The state has awarded Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay a $30,000 grant to fund educational programming on the Revolutionary War in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year.
“This grant was a total surprise to us — a wonderful surprise,” said Harriet Gerard Clark, the museum’s executive director.
The museum, located in the Townsend House at 30 West Main St. in Oyster Bay, was built in 1740. For a brief period from 1778 to 1779, the site served as headquarters for the Queen’s Rangers, a British regiment of over 300 soldiers.
The house was also the site of the Culper Spy Ring, which in 1779 used invisible ink to supply George Washington with information about the British troops’ movements in New York City and Long Island.
Gerard Clark said the museum is “extremely focused” on the American Revolution, and that the grant money will further enhance that focus.
She said the visitor center currently displays information about merchanting in Oyster Bay, and that with the funding, the museum will be able to “refocus” that information on the “political angle.”
“We’re going to focus more on the Revolutionary War and the conflict with Great Britain,” she said.
The grant monies will also be used to fund guest lecturers and authors. Gerard Clark said many historians are publishing books in honor of the 250th anniversary, and the museum hopes to work with Theodore’s Books in Oyster Bay to hold book signings and discussions.
Gerard Clark said she hopes the grant will be used in “subsequent years” to continue Revolutionary War education, as the war itself lasted six years.
She said the grant, which was secured by state Assembly Member Charles Lavine, was a “total surprise” to the museum.
Lavine said he has worked with the museum before to help secure funding, and that he is happy to help promote the “extraordinary” work that the organization completes.
“It is my honor to have secured this funding, which will help people of all ages learn about one of the most fascinating elements of our history: George Washington’s Culper spy ring, a key element in the Revolutionary War, which was centered right here in our own backyard. I am looking forward to seeing what special programs are arranged for this great and historic occasion,” Lavine said.
For more information, visit aynhamhallmuseum.org.
