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Explore the Interpretive Themes

New York at 250


The New York State 250th Commission Field Guide outlines six interpretive themes to consider when researching and studying the American Revolution. Below are suggested primary source learning activities for each interpretive them.

Indigenous History is New York State's History

The Six Nations Answer General Schuyler's Speech, September 8, 1783

The Six Nations Answer General Schuyler's Speech, September 8, 1783

Shinnecock Nation

Shinnecock Nation

War Office Broadside, Relations with the Six Natio

War Office Broadside, Relations with the Six Natio

New York Relations with the Mohawk

New York Relations with the Mohawk


Choose Your Side

The Loyalist Perspective in New York State

The Loyalist Perspective in New York State

Displaced Loyalists during the American Revolution

Displaced Loyalists during the American Revolution

Community of Loyalists: Life after the American Revolution

Community of Loyalists: Life after the American Revolution

Choosing Sides: The McAlpin's of Saratoga in the American Revolution

Choosing Sides: The McAlpin's of Saratoga in the American Revolution


Power of Place

The Power of Place: The Capture of John Andre

The Power of Place: The Capture of John Andre

The Power of Place: The Hudson River Valley and the American Revolution

The Power of Place: The Hudson River Valley and the American Revolution

American Revolution: Why was New York State important during the American Revolution?

American Revolution: Why was New York State important during the American Revolution?

Geography of New York State and the American Revolution

Geography of New York State and the American Revolution


We the People

New York State Constitution: How does society become more democratic and just?

New York State Constitution: How does society become more democratic and just?

New York's First Constitution

New York's First Constitution

19th Century African American Voting Rights

19th Century African American Voting Rights

Exploring Timbuctoo

Exploring Timbuctoo


Unfinished Revolutions

Petition from Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Petition from Elizabeth Cady Stanton

An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery

An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery

Flushing Remonstrance

Flushing Remonstrance

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemoration, and the Enduring Legacy of the Emancipation Proclamation

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemoration, and the Enduring Legacy of the Emancipation Proclamation


Changing Interpretations of the Revolution

1777 Saratoga 1927-Sequicentennial Dedication-Surrender of Burgoyne-American Revolution

1777 Saratoga 1927-Sequicentennial Dedication-Surrender of Burgoyne-American Revolution

Lafayette to Visit Schenectady, New York

Lafayette to Visit Schenectady, New York

The Retreat from New York, Poem Written by a Soldier, American Revolution, n.d.

The Retreat from New York, Poem Written by a Soldier, American Revolution, n.d.

Major John Andre's Monument, Tarrytown, NY, c. 1900

Major John Andre's Monument, Tarrytown, NY, c. 1900