Past Events
Revolution on the Hudson
Living History Experience
Saturday, November 9, 11am-4pm Croton Point Park
The Friends of the Ward House will be onsite together with The Eastchester Historical Society and The Tuckahoe History Committee. Please visit our table!
FRIENDS OF THE WARD HOUSE KICKS OFF “ONE IN A MILLION” FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN
We are thrilled with the outpouring of support from all who came to celebrate history on Thursday, July 11th, 2024. Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk gave a spirited reading of the Declaration of Independence, first read to the public on July 11th, 1776 on the White Plains Court House steps, thus transforming the British Colony of New York into New York State. Kruk portrayed Judge John Thomas in his reading, with Michael Grillo and Maria Grillo as Captain and Mrs. Samuel Crawford standing to his right. In 1776, Crawford stood on the steps near John Thomas as it was read and was later mortally wounded in a skirmish on the Ward House grounds.
Thanks to all of our government officials for attending and supporting our efforts to protect history:
George Latimer, County Executive
Ken Jenkins, Deputy County Executive
Judah Holstein,Westchester County Legislator
Anthony Giacobbe, Councilman, Town of Eastchester
Please support our mission by making a donation or pledge now!
GEORGE LATIMER, WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE
JONATHAN KRUK AS JUDGE JOHN THOMAS AND CONNIE KEHOE, PRESIDENT RW250
Judah Holstein, Maria Grillo, Michael Grillo, Jonathan Kruk, George Latimer, Sal Provenzano, Ken Jenkins, and Connie Kehoe
MASTER STORYTELLER JONATHAN KRUK AS JUDGE JOHN THOMAS
JUDAH HOLSTEIN, WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR
MARIA AND MICHAEL GRILLO AS CAPT. AND MRS. SAMUEL CRAWFORD
The Declaration of Independence read on the White Plains Courthouse steps on July 11, 1776 (Courtesy of the Westchester Historical Society)
Early American Music and Arts
KEN JENKINS, DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Save the Date
Celebrating the 248th Anniversary of
the Reading of the Declaration of Independence in White Plains
Thursday, July 11th @ 6:30 pm
American Legion Hall
40 Bell Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Co-sponsored by
The Friends of the Ward House
and American Legion Post #979
with featured guest:
His Excellency General George Washington
Light refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP by July 8th to wardhousefriends@gmail.com.
On July 11th, 1776, Captain Samuel Crawford was one of the first to hear the Declaration of Independence read on the steps of the White Plains Court House. Eight months later, he would be mortally wounded on the Ward House grounds. Let us not forget the great sacrifices of these first leaders of liberty and ensure this history is preserved for future generations. Help us to commemorate the birth of New York State and our nation.
APPEALS DENIED
The Tuckahoe Village Board of Trustees denied the demolition and economic hardship appeals by Biggest Fish Westchester in a unanimous 5-0 vote, upholding the findings of the Historic Preservation Commission and landmark law. Click here for News 12 recap.
We are very grateful to the Village Board and all who came out to show their support tonight. Many of you have been with us from the beginning.
Now our next phase begins— To raise the needed funds required to protect, preserve, and restore the Ward House.
Please join us in a pledge to protect the future of the Ward House.
With Gratitude,
The Friends of the Ward House Board of Trustees
Thank you to our many supporters who attended last night's meeting. As some of you may have already seen on News 12, it was a full house, with positive support for the Ward House. The Board of Trustees have closed the public hearing and will vote on the appeal on Monday, June 3rd @ 7 pm.
Here is a link to the Youtube video of the May 6 meeting.
Please stay tuned for further developments.
The Friends of the Ward House Board
Hardship Denied
Tonight the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission voted against the application for economic hardship. Thanks to all of our supporters that packed the room and have contributed in so many different ways.
Stay tuned....
The public hearing will remain open until the next HPC meeting in November, date TBD. Written public comments can be addressed to the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission at 65 Main Street, Tuckahoe, NY. 10707. Comments may also be submitted by email to Village Administrator, David Burke, DBurke@tuckahoe-ny.com
We had an outstanding turnout for last night's public hearing on the Ward House with broad representation from our community. We want to thank Bronxville High School Senior Marian Schafer for collecting almost 300 names for her petition, which was submitted to the commission last evening.
It was abundantly clear that the owner of the Ward House will need to provide more substantive documentation for the Historic Preservation Commission to evaluate economic hardship.
