Dramatic Reading of Declaration of Independence to be Held at Historic Ward House in Tuckahoe to Kick Off Fund Raising Campaign

On Thursday, July 11 at 3pm at the Immaculate Conception Church, Southfield(entrance across from 244 White Plains Road, Tuckahoe, NY 10707), noted historical actor Jonathan Kruk will read the Declaration of Independence as it was read on July 11, 1776. Dressed in 1776 garb, Kruk will be joined by a fife and drum corps and actor Michael Grillo portraying Samuel Crawford.

Crawford was one of the founding members of the patriot movement in New York. Friends of the Ward House will also be on site to raise awareness on preserving this historical site where Crawford died. Crawford is considered one of the most important Patriot leaders from Westchester County. He died in the service of his country during the long years of the American Revolutionary War. The Captain Samuel Crawford monument and plaque is located across from the historic Ward House on White Plains Road in the Village of Tuckahoe in southern Westchester County.

It commemorates Captain Crawford’s life and service, as well as his death that resulted from a mortal wound received on this very location, which was once part of the Ward House property. The Bronx DAR chapter (Daughters of the Revolution) ordered the creation and placement of this monument to honor Captain Crawford, which they unveiled in 1913 at a ceremony to which 200 of Captain Crawford’s direct descendants were invited. The plaque still stands today as a reminder of this lasting legacy.