The Ward House:
Past, Present, and Future
Protect History:
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Help us create living history for future generations! You can support our mission by making a donation. All donations are tax deductible.
Friends of the Ward House Honored
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.
UPCOMING LOCAL HISTORY PROGRAMS
SAVE THESE DATES....THE BRITISH ARE COMING!
History. Music. Culture.
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
October 24 - 25 | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | FREE Admission
REV FEST 250 brings the American Revolution to life during Westchester County's signature event commemorating the nation's 250th. Through the stories of patriots, loyalists, and those caught in between, the festival offers a deeper understanding of the people, choices, and conflicts that shaped the birth of a nation. Explore authentic Continental and British Army encampments, meet 500 volunteer living historians portraying soldiers and civilians, witness military drills, musket and artillery firing, artisan trades, and hands-on living history that reveals what life was like during the Revolution.
Enjoy live entertainment, browse exhibitors, sample local food trucks, and watch both armies assemble and march toward the weekend's signature attraction—the Reenactment of the Battle of White Plains, a large-scale tactical demonstration. With more than two miles of immersive experiences spanning the scenic grounds of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, there's something to discover around every corner. From historic camps and artisan villages to musical performances and interactive activities, REV FEST 250 offers an unforgettable weekend for families, history enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages.
Westchester County Historical Society 250th History Hunt
July 3, 2026 to October 30, 2026
Location: Online
Experience Westchester’s amazing history by visiting places that still relate the events and daily life in Westchester during the nearly eight years of the American Revolution. Visit and complete a challenge at all of the sites in one of the three geographic areas of the county to earn a prize. Sites include homes that once hosted George Washington, a cemetery that started during the Revolutionary War, dramatic statues, former forts, and much more! All that is needed is the History Hunt web app. The web app will guide you to each site where you will hear an audio description, see images, and be given a simple task of snapping a photo and easily uploading it onto the web app. After the History Hunt concludes on October 30, 2026, prizes will be presented to individuals, families, or groups who complete one of the three geographic areas and a grand prize for those who complete all 46 sites. Gifts include complimentary tickets to family-friendly Westchester restaurants, amusements, and museums – including family memberships.
Presented by: Westchester County Historical Society
Registration: https://app.otocast.com/guide/WestchesterHistory2026 or scan QR code
Contact: (914) 231-1437, https://westchesterhistory.com/
The Declaration Distributed: Westchester County’s Holt Broadside of 1776
Date & time: Through Sunday December 20, 2026, Thursdays to Sundays from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Neuberger Museum SUNY Purchase
735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase
New York adopted the Declaration on July 9, 1776, and immediately engaged printer and publisher John Holt to print copies in order the spread the word. The Holt Broadside is one of only a handful of sheets left from Holt’s print run. The exhibition focuses on the document, its printer, the role of printing during the Revolution, the first reader of the document in New York State who lived on the land where SUNY Purchase now stands, its whereabouts over the last 250 years, and current preservation efforts so that it will be with us for another 250 years.
Presented by: Neuberger Director Tracy Fitzpatrick, Westchester County Government, Friends of the Neuberger Museum of Art.
Registration: None
Contact: (914) 251-6100, nma@purchase.edu
STAYED TUNED FOR MORE EXCITING EVENTS AS WE CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE OUR 250TH!
Local Women of the Revolution
The Friends of the Ward House were pleased to present Local Women of the Revolution at the Tuckahoe Public Library on May 30th. The program highlighted the stories of Anna Ward, Phebe Fowler Ward, Ruth Gedney Ward, and Mrs. Cricket, telling stories of women often overlooked in the Revolution. This event was sponsored by the Youth Community Fund.
We thank everyone who attended and helped make the program a success, especially our outstanding presenters, Jennie Steinhagen, Maria Grillo, and Reggie Street.
HAPPY 250TH! 1776-2026
Original document from the Westchester County Archives will be on display at the Neuberger Museum, SUNY Purchase, from July 4th - December 20th, 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. 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 Friends of the Ward House is honored to have received a grant award from the Youth Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe.
The Youth Community Fund is led by local high school students who work to support nonprofit organizations serving our community. They, among other things, raise funds and distribute these funds to local agencies, who provide important services to the BET community, via a grant application process.
We are deeply grateful for their support and look forward to using these funds to continue sharing the history of the Ward House and surrounding areas with audiences of all ages.
Thank you to the Youth Community Fund for investing in the preservation of local history.
Recent News Regarding The Ward House
We at the Friends of the Ward House are very grateful to Westchester County for saving it and making it Westchester's 54th park.