You can view the entire meeting here ;
view the meeting beginning with public comments here ;
and view the coverage from News12 here .
We appreciate and need your continued support as we pursue the ultimate goal of acquiring the Ward House.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions.
The Friends of the Ward House
OCTOBER 25TH RECAP
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
Demolition Denied
We are pleased to report that the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously, 5-0, to deny demolition of The Ward House at the HPC Meeting, Thursday, July 20th at 6:30 pm.
Click here for a clip from News 12.
This is an extremely promising development toward our mission of protecting and preserving the Ward House for future generations. We thank the Historic Preservation Commission and the Tuckahoe Mayor and Board of Trustees for passing the landmark law and recognizing the Ward House as Tuckahoe's first historic landmark.
We Friends of the Ward House Board members are grateful for your continued support, and we will keep you posted on any new developments.
Sal Provenzano, President
Elizabeth Leckie, Vice-President
Richard Forliano, Vice-President, Historical Education
Dr. Edward Powers, Treasurer
Lois Macri, Secretary
Elaine Provenzano, Communications
PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
MONDAY, JUNE 3RD @ 7 PM
VILLAGE BOARD MEETING
TUCKAHOE VILLAGE HALL
65 Main Street
The Tuckahoe Village Board of Trustees will finally vote on the economic hardship appeal by Biggest Fish Westchester. Please make every effort to attend the meeting in person or on Zoom.
Thank you to Eastchester Town Historian Richard Forliano for sharing this wonderful video about the Ward House, created several years ago by Jack Murtha.
Please join us at
Celebrate Lafayette 200!
A free living history extravaganza!
Sunday, August 18, 2024
11 am - 3 pm
Ruby Dee Park, Library Green, New Rochelle
The Friends of the Ward House are honored to participate in this amazing event celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette's 1824 visit to New Rochelle. Please stop by our table to get your passport stamped and to learn more about Ward House history and future plans.
FREE GIVEAWAYS AND RAFFLES!
Save the Date
Celebrating the 248th Anniversary of
the Reading of the Declaration of Independence in White Plains
Thursday, July 11th @ 6:30 pm
American Legion Hall
40 Bell Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
Co-sponsored by
The Friends of the Ward House
and American Legion Post #979
with featured guest:
His Excellency General George Washington
Light refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP by July 8th to wardhousefriends@gmail.com.
On July 11th, 1776, Captain Samuel Crawford was one of the first to hear the Declaration of Independence read on the steps of the White Plains Court House. Eight months later, he would be mortally wounded on the Ward House grounds. Let us not forget the great sacrifices of these first leaders of liberty and ensure this history is preserved for future generations. Help us to commemorate the birth of New York State and our nation.
PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
MONDAY, JUNE 3RD @ 7 PM
VILLAGE BOARD MEETING
TUCKAHOE VILLAGE HALL
65 Main Street
The Tuckahoe Village Board of Trustees will finally vote on the economic hardship appeal by Biggest Fish Westchester. Please make every effort to attend the meeting in person or on Zoom.
Thank you to Eastchester Town Historian Richard Forliano for sharing this wonderful video about the Ward House, created several years ago by Jack Murtha.
Thank you to our many supporters who attended last night's meeting. As some of you may have already seen on News 12, it was a full house, with positive support for the Ward House. The Board of Trustees have closed the public hearing and will vote on the appeal on Monday, June 3rd @ 7 pm.
Here is a link to the Youtube video of the May 6 meeting.
Please stay tuned for further developments.
The Friends of the Ward House Board
Public Hearing
to consider the appeals of the Certificate of Hardship and Certificate of Appropriateness decisions for 230 White Plains Road: the Ward House
Monday, May 6th @ 7 pm
Tuckahoe Village Board Meeting
Tuckahoe Village Hall
65 Main Street, Tuckahoe
The Tuckahoe Village Board will open a public hearing to consider the appeals by Biggest Fish Westchester to demolish the Ward House, which was previously denied by the Historic Preservation Commission. Please make every effort to attend the meeting in support of saving this iconic landmark.
Make your voice heard!
Community Call to Action!
Join community leaders in an interactive meeting:
Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 6-7:45 pm
Tuckahoe Community Center
71 Columbus Avenue
Samuel Crawford Commemoration
Saturday, March 16th @ 11 am
Thanks to all who were able to attend the commemoration honoring
Captain Samuel Crawford.
Click below to see the full ceremony.
