Get ready... This year’s Windham Gathering will present “A Brush with History: The Valley Forge Series of Original Paintings” by renowned historical artist Mark Maritato. In 2019, Mark was chosen by the U.S. National Park Service at Valley Forge Historical Site in Pennsylvania to paint 16 custom original artworks to be reproduced as part of the permanent museum’s wall display at the park’s newly renovated visitor’s center to support the park’s educational program. On the weekend of August 2-3 the original paintings of the Valley Forge series will be unveiled and premiered at the historic Centre Church. Invitations to the exhibit opening will be sent out to cultural organizations throughout the Hudson Valley and Northeast to promote a traveling tour of the exhibition during 250th commemoration period (2025-2033). Both Mark and I are very excited about launching the Valley Forge Series project at Windham. I’ve attached a sample of one of the original paintings “Washington’s Headquarters Guards”.
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Hope you enjoyed
Thank you to all those joined us in Windham, whether in body or spirit!
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Here are the moving images from Author Ron Coddington's Saturday "Gettysburg Faces."
Remembering Gettysburg and WWII
As the Summer concert season approaches the 77th NY Regimental Balladeers are concentrating our music interests and devotion to living history in honor of the soldiers who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and all the citizens of the “Greatest Generation” who supported the troops at the home front during WWII. “CHEERS for the RED, WHITE & BLUE: America’s Music Landscape 1776-1976” and “We’ll Meet Again: A VICTORY DAYS WWII BOND RALLY” will observe the meaning and impact of these events in our shared American story.
One hundred and sixty years ago the Battle of Gettysburg was fought in early July. Confederate and Union casualties totaled 46,000, the highest losses of any one Civil War battle. There were 8,000 dead. The carnage, destruction, wounding of combatants and loss of life that devastated the Pennsylvania farming town of 2,400 inhabitants in the early summer of 1863 prompted President Abraham Lincoln to travel by rail to visit that November to dedicate a national cemetery. Lincoln honored the fallen dead and framed those soldiers’ sacrifices as necessary to the survival of the nation. He stated that the Union had to remain dedicated “to a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
“CHEERS for the RED, WHITE & BLUE: America’s Music Landscape 1776-1976” highlights the music that our 16th President heard or was inspired by such as “Lincoln & Liberty”, “Rally ‘Round the Flag” and “Sweet Chariot”. Pianist, Helen Beedle will present two compositions by artists Teresa Carreno and L.M. Gottschalk who performed for Lincoln. These selections introduce a Lincoln music tribute along with Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” and the reading of the Gettysburg Address. Wanda Burch will share songs from MUSIC in the Midst of Madness: A Respite from the Turmoil of the Civil War with segues throughout the concert by author and historian Ron Coddington that will note excerpts and images from his publication Gettysburg FACES Portraits and Personal Accounts. Additional music selections will tell the stories of valor and sacrifices of our ancestors who lived during the Revolutionary War, WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam War eras.
On Friday evening August 4th the annual Heritage Music Gathering remembers the home front’s war effort to support the troops at a recreation of a 1940s Bond Rally. The event is free and all members of the community are encouraged to connect personally to the past and experience a taste of life in the 1940s at the home front during WW II.
The United States spent $300 billion fighting the Axis powers and supplying our allies. The U.S. Treasury offered Americans a series of War Bonds as an investment in their country. The money helped to pay for tanks, planes, ships, uniforms, weapons, medicine, food and everything else the military needed to fight and win. People were implored to do their part through posters picturing Uncle Sam or a soldier/sailor in the theatre of war. Celebrities like Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Bette Davis traveled the country putting on Bond Rallies or Radio shows promoting War Bond sales.
“We’ll Meet Again”: A Victory Days WWII Bond Rally steps back in time with a recreation of an evening of music, radio broadcasts, displays, samples of typical rations, USO coffee & donuts tent, living history impressions of WWII personalities and a variety of activities that will bring the era to life.
The evening activities are dedicated to the memory of Tom Bristol and Louise McRoberts. Tom passed away at the age of 99 at his home in Windham, NY this past Spring. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp where he served as a tail gunner on a B-25 in the Pacific theater. He completed 54 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal. Louise McRoberts from East Windham, NY died at the age of 98 in February 2023. She served in the Women’s Army Corps in 1944 and was dispatched to a medical unit to help care for wounded soldiers returning to the U.S. during the Battle of the Bulge. She later was deployed to Germany as an air-raid warden.
Join us for a BBQ and Ice Cream Social at 5 pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring their families and friends as we remember our parents and grandparents of the “Greatest Generation” whose sacrifices preserved the liberty and freedoms we currently enjoy and led to the post-war reconstruction of Europe and Japan. For further information call 518-734-5655.