However, we are unexpectedly fielding questions since the sudden announcement that the Ward House will become the Lenape Center. The Friends of the Ward House had no prior knowledge of this announcement and, like many of you, learned about it through the media. We were not consulted, nor included in any discussions between Tuckahoe and the County of Westchester.
In July of 2024, after conferring with historical experts in the field, the Friends of the Ward House, submitted the Ward House Plan Executive Summary to the County providing a road map of how the purchase and restoration could possibly take place. George Latimer, Judah Holstein, and Ken Jenkins, graciously undertook the work to bring it to fruition.
Our initial understanding in our informal discussions with the County was that the house would undergo extensive restoration and historic preservation. We were asked to provide continued support which we readily agreed to do. We were waiting for further details when this recent disclosure was made. Please note, the dedication of the Ward House by Westchester County initially scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th has been cancelled and is tentatively re-scheduled for June 4th.
As our mission states, we serve to conduct activities to preserve, maintain... the historical integrity of the Ward House and its associated grounds, from the land's Lenape beginnings, to the construction of the house by the Ward Family, the death of Captain Samuel Crawford and scores of patriots, stories of women, children, and the enslaved, the British burning of the house in 1778, and rebuilding in 1797 by Jonathan Ward, Irish quarry workers, the marble industry, a central meeting place and stagecoach stop, our first post office, and much more throughout the site's 300+ year history. The Lenape beginnings represent one jewel in the mosaic centered around the Ward House, but each historic jewel should be shared with students of history, young and old.
As we learn more details, we will share them with you. We thank you for your continued support, especially as we mark the 250th Anniversary of our nation in which the Ward House played a huge role.
WITH SINCERE THANKS!
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.
Ward House: Year in Review and Next Steps
Dear Friend of the Ward House,
I want to share the great news that the Ward House is now safely in possession of Westchester County Parks Department! We are very grateful to our County, our local leaders and legislators, and you, our faithful donors, who have helped over the past five years to save this beloved landmark. We particularly want to recognize the late Eastchester Town Historian Richard Forliano, a founding board member of the Friends of the Ward House and tireless advocate for protecting the history of the Ward House.
While we await the County's official announcement and plan a future celebration of this great event, we ask for your continued support.
The mission of Friends of the Ward House "to conduct activities to preserve, maintain and generally promote for the public good the historical integrity of the Ward House and its associated grounds and advance education related to the same" does not change. Westchester County Parks will be responsible for initial preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the Ward House, and Friends of the Ward House will support those efforts and actively highlight the historical value of the house and site through our continued efforts in educational outreach.
Thanks to the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the Youth Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe, (BET) our Education Committee has been working with local students on the ECHO’s of History Research and Video Project and accompanying drone tour of Route 22, which will be unveiled in 2026. In August of 2025, The Youth Community Fund of BET also awarded us additional funding for 250th Anniversary programming for the schools and community.
A generous donor has given us a challenge for year-end giving and has pledged to match all donations made in 2025 up to $20,000. Any donation made by 12/31/2025 is eligible for the match. (if you have given already in 2025, thank you!) Please be as generous as your means allow–no donation is too small. Please support our mission by making a donation now!
Your support allows us to continue our educational goals to provide Ward House living history to all ages of the community, using the Ward House timeline of historic events since the land was acquired from the Lenape Native American tribe in 1700 through the present day, with particular focus on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, from 2026-2033. Please enjoy the images below of some of our events and programs this year.
We thank you for your continued support and look forward to celebrating with you in 2026!
With warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season,
Sal Provenzano
President
Please support our mission by making a donation now!
Friends of the Ward House Inc is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
OR SEND YOUR CHECK TO:
Friends of the Ward House, Inc.
PO Box 62
Tuckahoe, NY 10707
Your donation will aid us in our mission to preserve, maintain, and promote this historic landmark, creating living history for future generations. All donations are greatly appreciated.
Key 2025 Events
March 16th, 2025: Samuel Crawford Day, with Eastchester Veterans pictured L-R: Josh Gaccione, Michael Grillo, Jr., Maria Grillo, Mike Grillo, Vito Pinto, County Legislator Judah Holstein.
March 16th, 2025: Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade.
August 23, 2025: Sal Provenzano and Connie Kehoe in front of Stephen Ward's grave after a lecture about Stephen Ward given by David Osborne at St. Paul's National Historic Church.
September 3, 2025: Revolutionary Westchester 250th event at the Wainwright House hosted by Connie Kehoe featuring local guardians of living history. A replica of the Ward House is displayed in the center.
September 27-28, 2025: Revolutionary Westchester 250th on the Hudson.
June 7, 2025: Receiving the DAR Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from Regent Maura Reilly Light, White Plains Chapter of the DAR
June 28, 2025: Revolutionary Westchester 250th at Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers with NYS Senator Shelley Mayer.
