Destination Dutchess invites residents and visitors to explore the people, places and stories that helped shape the nation's founding as America commemorates its 250th anniversary. Throughout 2026, Dutchess County’s Rev250 programming offers a variety of opportunities to experience local Revolutionary War history through reenactments, exhibits, performances, interactive experiences, craft beverages and community events.
"History was made in Dutchess County, and America's 250th anniversary gives us an opportunity to bring those stories to life thanks to special funding from Dutchess County Government," said Melaine Rottkamp, president and CEO of Destination Dutchess. "From historic sites and museums to community events and interactive experiences, visitors can explore the places where the American Revolution unfolded while connecting with the people and stories that shaped our nation. This countywide celebration reflects the incredible work of our historical societies, cultural organizations, attractions and local businesses, all working together to commemorate this milestone."
A centerpiece of the county's Rev250 celebration, RevCon returns June 13 at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park. Hosted by the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, Destination Dutchess and the Dutchess County Department of History, the free event features Revolutionary War reenactors, living-history demonstrations and educational programming throughout the day. Activities include oxen and draft horse demonstrations, wagon rides, children’s musket drills, cannon and musket firing demonstrations, and presentations by historians, including Michael Gabriel’s “The Canonization of Richard Montgomery” and Sara Evenson’s “From the Colonial Hearth to Your Kitchen.” The program also includes a Dutchess Rev250 Programming Grant Awards presentation recognizing local municipal historical societies that have been awarded funds from Dutchess County Government to carry out Rev250 programming and events.
The Commander in Cheers Beer Series also returns for 2026 with a special launch and tasting during RevCon. Produced in partnership with The Culinary Institute of America, King’s Court Brewing Company, Mill House Brewing Company, and Zeus Brewing Company, the limited-edition cans celebrate Dutchess County's Revolutionary history through craft beer and commemorative artwork. Cans will be available at participating locations throughout Dutchess County through Labor Day weekend while supplies last.
On June 27, the Revolutionary Cider Celebration at Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction brings together history, agriculture and Hudson Valley craft beverage traditions. The day features wagon ride talks through the apple orchard with owner Josh Morgenthau, along with Colonial-era food and beverage presentations by food historian Sara Evenson, who explores 18th-century kitchen spaces and historic culinary practices. Visitors can also hear Revolutionary-era stories from Hudson Valley storyteller Jonathan Kruk, accompanied by guitarist Steve Kelman, who will perform traditional music from the period and present tales including Sybil Ludington’s Ride, the story of Chief and Captain Daniel Nimham, The Legend of Polly Pell, and Enoch Crosby: Cobbler and Spy.
New for 2026, the Story Finder Rev250 Discovery Trail invites visitors to explore Dutchess County’s Revolutionary War history through a free mobile passport featuring 25 historic sites, attractions and cultural landmarks across the county. Participants can check in at locations for a chance at a grand prize that includes a White Glove Tour for two at Mount Gulian Historic Site in Beacon and a $75 gift certificate to The Tavern at the Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck.
Visitors can also continue their Revolutionary journey through Commander in Cheers, an augmented reality experience that brings history to life at participating breweries, wineries, distilleries, restaurants and other locations throughout Dutchess County. By scanning a Commander in Cheers coaster, guests can interact with "Tiny George," an augmented reality George Washington, and discover stories about the people, places and events that shaped the American Revolution in Dutchess County.
Local historical societies and cultural organizations are central to Dutchess County’s Rev250 commemoration, presenting exhibits, tours and programs throughout the year. Highlights include “Washington in Pawling” at the John Kane House in Pawling and “From Mount Beacon to the Hudson” at the Beacon Historical Society Museum, along with the Elmendorph Inn Tavern Experience opening Sept. 19 in Red Hook. Families will appreciate learning alongside Sergeant Chirp Dispatch, an augmented reality experience at nine county historic sites in addition to using the Wappinger Revolutionary Roots guidebook to plan stops at the town’s Revolutionary-era landmarks. Additional programming includes Rev250 Illuminated in Beacon, LaGrange Freedom Day on July 5, Colonial Trades Day on Aug. 8 in Hopewell Junction, and performances of “Amenia’s Spycatcher” Aug. 21-23, with events continuing across the county throughout the year.
For details about Rev250 events and experiences in Dutchess County, visit DestinationDutchess.com/Rev250.
