City of Yonkers to Commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of the Nation in 2026
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano was joined by members of the Revolutionary Yonkers 250 Committee, Majority Leader John Rubbo, Minority Leader Mike Breen, and Mayor’s Liaison Dwanita Crosby. Photo by Joseph Panella/City of Yonkers
Mayor Mike Spano announced the formation of the Revolutionary Yonkers 250 Committee, a group of civic leaders, historians, educators, and residents who will collaboratively plan, and coordinate events and activities leading up to July 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The committee is an integral part of the broader Revolutionary Westchester 250 initiative, which seeks to raise awareness and generate excitement about the events, locations, ideas, and individuals associated with the Revolutionary War era in Westchester County.
“Yonkers played a pivotal role in the fight for independence and democracy within our nation,” stated Mayor Spano. “The Revolutionary Yonkers 250 Committee will pay tribute to the legacy of our city’s patriots, heroes, and visionaries who profoundly shaped our history and continue to inspire our future.”
The committee’s key objectives include:
Ø Showcasing Yonkers’ Rich History: Working closely with local and regional partners, the committee will highlight Yonkers’ diverse cultural heritage and historical significance.
Ø Event Organization and Promotion: Throughout 2024 and 2025, the committee will host a series of events, leading up to the main celebration in 2026. These events will encompass historical tours, lectures, reenactments, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, parades, and fireworks.
Ø Educating the Public: The committee aims to engage and educate the public about the profound impact and relevance of the American Revolution in Yonkers and beyond.
The 13-member Revolutionary Yonkers 250 Committee includes:
- Mary Calvi, Yonkers First Lady – Honorary Chair
- Mary Hoar, City of Yonkers Historian – Chair
- Steve Sansone, Commissioner of Yonkers Parks Department – Co-Chair
Additional committee members are:
· Loren Chaidez: President of the Yonkers Historical Society.
· Tom Daly: Retired judge, Revolutionary War re-enactor, and devoted enthusiast of Yonkers history.
· Ken Davis: Retired Yonkers Police detective, history researcher, historian for Yonkers’ James H. Farrell Lodge #34, as well as an artist and photographer.
· Mary Dillard: Avid historian, currently serving as a professor at Sarah Lawrence College with a specialization in African History. She is the former Director of Sarah Lawrence’s Graduate Women’s History Program and a member of the Yonkers Human Rights Commission.
· Matthew Gonzales: Yonkers Public Schools Executive Director of Social Studies and Sciences.
· Michael Lord: Site Manager of Philipse Manor Hall.
· Danielle Pizzola: Program Director at St. Joseph’s Seminary and College.
· Mark Silverblatt: Vice President of the Yonkers Historical Society, Vice President of the Westchester Historical Society, member of the Landmarks Preservation Board, retired lawyer, and author.
· Theresa Smith: Member of the New York State Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
· Wilson Terrero: Renowned as the leader of Yonkers’ Hispanic Community.
Mayor Spano extends an invitation to all Yonkers residents and visitors to actively participate in the Revolutionary Yonkers 250 Committee’s celebrations, as the City honors its proud past and embraces its bright future.
On July 4, 2026, the United States of America marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the nation.
