CCHA holds Commemorative Program Speaker Series

In a series of three free presentations, the Clinton Co. Historical Association will tell the backstory of Clinton County's role in the American Revolutionary War, including an archaeological tour of Arnold's Bay, the stories of Revolutionary War veterans of Clinton Co., and the legacy of the Battle at Valcour Island. — PLATTSBURGH | The Revolution happened here—and its story is still being uncovered. Over the coming weeks, an outstanding lineup of historians and researchers will take the community beneath the waters of Arnold’s Bay, onto the battlefield at Valcour Bay, and into the lives of Revolutionary War veterans who later made Clinton County their home. Join the Clinton County Historical Association for LAKE, LAND AND LEGACY, an unforgettable speaker series exploring the Revolutionary history of the Champlain Valley.

Sept. 24, 6 p.m. Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel, 100 US Oval, Old Base, Plattsburgh. With Chris Sabick, Executive Director of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. The Archaeological Examination of Arnold’s Bay . In October of 1776, a tiny bay on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain was the site of the final encounter of the three-day Revolutionary War Battle on Lake Champlain, which started at Valcour Island. In this location, formerly known as Ferris Bay, five colonial vessels, under the command of Benedict Arnold, were burned to deny their capture by the British fleet. Arnold and his men escaped overland while under fire from the British vessels. Since 2021 the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum has been conducting a battlefield survey of Arnold’s Bay and the shoreline around it with a goal of refining our understanding of the battlefield and any remaining vessel wreckage through in-water and terrestrial survey. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Executive Director Chris Sabick will present the background history of the site and a description of previous archaeology work, and present preliminary results of recent excavations.

Oct. 1, 6 p.m. Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel, 100 US Oval, Plattsburgh. With Thaddeus Booth Trudo, Military Historian and Norwich University graduate. A Cross Section of the Continental Army: Clinton County Revolutionary War Veterans . Booth Trudo will bring the service and sacrifices of Clinton County’s Revolutionary War soldiers to the forefront by sharing the stories of veterans who made the county their home following the war. These men served throughout the struggle for independence, from Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston in 1775 through the disbandment of the Continental Army in 1783. Together, their experiences reveal the remarkable role Clinton County’s veterans played in the American Revolution and preserve the local legacy of those who helped secure the nation’s independence.

Oct. 6, 6 p.m. Plattsburgh Memorial Chapel, 100 US Oval, Plattsburgh. With Arthur Cohn, Nautical Archaeologist and Director Emeritus of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. 1776 - The Battle of Valcour Island and the Legacy Left Behind . In 1776, the war that would create the Nation was entering its second year, and prospects for victory looked dim. The attack on Quebec City on Dec. 31, 1775, resulting in the death of General Richard Montgomery, the wounding of 2nd-in-command, Colonel Benedict Arnold, and the capture of more than 300 Americans, had brought the Revolutionary War to the brink of disaster and defeat. As the sick and demoralized American army retreated from Quebec and escaped to the safety of Lake Champlain, it was clear that the campaign of 1776 would center on naval control of Lake Champlain. That effort culminated at the Battle of Valcour Island, a three-day naval engagement that would prove to be the "Key to Liberty” and determine whether the rebellion would continue and succeed. Art Cohn’s illustrated talk will examine this pivotal moment in American and British history, as well as the cultural legacy left behind. Art will also provide an overview of the archaeological legacy of the Battle of Valcour Island and of current management efforts to preserve it for future generations.

These events are free and the public is welcome.

CCHA holds Commemorative Program Speaker Series

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