247th Anniversary of the Death of Samuel Crawford
Saturday, March 16th @ 11 am
Join the Friends of the Ward House, Inc. to commemorate the 247th anniversary of the heroic acts of Revolutionary War Hero, Captain Samuel Crawford, in a wreath-laying ceremony by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2285.
We will pay tribute to one Westchester County’s most prominent soldier to lose his life in the struggle for independence, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2285 will lay a wreath in his honor.
The ceremony and remembrance will take place at the Crawford Monument on White Plains Road at the intersection of Winter Hill Road. The Crawford Monument sits across the street from the historic Ward House site at 230 White Plains Road, Tuckahoe, New York.
Spectators may park on Winter Hill Road, or on the side streets and observe the ceremony from the southwest corner of the Immaculate Conception Church property at the corner of Winter Hill Road and Route 22.
If you are unable to join us for this live event, it will be recorded for future broadcast.
The Captain Samuel Crawford Monument
March with
The Friends of The Ward House
Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 10th @ 3 PM
We will be marching with the Eastchester Historical Society so look for our banners and George Washington!
The parade steps off from the Immaculate Conception Church parking lot and concludes at Lake Isle Country Club. Parking is limited . You may park at Lake Isle and be bused to ICC from 1:45-2:45 pm. Need a Ward House t-shirt for the march? Questions?
Email us: wardhousefriends@gmail.com
Hardship Denied
Tonight the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission voted against the application for economic hardship. Thanks to all of our supporters that packed the room and have contributed in so many different ways.
Stay tuned....
Please make every effort to attend the meeting in support of saving this iconic landmark.
Save the Date
Wednesday, February 28th @ 6:30 pm
Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission
Village Hall
65 Main Street, Tuckahoe
Join us at the next HPC meeting on Wednesday, February 28th @ 6:30, where the Commission is expected to vote on the economic hardship application of developer Biggest Fish LLC.
We want to thank everyone for a great turnout last night, and for the sincere and thoughtful rebuttals against economic hardship. You can view the entire meeting here .
The Historic Preservation Commission has closed the public hearing, but is accepting written comments from the public until Thursday, January 18th at 5 pm. The commission will render a decision within 62 days.
Please review the video and submit comments to the commission in the following manner.
Written public comments can be addressed to the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission at 65 Main Street, Tuckahoe, NY. 10707. Comments may also be submitted by email to Village Administrator, David Burke, DBurke@tuckahoe-ny.com
We appreciate and need your continued support as we pursue the ultimate goal of acquiring the Ward House. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions.
The Friends of the Ward House
JANUARY 3RD RECAP
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
THE TUCKAHOE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3RD @ 6:30 PM
TUCKAHOE VILLAGE HALL
65 MAIN STREET
Please make every effort to join us for the Public Hearing refuting the economic hardship application by the developer.
Thank you to Michael Grillo for this poignant picture of Stephen Ward’s grave on the 226th anniversary of his death, December 8th, 1797, where he is buried at St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site in Mount Vernon. To learn more about Stephen Ward history and St. Paul’s Church, check out their website https://www.nps.gov/sapa/index.htm.
Save the Ward House
Protect History!
It was 110 years ago on November 22,1913, the Daughters of the American Revolution erected a monument marking the deadly attack on Captain Samuel Crawford and Patriot militia, who were killed in a skirmish with the British at the Ward House in 1777. This officially recognized the Ward House and site as sacred, historic ground.
How you can help:
REMEMBER THE WARD HOUSE ON GIVING TUESDAY
Your donation will aid us in our mission to preserve, maintain, and promote this historic landmark, creating living history for future generations. Become a Friend at the $50 level and receive a free Save-the-Ward House t-shirt. We appreciate your support!
Donate online at https://www.wardhousefriends.org/donate-join
OR SEND YOUR CHECK TO:
Friends of the Ward House, Inc., PO Box 62, Tuckahoe, NY 10707
The Friends of the Ward House is incorporated in the State of New York and is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Save the Date
Public Hearing continues to evaluate Biggest Fish Westchester, LLC's Certificate of Hardship Application in their desire to demolish the Ward House by virtue of economic hardship.
Wednesday, November 29th@ 6:30 pm
Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission
Village Hall
65 Main Street
Tuckahoe, NY
The public hearing remains open. The November 29th meeting requires that the owner of the Ward House provide the Historic Preservation Commission with more substantive documentation to evaluate an economic hardship, which they failed to do on October 25th.
