Celebratory Pelham Events to Mark the Semiquincentennial
At America’s Bicentennial in 1976, Pelham went all out to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Pelham. This year, Pelham’s many civic and charitable organization are doing the same -- hosting programs, displays, and events with themes centered around celebrating the 250th anniversary of America and our local battle.
Town of Pelham Public Library exhibit “The Pells in the Revolution: A Family Divided,” (now through end of 2026), including a display of a cannon ball actually fired during the Battle of Pelham.
Sunday, May 10 and 17 at 4 pm: “The Development of Pelham: From the Pells to the Present,” walking tours with Pelham Town Historian Arthur Scinta (May 10 from Colonial Elementary School, and May 17 from Prospect Hill Elementary School). Reserve tickets by email to [email protected].
Saturday, May 16, 10am-1pm, Town of Pelham, Community Service Day, Daronco Townhouse. Ask the Pelham Town Historian about Pelham history and purchase Pelham250 car decals and back issues of books on Pelham history.
Monday, May 25: Pelham Memorial Day Parade followed by a salute to America’s veterans at Pelham Town Hall Memorial Park sponsored by the American Legion, Pelham Post 50.
Saturday, June 6: Pelham Preservation & Garden Society benefit at the historic Pell House (now called Pelham Dale) at 45 Iden Avenue (one of only two Pelham pre-Revolutionary War homes).
Saturday, June 13: “Light Up the Night: A Star-Spangled Celebration at Historic Bartow-Pell,” the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, 895 Shore Road.
Thursday, July 2, 7 pm: Town of Pelham Public Library, “Out of the Ashes,” a talk about the resilience of New York after British occupation during the war. By Zoom with New York Historical.
Saturday, July 4: “Pelham 2.50 mile” running race co-sponsored by the Pelham Civic Association and the American Legion, Pelham Post 50.
Friday, July 10, 3 pm: Town of Pelham Public Library, “Philip Pell: Revolutionary War Leader.” Co-hosted with St. Paul’s National Historical Site.
September 17 (time TBD): Presentation and talk by Patrick O'Donnell, author of The Indispensables (the narrative non-fiction book that tells the story of John Glover and his diverse Marblehead Mariners regiment who fought in the Battle of Pelham and rowed Washington and the Continental Army across the Delaware). [Check back for details]
Thursday, October 15: Pelham Schools, district-wide, interdisciplinary Battle of Pelham day.
Friday, October 16: St. Paul’s National Historic Site Candlelight Cemetery Tour with reenactors telling the stories of Revolutionary War soldiers, Philip, David, and Samuel Pell and others, who interred in the St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Saturday, October 17: “Stars, Stripes, and a Revolutionary Night: A Salute to the Spirit of Pelham,” a festive gala co-sponsored by the
Junior League of Pelham and the Pelham Civic Association in honor of the Battle of Pelham.
Additional events are in the planning stages as of press time. Check back here for updates, like the Pelham250 Facebook page, or email [email protected].
In addition to Pelham250, regional events include Sail4th 250, a tall ships flotilla in New York Harbor, July 3-8, and Rev Fest 250 in Westchester County.
Pelham250 Car Decal
Join the Pelham250 celebration with a car decal.
For sale ($5.00) at the Pelham Town Historian table at the Pelham Community Services Day, May 16, 10am-1pm. All proceeds go to Pelham250 programming and events.
Pelham 250 Events Held in 2026:
"The Battle of Pelham,” talk by Pelham Town Historian Arthur Scinta, April 13th
A standing-room-only crowd turned out at the Town of Pelham Public Library to hear about the Battle of Pelham of October 18, 1776 when a small group of Americans held off the British and saved the American Revolution.
Prospect Hill Elementary School Baldwin Apple Tree and Commemorative Plaque, April 24th
The entire student body turned out for student presentations on the Battle of Pelham followed by planting of a Baldwin apple tree and installation of a plaque in honor of Colonel Loammi Baldwin who fought in the battle. After America's War for Independence, Colonel Baldwin propagated the variety of apple tree that now bears his name. The plaque reads: "This Baldwin Apple Tree planted by the students of Prospect Hill School on the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Pelham in honor of Colonel Loammi Baldwin and his compatriots whos courage and ingenuity saved the American Revolution."
America: 250 Years in Word and Song, April 25th
It was a packed house at The Manor Club as nearly 300 people turned out for an evening of entertainment from Broadway and the American Songbook covering America’s history. A wine and cheese reception preceded the event and a dessert reception closed out the night.