No part of the country was more contested during the American Revolution than New York City, the Hudson River, and the surrounding counties that make up the Hudson Valley. Political and military leaders on both sides viewed this valley as the American jugular, which, if cut, would quickly bleed the rebellion to death. In 1776, King George III sent the largest amphibious force ever assembled to seize Manhattan and use it as a base from which to push up the Hudson River Valley for a grand rendezvous at Albany with an impressive army driving down from Canada. George Washington and every other patriot leader shared the king’s fixation with the Hudson. Throughout 1776, several battles took place along the river, and it remained strategically vital for the rest of the war. 

   The Woodbury Historical Society will welcome presenter and educator Rob Buccheri to trace events along the Hudson River during our nation’s struggle for Independence! Buccheri is a retired Social Studies teacher who taught at Carmel High School in Putnam County, New York, for 32 years. He created and taught elective courses for high school students on both the Revolutionary War as well as the Civil War, and is a Master Teacher for the Living History Education Foundation. He has created and instructed courses that specialize in teaching fellow educators “living history” techniques. These courses offer participants a total immersion experience in the periods of both the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars. Participants camp, drill, and cook as if they were soldiers living in these eras. He has presented at numerous Social Studies conferences throughout New York State for the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the Westchester – Lower Hudson Council for the Social Studies. He serves as a commander for the 5th New York Regiment of re-enactors, often serving as a re-enactor for the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and Civil War. He has traveled extensively to Revolutionary War and Civil War sites throughout the country.

   Light food and refreshments will be available at this program, which is open to the public at no charge. For any questions, please call (845) 928-6770 or email woodbury1889@optonline.net