If you missed it, you can view the entire October 25th meeting here;
view the meeting beginning with public comments here ;
and view the coverage from News12 here .
Please join us on November 29th and make your voice heard!
Written public comments can be addressed to the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission at 65 Main Street, Tuckahoe, NY. 10707. Comments may also be submitted by email to Village Administrator, David Burke, DBurke@tuckahoe-ny.com
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions: wardhousefriends@gmail.com
The public hearing will remain open until the next HPC meeting in November, date TBD. Written public comments can be addressed to the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission at 65 Main Street, Tuckahoe, NY. 10707. Comments may also be submitted by email to Village Administrator, David Burke, DBurke@tuckahoe-ny.com
We had an outstanding turnout for last night's public hearing on the Ward House with broad representation from our community. We want to thank Bronxville High School Senior Marian Schafer for collecting almost 300 names for her petition, which was submitted to the commission last evening.
It was abundantly clear that the owner of the Ward House will need to provide more substantive documentation for the Historic Preservation Commission to evaluate economic hardship.
You can view the entire meeting here ;
view the meeting beginning with public comments here ;
and view the coverage from News12 here .
We appreciate and need your continued support as we pursue the ultimate goal of acquiring the Ward House.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions.
The Friends of the Ward House
OCTOBER 25TH RECAP
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
Ward House 2002
Despite the demand by the HPC that the owner maintain the property, nothing has been done and the house is deliberately neglected as seen below in recent photos. If history is important to you, please attend the October 25th meeting at 6:30 pm to oppose this threat to the Ward House and make your voices heard to save this historic house! Written public comments can be addressed to the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission at 65 Main Street, Tuckahoe, NY. 10707 and must be received no later than 5:00 pm on Oct 25th.
Save the Date
Wednesday, October 25th@ 6:30 pm
Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission
Village Hall
65 Main Street
Tuckahoe, NY
Public Hearing opens to debate Biggest Fish Westchester, LLC's Certificate of Hardship Application, yet again requesting demolition of the Ward House by virtue of economic hardship.
The current owner of the Ward House, (Biggest Fish Westchester, LLC) is relentless in his desire to tear down the historic Ward House. On Wednesday, October 25th, 2023, at 6:30 pm, the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing on Biggest Fish's latest claim under the Tuckahoe preservation law that its landmark status is causing economic hardship. The Friends of the Ward House recently made an offer to purchase the house and site. The offer was rejected.
If the commission agrees with the economic hardship argument, the Ward House will face destruction. Please make every effort to join us by attending the Wednesday, October 25th hearing at the Tuckahoe Village Hall and help us Save the Ward House from the Wrecking Ball.
Please join us on October 25th and make your voice heard!
Demolition Denied
We are pleased to report that the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously, 5-0, to deny demolition of The Ward House at the HPC Meeting, Thursday, July 20th at 6:30 pm.
Click here for a clip from News 12.
This is an extremely promising development toward our mission of protecting and preserving the Ward House for future generations. We thank the Historic Preservation Commission and the Tuckahoe Mayor and Board of Trustees for passing the landmark law and recognizing the Ward House as Tuckahoe's first historic landmark.
We Friends of the Ward House Board members are grateful for your continued support, and we will keep you posted on any new developments.
Sal Provenzano, President
Elizabeth Leckie, Vice-President
Richard Forliano, Vice-President, Historical Education
Dr. Edward Powers, Treasurer
Lois Macri, Secretary
Elaine Provenzano, Communications
On this day in history, 247 years ago, Captain Samuel Crawford was one of the first to hear the Declaration of Independence read on the steps of the White Plains Court House. Eight months later, he would be mortally wounded on the Ward House grounds. Let us not forget the great sacrifices of these first leaders of liberty and ensure this history is preserved for future generations.
We can picture to ourselves the scene which was enacted on the mid-summer morning of Thursday, July 11, 1776, when the assembled inhabitants of Westchester County heard read from the steps of their court house the Declaration of Independence. We can imagine the leaders of the legislative body newly christened “The Convention of the Representatives of the State of New York”, this title having been adopted in due form on the preceding day, gathered on the steps of the first courthouse. In their ranks are many of Westchester's most revered sons, Pierre Van Cortlandt, John Jay,Lewis Morris, Gouveneur Morris, Captain Samuel Crawford, Ebenezer Lockwood, and Jonathan G. Tompkins. The declaration is being read by Gen. John Thomas of Rye. At his side is the official drummer boy and near him proudly waving the battle flag of White Plains is the color bearer of the local company of minute men.
