Snow was falling, the Hudson River was freezing up and soldiers were huddled around campfires warding off winter chills, yet the Revolutionary War was still being fought. Amid all this, General and Mrs. Washington were called upon to set a positive example of optimism for all to follow while residing at Headquarters Newburgh. The Virginia-bred Washingtons would have introduced simple outdoor greenery in some of the rooms for a touch of cheer. The menu would have reflected, in some small way, the holiday season.

Tour Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site December 27 through 30 and find out how the Washingtons dealt with wartime shortages and a cold winter. Costumed historic interpreters will guide visitors through the rooms, elaborating on the mood that prevailed indoors and outside at this time of year. Upon completion of the tour, a special opportunity awaits you: Speak with actors as they portray soldiers keeping warm. They will tell you about their lives in the military during every season of the year.

Tours will be conducted from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students; children aged 12 and under are free.

Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site is a registered national historic landmark. It is located at the corner of Liberty and Washington Streets within the City of Newburgh’s East End Historic District. The site is one of 35 historic sites within the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and is one of 24 facilities administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission in New York and New Jersey. For further information call (845) 562-1195. For more information about New York State Parks, visit the website at www.nysparks.com.