America250

Our center for local commemoration of America's 250th Anniversary

On October 11th, 1776, the first American Navy led by Benedict Arnold gathered at Valcour Bay in what is now Clinton County to halt the British advance south. In the battle that followed the fleet was defeated, but their heroic effort succeeded in buying the patriots another year of planning, turning the tide in the War for Independence on the battlefields of Saratoga. The Clinton County Historical Association has taken the lead in the County's America250 Commemoration activities, organizing events and speakers sharing the history of America's founding and development.

All activities will be posted here and on the Battle of Valcour Website , along with histories relevant to our area before, during, and after the Revolution.

Upcoming Events

June 6, 2026
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10:30 am
Churubusco and the 1837 Rebellion with Town of Clinton Historian Rebecca LeClair
Town of Clinton Town Hall, 23 Smith Street, Churubusco

Join us to discuss the demographics of the Town of Clinton (Churubusco). This presentation will reveal why the Churubusco populous is primarily French Canadian and Irish by delving into the history or settlement in Churubusco and how it ties into the Canadian rebellion of 1837.

June 8, 2026
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6:00 pm
Struggle in the Snow: The invasion and storming of Quebec with Thaddeus Booth Trudo.
American Legion, 29 Pratt Street, Rouses Point

New Year’s Eve 2025 was the 250th Anniversaryof the attempted storming of Quebec City by American forces under the commandof Generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold. Learn more about this eventand the brave patriots who participate in this early revolutionary war battle.

June 18, 2026
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6:00 pm
Churubusco and the 1837 Rebellion with Town of Clinton Historian Rebecca LeClair
Clinton County Historical Association, 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh

Join us to discuss the demographics of the Town of Clinton (Churubusco). This presentation will reveal why the Churubusco populus is primarily French Canadian and Irish by delving into the history or settlement in Churubusco and how it ties into the Canadian rebellion of 1837!

June 24, 2026
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6:00 pm
Peru Veterans and the founding of the Town
Peru Free Library

Peru Veterans and the founding of the Town with Military historian Thaddeus Booth-Trudo and Town of Peru historian Helen Nerska.

June 25, 2026
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6:00 pm
History Matters: Revolution, Independence and Valcour Island
Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel

History matters because liberty is not self-sustaining; it must first be imagined in the minds and hearts of ordinary people and then defended through sacrifice, leadership, and endurance. Using figures such as John and Abigail Adams, Joseph Warren, and William Emerson, this engaging illustrated presentation will explain how the American Revolution grew from conviction into action, while the Declaration of Independence gave that struggle its clearest moral and political purpose. Its central regional argument is that Valcour Island deserves lasting historical importance because Benedict Arnold’s improvised naval stand on Lake Champlain delayed the British advance long enough to preserve the northern defenses and help make Saratoga possible. A familiar story will be told in an unfamiliar manner, something you won’t want to miss.

July 11, 2026
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9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday on Crab Island - July 2026
Peru Boat Launch

CAUTION: Poison oak and poison ivy are abundant on the island. Tickets are $30 per person cash or check made out to CCHA. No more than five per time slot. Not handicap accessible. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Those under the age of 16 must bring and wear their own life jackets. Whatever you take in, you must take out. Last but leaves the end at 3:00 p.m. All visitors must plan to be at the dock on the island by 3:00 p.m. Money is returned if event is cancelled due to weather.

October 10, 2026
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9:00 am - 3:00 pm
America250 - Valcour Island Tour
Peru Boat Launch

CAUTION: Poison oak and poison ivy are abundant on the island. Seats are first come first served. No more than five per time slot. Not handicap accessible. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Those under the age of 16 must bring and wear their own life jackets. Whatever you take in, you must take out. Last but leaves the end at 3:00 p.m. All visitors must plan to be at the dock on the island by 3:00 p.m.

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February 11, 2026
Divers convene for historic Valcour Bay Research report

'Accident reconstruction 1776'

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February 7, 2026
Charles De Fredenburgh: Plattsburgh's first settler

An incredible life but mysterious death

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February 5, 2026
Benedict Arnold and Making Sense of Treason

Examining the American Revolution hero, who evaded the British on Lake Champlain, but later betrayed the cause

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January 19, 2026
Will Gilliland: Wealth and Reputation Taken by Revolution

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April 30, 2024
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Valcour Bay Research Project

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Valcour Bay Research Project (VBRP). The VBRP was an eight-year archaeological survey of the Valcour Bay lakebed, the site of the historic Battle of Valcour Island.

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December 28, 2020
Commemorating the Battle of Valcour Island

Heritage Corner discusses the Battle of Valcour

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