The New York State 250th Commemoration Commission is developing plans for New York’s statewide commemorative events. Several are under way.
In the meantime, readers can follow what is going on in New York communities and elsewhere here on New York Almanack, at the Office of State History and on the I Love New York site.
In a sense, New York will be competing with other states, where activity is surging ahead. other states.
For instance:
The Massachusetts 250 Commission has developed a very informative website and has already sponsored or co-sponsored some events, including commemorating the Battles of Lexington and Concord last April.
One of its themes is Massachusetts’ historic role as an innovator and leader. It will emphasize local events as well as leaders such as John Adams and John Hancock. The state has just issued a new commemorative license plate.
The Virginia 250 Commission also is conducting a robust commemoration. It has a full website with many forthcoming events. Its overall theme is “Celebrate 250 Years of America in Virginia” and “More of What Made America Happen, Happened Here.”
The state plans a robust series of events over a number of years (next up is Constitution Day, September 17). The commission offers official VA250 T-shirts, tote bags and hats with its logo and the slogan “America: Made in Virginia.”
There are special programs for students and young people. The state even has a “Va 250 Mobile Museum” which hit the road last January.
The Pennsylvania America 250 Commission invites people to “”Start Here! America Did!” and to “celebrate Pennsylvania’s leading role in the 250th Anniversary of America.”
A seven-minute film on the site introduces Pennsylvania’s role. They will also have a “Mobile Experiential Unit” that will move around the state.
Other states are also conducting robust, engaging commemorations. Particularly notable are North Carolina (roster of community events), South Carolina (site of 400 battles, says the site, which also has a series of videos), and Georgia (a series of statewide events, lots of emphasis on community events).
Historian Edwin L. Ayers in a recent essay in The New Republic suggested that the 250th anniversary should have four forms of remembrance: commemoration, celebration, memory and history.
He explained that:
“Celebration recalls the highest ideals and greatest accomplishments of the nation’s story, finding patriotism in common purpose and high ideals. It offers the appeal of parades and fireworks, festivals, and flags.
“Commemoration, on the other hand, is often solemn, asking for acknowledgment of what has been lost as well as what has been gained, of sacrifice and theft, of forgetfulness and neglect.
“Memory, for its part, reflects on the way personal lives interweave with the public events of the past, finding joy and sadness, pride and anger in family, place and faith.
“History is dispassionate, built on careful investigation and documentation, on open-mindedness and skepticism.”
New York has the potential to deliver on all four during the 250th years. The excellent 2024 publication of the State Museum and the Public Historians Association, The New York State 250th Commemoration Field Guide, provides guidance and inspiration.
It introduces a theme that deserves emphasis in our state: in New York, the revolution never seems to end, we are always striving, always about the business of making things better, always working toward achieving the lofty goals of the Declaration of Independence.
A century ago, State Historian Alexander C. Flick, in his book The American Revolution in New York: Its Political, Social and Economic Significance, asserted that “New York’s role in the Revolution has been ignored, misrepresented and misunderstood.”
Other states, particularly Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, represented themselves as the most important sites of revolutionary events, said Flick.
Now, we have another opportunity to tell the exciting New York story, not only what happened during the Revolution, but our complex, fascinating history since then.
Follow the latest news about the 250th Anniversary.
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