Compliments of The Westchester County Historical Society
Happy Birthday America! On July 4th, we witnessed a moving tribute to our country's founding in the reading of The Declaration of Independence at St. Paul's Church National Historic Site in Mt. Vernon, NY. John P. Banning Jr., gave his 50th recitation of the Declaration in its entirety, following in the tradition of his father and grandfather. As Banning read the names of the signers of the Declaration, the St. Paul's Freedom Bell rang out 13 times to salute the original 13 states that broke free from the Crown that day. Stephen Ward and his family were prominent members of St. Paul's and are buried in the churchyard. Today was a reminder of the historical connection of the Ward Family with the cause for freedom. Please continue to help #savethewardhouse.
Reminder: Ward House Public Comments Accepted Through 6/14/2023
This is a reminder to those who would wish to comment on the Developer's Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish The Ward House. Although the public hearing is now closed, the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission will accept public comments through Wednesday, June 14th.
Comments may be submitted by email to Village Administrator, David Burke, DBurke@tuckahoe-ny.com or sent to The Tuckahoe Village Hall, 65 Main Street, Tuckahoe, NY, 10707. All comments will be forwarded to the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at wardhousefriends@gmail.com. We appreciate your support as we work to save The Ward House.
Friends of the Ward House Board
Watch historic architect Stephen Tilly's expert testimony regarding the ACTUAL condition of the Ward House along with pertinent comments from the public.
Call to Action
Wednesday, May 24th
@ 6:30 pm, Village Hall
Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission
Public Hearing opens for public commentary on Biggest Fish Westchester, LLC's Certificate of Appropriateness Application requesting demolition of the Ward House.
This is posted on a tree in front of the Ward House. If history is important to you, please attend the May 24th meeting at 6:30 pm to oppose the demolition of the Ward House and make your voices heard to save this historic house! Written public comments can be addressed to the Tuckahoe Historic Preservation Commission at 65 Main Street, Tuckahoe, NY. 10707 and must be received no later than 5:00 pm on May 24th.
Near or far you can make a difference--join us!
Friends of the Ward House
Community Meeting
Thursday, May 4th at 7 pm at the Immaculate Conception Church Parish Center Join the Friends of the Ward House, Inc. for a discussion about the legal and other imminent dangers facing the Ward House. Space is limited, please rsvp to attend in person wardhousefriends@gmail.com
or click here to receive a zoom link:
Special Commemoration:
246th Anniversary of Captain
Samuel Crawford’s Death
Join the Friends of the Ward House Inc. on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 1 p.m. to commemorate the 246th anniversary of the heroic acts of Revolutionary War Hero, Captain Samuel Crawford, in a wreath-laying ceremony. We will pay tribute to Westchester County’s most prominent soldier to lose his life in the struggle for independence, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2285 will lay a wreath in his honor.
The ceremony and remembrance will take place at the Crawford Monument on White Plains Road at the intersection of Winter Hill Road. The Crawford Monument sits across the street from the historic Ward House site at 230 White Plains Road, Tuckahoe, New York. Spectators may park on Winter Hill Road, or on the side streets and observe the ceremony from the southwest corner of the Immaculate Conception Church property at the corner of Winter Hill Road and Route 22. (No parking is allowed in the Immaculate Conception Church parking lot while school is in session.) If you are unable to join us for this live event, it will be recorded for future broadcast.
March with
the Friends of The Ward House
Eastchester St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 12th @ 3 PM
Please sign up here if you would like to march with the Friends in the parade. The first ten people to register will receive a free Save-the-Ward House t-shirt. Friends who donate at the $50 level will also receive a free t-shirt!
February 22, 2023
100th Anniversary of Ceremony Honoring Washington’s Unknown Soldiers killed in Ward House Skirmish
SILENT, SILENT CEREMONY OF VENERATION OF SKELETON REMAINS OF UNKNOWN REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER LYING IN STATE IN VILLAGE HALL ON WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND, 1923. GREATEST PUBLIC ASSEMBLAGE IN VILLAGE HISTORY. HISTORIC OCCASION AWAKENS NATIONWIDE INTEREST. PRESIDENT HARDING AND GOVERNOR SMITH SEND REGRETS. GENERAL PERSHING SENDS ARMY OFFICERS WITH WREATH. https://bit.ly/3tVyw4k
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.