NEW YORK—The U.S. Semiquincentennial is at the door. The nation will be celebrating its 250th anniversary on July 4, and Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus has begun preparing for commemorative celebrations in Orange County.
Neuhaus said in a Feb. 3 announcement that residents should take this opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich revolutionary history of Orange County. A Semiquincentennial Orange County 250 Field Guide was also released by the Executive’s Office.
“Orange County was a central and integral location during the American Revolution, and our communities helped shape the nation’s path to independence,” said Neuhaus.
“As we approach this historic milestone, this informative Field Guide will help residents, students, and visitors understand the extraordinary role our region played, and continues to play, in the American story.”
The 56-page field guide is available on the Orange County website or at the Office of the Orange County Historian, at 101 Main Street in Goshen. The guide gives a detailed and chronological explanation of Revolutionary War events in Orange County, how residents can follow and participate in commemorative activities, and the yearly activity themes.
The Orange County Semiquincentennial Commission is in charge of organizing the events and commemorations in the county. It has selected a different theme for each year up to 2033, which corresponds with the 250th anniversary of the end of the Revolutionary War.
The theme for 2026 is “Independence for All?” which looks into people who were disenfranchised by the war. Future themes include “Defense of the Hudson,” “Treason, Spies, and Double Agents,” and “Soldiers and Camp Life.”
Revolutionary activity started in Orange County in 1774, when merchants passed the Orangetown Resolutions to boycott the closing of the Boston Harbor. The war closed in Orange County in 1783, with Washington peacefully dispelling the Newburgh Conspiracy, when a group of Continental Army officers in camp at New Windsor discussed actions against the Congress due to lack of pay.
The Orange County Semiquincentennial Commission is holding 11 a.m. stakeholder meetings on April 3, June 5, Aug. 7, Oct. 2, and Dec. 4 to help organize and promote commemoration events. Officials encouraged historians, teachers, and event planners to join the meetings.
County officials recommended that residents follow the Orange County Government page on Facebook to stay in the know on upcoming 250th anniversary events and programs.
