First Oval Office Project at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site (N.Y.)

Join the Museum at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh, N.Y., on Sept. 21-22, for New York State’s launch of the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. At the free event, the Museum will set up our First Oval Office Project, a recreated Revolutionary War encampment, including handsewn, full-scale replicas of General George Washington's sleeping and office marquee and baggage tent that were part of his mobile headquarters while on campaign. Navigate the encampment, explore the tents, and meet Museum staff and costumed living history interpreters portraying the people who would have been there. The event, which is open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, is free and open to the public. Washington's original sleeping and office tent from the Revolutionary War is on permanent display at the Museum of the American Revolution in historic Philadelphia.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is the nation's first publicly owned historic site, and it offers tours of the rooms where American history was made. At the event, visitors can also meet other living history interpreters to also learn about the life and experiences of Revolutionary War soldiers of African descent and participate in hands-on military drills and camp life activities. Historic site staff from across New York state will be present to discuss historic sites, programs, and their plans for the Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration.

Funding for First Oval Office Project programs was generously provided by David Bruce Smith.