Friends of the Ward House, Inc.

03/17/2026

Thanks to all who joined us yesterday, March 16, 2026, for the wreath laying ceremony in honor of Captain Samuel Crawford. Special thanks to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Travis Melby, Vito Pinto, and Deacon Frank Orlando.

03/17/2026

What an amazing day at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade yesterday! ☘️🎉

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support, cheer, volunteer, and participate. The energy, smiles, and community spirit made the parade truly unforgettable. From the marchers and performers to the families lining the streets, every single person helped make the celebration so special.

☘️

03/04/2026

Dear Friend of the Ward House,
We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters, which resulted in exceeding the $20,000 matching fundraising goal, raising over $40,000 in total. These funds allow us to advance our educational goals to provide Ward House living history to all ages of the community. In 2026, we will be focusing on the Ward House role in the American Revolution, as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Want to become more involved with the Friends of the Ward House?
1. March with us at the Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15th. Kick-off is at 3 pm at Immaculate Conception School Parking Lot. Parking with free shuttle busses to the kick-off location is at Lake Isle a Country Club starting at 12:15 pm with the last shuttle bus leaving at 2:45 pm. (Email [email protected] if you plan on marching. You will receive a free t-shirt, while supplies last)

2. Join the Friends of the Ward House on Monday, March 16, 2026 to commemorate the 249th anniversary of the heroic acts of Revolutionary War Hero, Captain Samuel Crawford, Westchester County’s most prominent soldier to lose his life in the struggle for independence.  

11 am: Wreath Laying at Crawford Monument, gather on the grounds of the Ward House, 230 White Plains Road, Tuckahoe.  The wreath laying by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2285 will be led by Travis Melby.

We hope to see you there! Thank you for all your continued support.

12/29/2025

💚 Year-End Giving Match! Just three more days to go--please help us reach our goal!

A generous donor will match all 2025 donations up to $20,000. Every gift made by 12/31/25 counts — no donation is too small!

👉 Support our mission: Donate today visit our website (https://www.wardhousefriends.org/donate-join) or send your check to:
Friends of the Ward House, Inc.
PO Box 62
Tuckahoe, NY 10707


Thank you for helping us bring living history to future generations. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in 2026!

12/23/2025

🎉 Big News for the Ward House! 🎉
The Ward House is now officially in the care of Westchester County Parks — a huge milestone made possible by our local leaders, dedicated supporters, and generous donors over the past five years. We proudly honor the late Richard Forliano, founding board member and tireless advocate for this historic landmark.

Our mission remains the same: to preserve, protect, and share the history of the Ward House through education and community programs. With County support on preservation, Friends of the Ward House will continue highlighting its rich history; including exciting student projects and 250th Anniversary programming leading up to 2026–2033.

💚 Year-End Giving Match!
A generous donor will match all 2025 donations up to $20,000. Every gift made by 12/31/25 counts — no donation is too small!

Thank you for helping us bring living history to future generations. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in 2026!

👉 Support our mission: Donate today visit our website (https://www.wardhousefriends.org/donate-join) or send your check to:
Friends of the Ward House, Inc.
PO Box 62
Tuckahoe, NY 10707

10/02/2025

09/30/2025

SAVED! History was made last evening as the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted 17-0 to proceed with the purchase and preservation of the Ward House site, making it Westchester County's newest park. Our heartfelt thanks to all who played a role in this worthy cause over the past four years. Special thanks to Judah Holstein, Ken Jenkins, George Latimer, and the Westchester County Board of Legislators for bringing this to fruition. Thanks also to all of our donors, historians, and local leaders, who generously provided crucial support, guidance, and insight. We look forward to celebrating this achievement as we prepare for the 250th Anniversary of the founding of our great nation! Stay tuned!
With sincere thanks,
Friends of the Ward House Board

09/28/2025

We are very excited to be back today at Croton Point Park between 11-5. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in Westchester Revolutionary War history! Here are some more highlights from yesterday.

09/28/2025

09/27/2025

Join us today at Croton Point Park. There is so much here to do and see! Festivities kick off at 11 am and end at 5. Sunday too! Don’t miss this great opportunity to be a part of living history!

09/24/2025

JOIN US AT REV FEST 250
Stop by our table to see our new
miniature model of the Ward House.

SEPTEMBER 27 & 28, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Croton Point Park
1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520-3028

The Friends of the Ward House will be exhibiting at REV FEST 250 from 11-5 on September 27 and 28. Learn about the amazing Revolutionary War history of Westchester County, including Eastchester's Phebe Ward (played by Jennie Steinhagen). Don't miss storyteller Jonathan Kruk, live historic and battlefield reenactments, music, crafts, and much more! For a detailed list of the day's events, click here: https://www.visitwestchesterny.com/250/revfest/

09/17/2025

In Memoriam:
Richard Forliano, Eastchester Town Historian
1945-2025
Teacher/Mentor/Coach/Friend

For his obituary and service details please click on the link below.
https://www.westchesterfuneralhome.com/memorials/richard-forliano/5637982/index.php

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Eastchester Town Historian Richard Forliano. He was a founding board member and served on our board of advisors as a true inspiration to our mission.

Richard passionately promoted the rich local history of our community for nearly 60 years through his roles as Eastchester High School history teacher, Eastchester Town Historian, and Chairman of Education for Friends of the Ward House.

Last year, Richard received the award for Excellence in Promoting Local History from the Association of Public Historians of New York State. In her nomination, board member Elaine Provenzano stated that what was most remarkable about Richard Forliano was his ability to stir tremendous enthusiasm for history in the hearts of his students, igniting a lifelong passion for many, with some following in his footsteps as history majors and educators.

This was exemplified a few years back while marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, with Richard dressed as Stephen Ward-- eliciting shouts and cheers of “Mr. Forliano” from waving fans on the sidelines. This reaction was truly evocative of the impact a teacher and historian can leave on a community. In his “retirement” from the teaching profession where he gave his all, he continued to spend his life teaching the richness of Eastchester’s history, thus providing a veritable map for future generations and leaders to emulate.

Richard Forliano held that torch for us and continued to bang the drum and shine a beacon of light on our history, lest we forget. May we each take up our own torch and keep that spirit alive.

Our hearts and prayers are with his family as they grieve their beloved father and grandfather. We now wish him the perfect rest along with his wife Faith, who predeceased him eight months ago. He often shared his deep faith in God, despite adversity. He has "competed well...finished the race...and kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)

Rest in Peace, Dear Friend
The Friends of the Ward House Board