Historic Mandeville House Re-Opens in Garrison

Erik Lichack on fife and Sean Kmiotek on drum of the Hearts of Oak reenactors lead participants in a march. Provided photos.

Early American music and musket fire enlivened a unique experience for Desmond-Fish Public Library patrons May 9 in Garrison.

A visit from the Hearts of Oak reenactors and storyteller Jonathan Kruk complemented the library’s exhibit “Choosing Liberty,” featuring Col. Nicholas Fish. (He and friend Alexander Hamilton, students at King’s College, were members of New York City’s Hearts of Oak militia in 1775.)

Following a colonial-era musical performance by Erik and Eliza Lichack, and tales of Gen. Israel Putnam from Kruk, the entire assemblage marched from the library to the historic 1737 Mandeville House. Erik Lichack on fife and Sean Kmiotek on drum led the way from the 20th century back to the 18th, when the house – owned by Beverley Robinson and tenanted by Jacob Mandeville – was one of very few structures on the Philipse patent.

Tours of the newly-restored house were offered by trustee and owner Dr. Sarajane Brittis, while reenactors Rob Bucchieri and Jonah Blitz gave firing demonstrations on the lawn.

Mandeville House served as the headquarters of Gen. Putnam during the War for Independence, and George Washington stayed there on two occasions. It will be open for visits on selective dates this summer and fall.

 The “Choosing Liberty” exhibit continues in the program room of the Desmond-Fish Public Library through June 15.