Ridley Enslow on a violin actually crafted in France in the year of our country’s birth - 1776, and Anne Enslow on hammered dulcimer. Anne Enslow provides a narrative of remarkable detail, transporting listeners back to every Revolutionary place and time.  Other numbers focus on the mysterious Culper Ring of spies, hero Nathan Hale, and double agent John Champe, who was sent to New York City to apprehend the traitor Benedict Arnold.  Yorktowners have a special connection to the “unfortunate” British Spy Master, Major John Andre, who ate his last meal as a free man at the Underhill House on Hanover Street.  Andre’s numerous talents included poetry as evidenced by the song, “The Cow Chase,” set to music by the Enslows, which he penned to mock a failed cattle raid by the American General “Mad” Anthony Wayne.  Andre’s captor, Paulding, is also memorialized in another tune, “Brave Paulding.”

The Enslow’s program is a remarkable mix of history, music and entertainment – enjoyable for all ages, and a triumphant reminder of our town’s place in the history of our country.

The Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission (YHPC) thanks the Community Church of Yorktown and Pastor Joseph Vigilante for providing an historic and fitting location for the concert. The concert is presented in memory of Nancy and Otto H. Burkhardt, Jr. and Frank S. Szczepanski, Jr.

YHPC is also grateful to Doug DeMarco of Brown Bag Productions for technical assistance on this project.

For more information on the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission, our Landmarks and our Homes of Historic Distinction Programs, please visit our Facebook page and/or our webpage (https://www.yorktownny.org/hpc).