June 28, 2025: Revolutionary Westchester 250th at Philipse Manor Hall in Yonkers with US Congressman George Latimer.
Echo Corridor Student Research Project
For the past year, students from the Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe High Schools have been researching the history of significant sites along the Route 22 corridor with local historians Nick Zanzano, Raymond Gesselbracht, Lissa Halen, and Sara Mascia, with film editing by Bronxville educator, Chris Doyle. The students especially enjoyed conducting their research at the Marble School House. Thanks to the Eastchester Historical Society, Immaculate Conception Church, and Tuckahoe Public Library for additional research space.
A special thanks to our dear friend, the late Richard Forliano, who helped get this project started. He was recognized by the Association of Public Historians of New York State as "Historian of the Year" in 2024.
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!
With sincere thanks,
The Friends of the Ward House Board of Trustees
President Sal Provenzano with County Legislator Judah Holstein after a 17-0 unanimous vote by the Westchester County Board of Legislators to purchase the house and site.
Watch history be made as the County Board of Legislators
vote to save the Ward House.
Watch as Judah Holstein memorialized Eastchester Town Historian Richard Forliano for his dedication to preserving history, particularly the Ward House.
In Memoriam: Richard Forliano
1945-2025
Teacher/Mentor/Coach/Friend
Obituary and Services Information
Visitation: Friday, September 19, 3:00 - 7:00 pm
Westchester Funeral Home, Main St. Eastchester
Service: Saturday, September 20, 1:00 pm
Village Lutheran Church, White Plains Rd, Bronxville
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
Friends of the Ward House Receive Historic Preservation Award
The Friends of the Ward House were honored to receive the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award on Saturday June 7th at the 120th Anniversary Celebration of the White Plains Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to the DAR, with special thanks to Regent Maura Reilly Light, who has been a stalwart supporter from the beginning. This award represents the diligent efforts of our volunteers, donors, historians, and Westchester County leaders to save a local treasure, The Ward House.
Westchester County Allocates 2.5 Million Dollars for Purchase and Restoration of Ward House.
Hear County Leaders praise the Ward House.
L-R: Judah Holstein, Maria Grillo, Michael Grillo, Jonathan Kruk, George Latimer, Sal Provenzano, Ken Jenkins, and Connie Kehoe
We want to thank former Westchester County Executive and newly appointed New York Congressman George Latimer, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, and Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein for their efforts in securing $2,550,000 in funding to the Village of Tuckahoe in the 2025 Westchester County Capital Projects budget for the purchase and restoration of the Ward House.
We are grateful for your support! Now all parties can work together to bring this plan to fruition so Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and Bronxville can benefit from this treasured landmark as living history and the Ward House can take its rightful place in the 250th Revolutionary Westchester celebrations in 2026.
Why the Ward House Matters
At the top of a hill, where two prominent roads dating back to colonial times intersect, sits one of Westchester’s most important historic sites. The Ward House is in Tuckahoe on 230 White Plains Road, where Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe meet. It is one of fewer than a dozen early farmhouses on the Post Road between Mount Vernon and White Plains which have survived to teach us about our local past. The Ward House was burnt by the British in 1778 and rebuilt in the 1790s.
We must not allow the Ward House to be destroyed again.
The Friends of the Ward House is raising funds to preserve and share our home to history.
Your donation will support our preservation efforts, ensuring long-term protection of this treasured historical landmark.
This brief video highlights the importance of saving the Ward House to protect our history.
Best Kept Secret
Few, if any, structures in Westchester preserve the story of the creation of our nation as does the Ward House. Its history recalls the armed conflict, civilian suffering, and political divisions in the County during the American Revolution. Samuel Crawford, Westchester’s most important patriot leader to die in the service of our country, was mortally wounded in a skirmish here.
Click here to view the March 16th, 2024 tribute, marking the 247th anniversary of the death of Captain Samuel Crawford.
Support Our Mission
Please support us in our mission by making a one-time donation or by becoming a member of the Friends of the Ward House. The Friends of the Ward House is a New York State non-profit organization and has full IRS 501(c)(3) status. All donations are tax deductible.
Please view our timeline to learn more about Ward House history. Together we can ensure that the Ward House remains in the same place it has been standing, witnessing history and sharing with us the related lessons, for almost 280 years.
The mission of the Friends of the Ward House is to serve as a charitable organization to conduct activities to preserve, maintain, and generally promote for the public good the historical integrity of the Ward House and its associated grounds and advance education related to same.
Contact Us
Phone: 917-650-5547
Friends of the Ward House, Inc. P.O.B. 62
Tuckahoe, NY 10707
Have a question about the Ward House? You may reach us by email, phone, or mail.