Free Event: Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m.
Denizen Theater at Water Street Market

A panel of local historians will discuss the role New Paltz had before, during and after the American Revolution and the community’s distinctive history of elections. “New Paltz; the American Revolution, Elections, Patriots and Loyalists” will be presented by the New Paltz Democratic Committee and held at the Denizen Theater at Water Street Market on Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. The event is free.

During the American Revolution, New Paltz was a hub of Patriot activity where residents signed the Articles of Association in 1775 to boycott British goods. Local Committees of Safety, rather than royal officials, held power, holding elections and organizing resistance. The community, particularly on Huguenot Street, was pivotal in regional efforts. 

“As our Nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, we have an incredible opportunity to revisit this period of our history to gain a deeper understanding of the Revolution on a local level,” says panel member, Ulster County Historian Eddie Moran. “This conflict was experienced and shaped by ordinary residents of diverse backgrounds who aren’t dissimilar to us. It’s exciting for us as historians to share that deeper and more local understanding of the Revolution with the public.”

Panelists are Moran; Kate Hymes, member, history committee, Margaret Wade Lewis Center and 2024 Ulster County Poet Laureate; Zachary Veith, tour and interpretation coordinator, Historic Huguenot Street; and, Josephine Bloodgood, director of curatorial and preservation affairs, Historic Huguenot Street.

This event is part of “Revolutionary New Paltz,” a series of family friendly events, tours, talks, reflections, exhibits and gatherings discovering and honoring New Paltz’s history, people, place and culture at America’s 250th -- taking place between May 4 and July 4, 2026.

For information email: newpaltzdems@gmail.com.

New Paltz: the American Revolution, Elections, Patriots and Loyalists