New York Celebrates July 4th With Revolutionary War Display

“Freedom’s Treasures” Exhibit Features Washington’s Farewell Address and Other Revolutionary War Historical Artifacts

June 26, 2007 -- New York Governor Eliot Spitzer today invited the public to the State Capitol to view a rare display of Revolutionary War-era historical artifacts, including Washington’s Farewell Address. The artifacts will be on display July 4th – 6th.

“More than two centuries ago, our nation’s founding fathers put their lives on the line in support of the ideals of freedom,” Governor Spitzer said. “This important exhibition of rare and important artifacts from that turbulent period in America’s history will inspire New Yorkers to remember our past and reflect on the real meaning of Independence Day.”

The exhibition, entitled “Freedom’s Treasures,” features a collection from the New York State Library, Archives and Museum of some of New York’s most important Revolutionary Era artifacts that have rarely been seen by the public – and never in a single-themed exhibition.

Featured in the exhibition is an original draft of George Washington’s Farewell Address penned in his hand that was sent to Alexander Hamilton for comment and revision on May 15, 1796. The document is part of the George Washington Collection at the New York State Library and was rescued from the fire that ravaged the State Capitol in 1911.

“Freedom’s Treasures” also will give the public the chance to see a pistol that was given to President Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette and one of General Washington’s dress swords presented to him by Frederick the Great. The sword was purchased by the State of New York directly from Washington’s family in 1871 and is depicted in the Washington portrait that hangs in the United States House of Representatives.

Among the other artifacts included in this exhibition are a portrait of Revolutionary War-period Governor DeWitt Clinton and a writing desk he used. The exhibit also includes the original engrossed copy of the U.S. Constitution sent to New York State for ratification and the “spy papers” retrieved from British Major John Andre’s boot that implicated American General Benedict Arnold in the West Point conspiracy.

The exhibition is part of a series of historical exhibits that are planned for the State Capitol to make the building accessible to the public and to showcase important memorabilia from New York state collections that are rarely seen by the public.

“Freedom’s Treasures” will be open to the public from 10 AM to 4 PM on July 4th in the State Capitol’s ceremonial Red Room. The display will remain available for public viewing on July 5th and 6th through scheduled Capitol tours. Please call the Office of General Services at (518) 474-2418 for tour details.

On July 4th, the public will be able to gain access to the State Capitol via the State Street entrance. Handicapped access will be provided via the Plaza Concourse level doors.

The full list of exhibited items is as follows:

* Washington’s Farewell Address;
* Bronze bust of George Washington;
* Washington’s copy of “A Representation of the Clothing of His Majesty’s Household and of all the Forces upon the Establishments of Great Britain and Ireland” (the uniform book);
* Washington’s pistol given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette;
* Washington’s dress sword;
* Benedict Arnold / John Andre papers;
* A print of John Andre crossing the Hudson River (based upon his own drawing of the event);
* Engrossed copy of the original U.S. Constitution;
* DeWitt Clinton portrait; and
* DeWitt Clinton’s writing desk and chair.

Source: New York Governor

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