Friends of the Ward House, Inc.

09/22/2026

Save the date.....The British are coming....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18TH, 1:30 pm
Pavilion Field, Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck

09/22/2026

What an honor for the Friends of the Ward House Board to be recognized along with County Executive Ken Jenkins on Saturday, September 19th at the 230th Anniversary of Huguenot Lodge #46 in Mount Kisco. Especially moving was to receive the Jonathan Ward Heritage Award considering Jonathan Ward’s personal history in rebuilding his family home after it was destroyed by the British during the Revolutionary War. Over 230 years later, it still stands today on White Plains Road as a testament to all who have fought to save and bring this cause forward, fervently led by the late Eastchester Town Historian Richard Forliano. With many thanks to Lee Justo and the Westchester Putnam Masonic Historical Society, County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Parks and Recreation, and Mayor Cara Kronen and the Village of Tuckahoe for their commitment to the preservation of Westchester history, particularly the Ward House.

09/14/2026

The Friends of the Ward House are extremely grateful to be honored by Huguenot Lodge #46 with the Jonathan Ward Heritage Award on Saturday, September 19th, for our efforts in saving the Ward House. Without donor and Westchester County support, this would not have been possible and we thank you!

07/13/2026

We had a wonderful time marching in the Eastchester, Tuckahoe & Bronxville America's 250th Birthday Parade! 🇺🇸 Thank you to everyone who came out to support the all who matched in the parade. We loved celebrating with our community!

Congratulations to Grand Marshals Mike Grillo and the late Richard Forliano, who was honored posthumously.

07/10/2026

MARCH WITH THE FRIENDS OF THE WARD HOUSE!

Just a reminder that the Eastchester, Bronxville, Tuckahoe parade celebrating 250 years of independence is Saturday, July 11, at 11:00 AM. We invite members, supporters, families, and friends to walk alongside the Friends of the Ward House, the Eastchester Historical Society, and Tuckahoe History Committee

If you are marching, muster will begin at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 53 Winterhill Road, Tuckahoe. Interested in marching with us? Contact [email protected] for details.

The Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. from the Immaculate Conception School and concludes at Lake Isle Country Club.

At the Parade’s conclusion at Noon, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Washington, a BBQ with food and drinks for purchase, music as well as other activities on the Lake Isle Driving Range. Bring your own chair.

Tuckahoe Fireworks will also happen on Saturday July 11th at Parkway Oval Field. Activities will run from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the Fireworks Display at Dusk.

We hope that you can attend!

07/05/2026

EXPERIENCE THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN WESTCHESTER
Visit historic structures, plaques and markers where history happened! Pick up a free copy of Revolutionary Westchester 250's map and guide at your local Westchester County library.

The map features descriptions of more than 50 sites in Westchester and the Bronx (which was the southern portion of Westchester until the late 1800s). The project was made possible by volunteer work, private donations and support from New York State and Westchester County.

07/05/2026

As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of our nation, let us remember that the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776 stated a wish and a dream, procured by the sacrifice of many, not guaranteed nor fulfilled until 1783.

Families, like the Wards, were torn asunder by divided loyalties. (https://westchesterhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The_Westchester_Historian_Volume_52_Number_3.pdf) Captain Samuel Crawford, present at the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the White Plains Courthouse steps on July 11th and integral to voting for the creation of New York State, was killed by the British eight months later in a skirmish at the Ward House.

Throughout our history we are reminded that freedom isn't free. Today we give thanks to all who fought to protect the seeds of liberty, born of this document 250 years ago, so our country may continue to bear the fruits of freedom.

The Westchester County Archives will have their original copy of the Declaration of Independence on display at the Neuberger Museum, SUNY Purchase, from July 4th - December 20th, 2026.

06/20/2026

A wonderful day of living history at Wayside Cottage❤️

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

A special living history presentation, LOCAL WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTION was held at the Tuckahoe Public Library on Saturday, May 30th, in honor of the 250th Anniversary of our nation. The program highlighted true-life stories and experiences of four Eastchester women and their sacrifices during the American Revolution:
Jennie Steinhagen movingly portrayed Phebe Ward, wife of loyalist Edmund Ward, a determined mother, who defended her property until the end. Jennie also depicted Ruth Gedney Ward, wife of Stephen Ward, the ardent patriot leader who built the Ward House and whose home was deliberately attacked in the fighting.

Reggie Street realistically evoked the emotional plight and anguish of Anna Ward, one of six enslaved by the Ward Family, and her journey navigating dangerous uncertainty to protect her daughter.

Maria Grillo as Mrs. Cricket shared a fascinating look into what life was like on the road for wives and children,” camp followers” of the militia and included a butter churning demonstration.
LOCAL WOMEN OF THE REVOLUTION was sponsored by the Friends of the Ward House, through a grant from the Youth Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe. Thanks also to David Osborne at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site and the Tuckahoe Public Library.