Battle of Minisink commemorated

MINISINK FORD, NY — Historians will mark the 230th anniversary of the American Revolution’s Battle of Minisink with a July 18 ceremony and a weekend encampment by military re-enactors at Sullivan County’s Minisink Battlefield Park.

The observances will honor the 46 militiamen from New York and New Jersey who gave their lives during the July 22, 1779 Battle of Minisink. The park in Minisink Ford offers a self-guided tour highlighting significant sites in the militia’s bloody skirmish with the British Tories and Mohawks led by Colonel Joseph Brant.

Starting on Friday evening, July 17, members of the Navasing Long Rifles and Third Ulster Militia will arrive to demonstrate the 18th-century frontier lifestyle and to demonstrate details of the battle.

On Saturday there will be a historical presentation at 2:30 p.m. under the park pavilion and a 4:00 p.m. ceremony at the memorial field at which Sullivan County Historian John Conway will serve as keynote speaker.

Participants are welcome to bring food and beverages. For more information call 845/434-8044 or 845/807-8469.

PA holds a mirror celebration

LACKAWAXEN, PA — On the battle anniversary date of July 22, Pike County Historian George J. Fluhr will host his 35th commemoration ceremony in Lackawaxen. The Wednesday program begins at 2:00 p.m. at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier monument on River Road, which holds the remains of a militiaman killed in the battle. The service will include the reading of the Rowland Account of the Battle, a rifle volley and the playing of “Taps.” For more information call 570/559-7444.