America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations In Beacon

As the July 4^th weekend approaches, the city ramps up its Semiquincentennial celebrations

This July 4^th weekend presents the perfect opportunity to also celebrate Beacon’s role in the founding of America as the county, state, and national 250^th anniversary celebrations are about to unfold in earnest.

When Alexander Hamilton Lived In Beacon

Case in point, as a newlywed, Alexander Hamilton stayed at a house on DePeyster’s Point, which is now the site of Madam Brett Park (560 South Avenue) in Beacon. There he wrote the 31-page outline of ideas for the new nation’s future financial system. He even found time to craft the essays that would eventually lay the groundwork for the United States Constitution. 

It’s All In A Name

It’s also worth remembering that the Revolutionary War ultimately gave our city its name. As the highest point in the Hudson Highlands, the Mount Beacon was the perfect spot for a chain of signal fires—or beacons—that it’s said would warn the Continental Army if the British were approaching.

These stories, and many others, can be found in the Beacon Historical Society’s latest fascinating exhibition, “From Mount Beacon to the Hudson River: Beacon in the American Revolution.” You can pick up a souvenir map from their space at 61 Leonard Street and expect to see some of these stories popping up on Main Street and around the city in the coming weeks. Plus, look out for BHS’s Alexander and Eliza Hamilton selfie station popping up soon on Main Street.

Read on to find out what’s happening in Beacon, NY to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“We The People” Marathon Reading

• Where: Veterans Memorial Building (413 Main Street)
• When: Friday, June 19^th, 12 PM to 4 PM

Concurrent with Juneteenth, “We The People” is a marathon reading of the U.S. Constitution.

Organized by 2025 and 2026 Dutchess County and Beacon Poet Laureate Ruth Danon—with collaboration by Stephanie J.T. Russell, Mitch Corrado, and Mike Jurkovic—the event will feature local writers, artists, veterans, and local community members who will read the entire foundational American text aloud.

The reading will also feature Palamountain Jr Chair in Government at Skidmore College, Beau Breslin—an expert on constitutional history who will provide commentary during the reading.

Beacon Illuminated for the 250^th Anniversary Celebrations

• Where: Historic and municipal locations around Beacon
• When: Friday, June 19^th, Saturday, June 20^th, Friday, June 26^th, Saturday, June 27^th, Friday, July 3^rd, Saturday July 4^th, and Sunday, July 5th

BonfireWORKS Foundation is presenting a series of colorful projections across Beacon over the course of the weekends leading up to and during the July 4^th celebration to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Look for the illuminations just after sunset on municipal buildings and other historic locations around Beacon to capture the perfect Instagram-able shot as a keepsake.

The American Revolution In the Hudson Highlands

• Where: Beacon Elks Lodge (900 Wolcott Avenue)
• When: Tuesday, June 23^rd at 7 PM

Join the Beacon Historical Society and Col. Sean Sculley, who has served in the U.S. Army since 1995 and teaches American history at West Point Military Academy, for a deep dive into Beacon’s role in winning the nation’s freedom. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

Fourth Of July Fireworks At Memorial Park

• Where: Memorial Park, Pop Warner Field, Robert Cahill Drive
• When: Friday, July 3^rd, 8 PM onwards

Join neighbors, friends, and family for a special annual July 4^th Fireworks Celebration. Come early to enjoy plenty of kids’ activities and food vendors as the sun goes down. There’s limited parking, so consider walking or biking if you can. 

1776 The Film At Bannerman Island

• Where: Bannerman Island (pick up the Estuary Steward ferry at Beacon’s Waterfront)
• When: Friday, July 3^rd, 6 PM

Get your ticket and head to Bannerman Island for a nighttime screening of this 1972 Tony Award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards. The movie dramatizes the debates and conflicts within the Second Continental Congress that culminated in the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

There’s never been a more relevant moment to watch this film.

Independence Day Mount Beacon Hike

• Where: Mount Beacon            
• When: Saturday, July 4^th, 8:30 AM

Local historian Chris Cring will lead a hike to the historic DAR monument atop Mount Beacon, departing from the Scenic Hudson parking lot (corner of Wolcott and Howland Avenues). Along the 1.2-mile uphill trek, Chris will share the history of the mountain and Beacon’s pivotal role in the Revolutionary War.

It will be hot, rocky climb, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

The Declaration Of Independence Annual Reading

• Where: Veterans Memorial Building (413 Main Street)
• When: Saturday, July 4^th, 11 AM

Every year, Beacon hosts a reading of the Declaration of Independence. For REV250, there will also be the reading of a special poem composed by Dutchess County and Beacon Poet Laureate, Ruth Danon.

This would be the year to experience the event if you haven’t attended it before.

And There’s An Ice Cream Social

• Where: Madam Brett Homestead (50 Van Nydeck Avenue)
• When: Saturday, July 4^th, 1 PM

Save the date for a REV250 old-fashioned ice cream social in Madam Brett Homestead, the oldest building in Dutchess County. Hosted by the Melzingah Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution, there will also be music from folk trio, They Like Rum.

A Cannons And Cocktails Special

• Where: Veterans Memorial Building (413 Main Street)           
• When: Sunday, July 5^th, 5:00 PM

Cannons And Cocktails—hosted by Scott Ramsey and presented by military historian, Col. Sean Sculley—usually takes place at Dennings Point Distillery. This special REV250 edition, with the Declaration of Independence as its theme, is switching to a larger space at the Memorial Building

More than a history lesson, this session of the always entertaining Cannons & Cocktails will uncover the personalities, ideas, risks, and convictions that shaped a nation. Together, Scott and Sean will examine the world of 1776, the courage required to challenge an empire, and why the Declaration still sparks debate and inspiration nearly 250 years later. Happily, the cocktails are still presented by Dennings Point Distillery.

Finally, on Saturday July 18^th, you can “Step Back In Time” and explore Beacon’s treasured 1709, historic Madam Brett Homestead.

More REV250 events are guaranteed to unfold as 2026 progresses. Be sure to bookmark our Events Guide to keep up with new additions to the listings. Plus, you can sign up for the City of Beacon’s calendar charting all REV250 events as well. It’s no exaggeration to say that it’s taken a proverbial village to coordinate this programming, so head over to the City of Beacon’s website to learn more about the groups involved.

Explore our directories to find out where to shop, eat & drink, stay, and play if you’re planning a trip to Beacon to learn more about its role in America’s founding. And sign up to our weekly newsletter to keep up with all good things in Beacon, NY.

Until next time…
The Beacon Beacon🧡