American Revolution 250th Anniversary
Tales of Revolutionary New York
An Interactive Storytelling Program for Schools, Libraries, and Historic Sites
With Hudson Valley Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk
The world heard the first shot of the American Revolution at Lexington.
The last great battle was fought at Yorktown.
But much of the struggle—the fighting and fleeing, burnings and desolation, darkest treason, and the great Turning Point of the war—happened in New York.
~ The Revolution’s largest battle was fought on Long Island.
~ The fate of the war hinged on the Hudson River.
~ At West Point, the treachery of Benedict Arnold nearly handed victory to the British.
And here in the Hudson Highlands, George Washington faced down a crisis that could have destroyed the young republic before it began.
Truly, “those trying times here in New York helped shape the nation.
Revolutionary War 250th Anniversary Events by County:
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
Honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, with vivid Tales of Revolutionary New York—an interactive storytelling program for audiences of all ages.
I’m Jonathan Kruk, the Hudson Valley’s Master Storyteller.
For over 25 years, I’ve been sharing dramatic stories of the American Revolution in schools, museums, historic sites, and libraries.
My work has been recognized with:
~Citizenship Medals from the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
~Exemplary Public History Award from the Putnam County Historical Society
~An award-winning CD “Revolution on the River.”
See a Revolutionary Story Here
Video highlights of Jonathan Kruk performing as White Plans celebrates America’s 250th.
See a dramatic reading of the declaration of indepenence
Audiences experience vivid moments from the struggle for independence, including:
~ The origin story of “Yankee Doodle”—how a British insult became an American anthem
~ Dramatic scenes from the battles of Brooklyn, Saratoga, White Plains, Stony Point, and Fort Stanwix
~ The devastation of the Hudson Valley during the era of Cow-Boys, Skinners, and spies.
~ The daring actions of soldiers, farmers, women, the enslaved, and even children who shaped the fight for liberty
Each program blends history, drama, humor, and audience participation.
Listeners don’t just hear history—they experience it.
Why These Stories Matter Today
The American Revolution was not only a series of battles.
It was a time when ordinary people faced extraordinary choices.
These stories provide a powerful lens for thinking about citizenship, leadership, and the challenges facing a free nation today.
Bring the Revolution to Your Audience
Tales of Revolutionary New York is ideal for:
~ Schools, libraries, Historic sites, and museums
~ Community celebrations & America 250 events
Programs are engaging, interactive, and tailored to your audience and location.
Programs are engaging, interactive, and tailored to your audience and location.
~ Live musical accompaniment by Steve Kelman.
~ Ask for Revolutionary Songs by Historical Balladeer Linda Russell.