LITTLE FALLS, NY – On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the General Nicholas Herkimer Home State Historic Site in Little Falls hosted a Patriots Day ceremony, co-organized by the Little Falls Historical Society.

The event, marking the 14th annual observance, commemorated the 250th anniversary of the 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord, the opening skirmishes of the Revolutionary War.

A series of speakers highlighted the region’s rich Revolutionary history, the significance of the Herkimer Home, and notable figures from the era.

The ceremony began with remarks from Anita Dulak of the Little Falls Historical Society, who expressed gratitude to the Herkimer Home staff, particularly Historic Site Manager Edward Heinrichs, for their efforts in organizing the event.

She noted the Historical Society’s long-standing involvement, having co-hosted a similar event at the site in 2011. She emphasized the importance of this year’s gathering in light of the Revolutionary War milestone.

Michelle Baum, a Historical Society member, provided a detailed history of the local Patriots Day observances, which began in 2010 following a proclamation by then-Mayor Robert Peters designating the third Saturday of May as Little Falls Patriots Day.

Baum recounted the 13 prior events held at significant local sites, including the Yellow Church Cemetery, Indian Castle Church, and the 1824 John Bellinger Home.

She highlighted the community’s dedication to preserving these historic locations, urging attendees to support their maintenance. “This is truly a who’s who of significant historic sites,” Baum said, praising the volunteers who maintain them.

David Kratz followed, reading a 1755 letter from Massachusetts Governor William Shirley to Captain Marcus Peters, an ancestor of Nicholas Petrie, who was unable to attend.

Written during the French and Indian War, the letter instructed Peters and the Tryon County militia to guard the “Great Carrying Place,” a critical one-mile portage between the Mohawk River and Wood Creek used to transport supplies to the British outpost at Oswego.

Kratz explained the strategic importance of this route, which was also a target for French and Indian raids, providing context for the militia’s role in protecting colonial interests.

Edward Heinrichs then spoke about the preservation efforts at the Herkimer Home, which was built in the 1760s on the foundation of an earlier structure from the 1750s.

He shared a recent incident where a maple tree struck the mansion’s roof, reassuring attendees that professional inspections confirmed no significant structural damage, with repairs scheduled to begin soon.

Heinrichs traced the home’s evolution, from its Georgian-style origins to 19th-century Greek Revival alterations and subsequent restorations. He emphasized ongoing efforts to preserve the site, including the discovery of 18th-century features such as bricked-over fireplaces and original wallpaper, as well as plans for future improvements.

“It is our responsibility to preserve, restore, and interpret this site while educating the public,” Heinrichs said.

The ceremony continued with Pat Stock, a sixth-great-granddaughter of an Oriskany patriot, who spoke about the Marquis de Lafayette.

Stock described the 19-year-old French aristocrat’s arrival in America in 1777, driven by a passion for liberty and a desire to avenge his father’s death in the Seven Years’ War.

Lafayette, who served on George Washington’s staff, funded supplies for his troops and developed innovative light infantry tactics that influenced the war’s outcome.

Stock highlighted his 1825 visit to Little Falls via the Erie Canal, where he was warmly welcomed, and his lasting legacy, including a $200,000 Congressional award and a portrait in the House of Representatives.

She also announced upcoming events on June 10, including a wreath-laying at Herkimer’s grave and a historical interpreter’s appearance at Benton’s Landing.

Pat Frezza-Gressler continued the ceremony with Volumes in 52 Words, Louis Baum presented obscure General Herkimer Facts, and Jeffrey Gressler spoke about the Iroquois Confederacy Duality.

There was a wreath placement by the Daughters of the American Revolution, musical accompaniment by Robert Schmelcher, and an 18th-century musket salute by the Herkimer Home Volunteers.

The Patriots Day concluded with taps being played by Dr. Oscar Stivala. The ceremony underscored the community’s commitment to honoring its Revolutionary War heritage and preserving the General Herkimer Home as a testament to the region’s pivotal role in American history.