One hundred and sixty years ago the Battle of Gettysburg was fought in early July. Confederate and Union casualties totaled 46,000, the highest losses of any one Civil War battle. There were 8,000 dead. The carnage, destruction, wounding of combatants and loss of life that devastated the Pennsylvania farming town of 2,400 inhabitants in the early summer of 1863 prompted President Abraham Lincoln to travel by rail to visit that November to dedicate a national cemetery. Lincoln honored the fallen dead and framed those soldiers’ sacrifices as necessary to the survival of the nation. He stated that the Union had to remain dedicated “to a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
“CHEERS for the RED, WHITE & BLUE: America’s Music Landscape 1776-1976” highlights the music that our 16th President heard or was inspired by such as “Lincoln & Liberty”, “Rally ‘Round the Flag” and “Sweet Chariot”. Pianist, Helen Beedle will present two compositions by artists Teresa Carreno and L.M. Gottschalk who performed for Lincoln. These selections introduce a Lincoln music tribute along with Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait” and the reading of the Gettysburg Address. Wanda Burch will share songs from MUSIC in the Midst of Madness: A Respite from the Turmoil of the Civil War with segues throughout the concert by author and historian Ron Coddington that will note excerpts and images from his publication Gettysburg FACES Portraits and Personal Accounts. Additional music selections will tell the stories of valor and sacrifices of our ancestors who lived during the Revolutionary War, WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam War eras.
On Friday evening August 4th the annual Heritage Music Gathering remembers the home front’s war effort to support the troops at a recreation of a 1940s Bond Rally. The event is free and all members of the community are encouraged to connect personally to the past and experience a taste of life in the 1940s at the home front during WW II.
The United States spent $300 billion fighting the Axis powers and supplying our allies. The U.S. Treasury offered Americans a series of War Bonds as an investment in their country. The money helped to pay for tanks, planes, ships, uniforms, weapons, medicine, food and everything else the military needed to fight and win. People were implored to do their part through posters picturing Uncle Sam or a soldier/sailor in the theatre of war. Celebrities like Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Bette Davis traveled the country putting on Bond Rallies or Radio shows promoting War Bond sales.
“We’ll Meet Again”: A Victory Days WWII Bond Rally steps back in time with a recreation of an evening of music, radio broadcasts, displays, samples of typical rations, USO coffee & donuts tent, living history impressions of WWII personalities and a variety of activities that will bring the era to life.
The evening activities are dedicated to the memory of Tom Bristol and Louise McRoberts. Tom passed away at the age of 99 at his home in Windham, NY this past Spring. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp where he served as a tail gunner on a B-25 in the Pacific theater. He completed 54 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal. Louise McRoberts from East Windham, NY died at the age of 98 in February 2023. She served in the Women’s Army Corps in 1944 and was dispatched to a medical unit to help care for wounded soldiers returning to the U.S. during the Battle of the Bulge. She later was deployed to Germany as an air-raid warden.
Join us for a BBQ and Ice Cream Social at 5 pm. Visitors are encouraged to bring their families and friends as we remember our parents and grandparents of the “Greatest Generation” whose sacrifices preserved the liberty and freedoms we currently enjoy and led to the post-war reconstruction of Europe and Japan. For further information call 518-734-5655.
Introducing the 77th New York Regimental Balladeers
In a New Year’s message posted on the Community of Windham Foundation website I quoted the words of Tennyson; “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering it will be happier.”
The still very active COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause unimagined pain, suffering and loss. The virus has resulted in a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable throughout our community. Fortunately, new vaccines and wider availability in the months ahead offer the possibility that most eligible folks will be vaccinated by the end of May.
While hard to comprehend that our fellowship and musical pursuits have also been on hold for more than a year, I find myself thinking about pre-pandemic times more and more each day.
Thumbing through our 2019/20 touring calendar and schedule, and revisiting the balladeers’ Facebook page, I recollected the happenings we’ve shared including playing great music and yes- enjoying some laughs and each other’s fellowship.
We learned that the Home Front Café closed in December, a victim of the pandemic. The café was truly a place of remembrance and learning. The Andrews sisters were crooning “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” in the background when we gathered there for lunch awhile back.
The Coronavirus has changed our lives “during the year that wasn’t” - but it can never dull the rich and lasting memories that are at the core of the 77th NY Regimental Balladeers’ experience.
Although planning future appearances might still seem uncertain for now, it’s a good time to think about getting back together in June for rehearsals with the goal of booking dates in July, August and September. These will potentially include fundraisers and music supporting the rededication of the restored 77th Soldier Saratoga Springs monument currently in the planning stages -- and of course the Windham Gathering scheduled for August 5 through 7.
We hope to be a part of a special “In Tune with History concert” in the works at the Glen Conservancy for September.
Health and safety concerns always remain at the center of any future band pursuits. Music is a great healing force and I eagerly look forward to seeing each of you whether on stage or in the audience.
Keep in tune with history, stay safe and keep well,
John Quinn, March 2021, Windham NY
In a New Year’s message posted on the Community of Windham Foundation website I quoted the words of Tennyson; “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering it will be happier.”
The still very active COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause unimagined pain, suffering and loss. The virus has resulted in a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable throughout our community. Fortunately, new vaccines and wider availability in the months ahead offer the possibility that most eligible folks will be vaccinated by the end of May.
While hard to comprehend that our fellowship and musical pursuits have also been on hold for more than a year, I find myself thinking about pre-pandemic times more and more each day.
Thumbing through our 2019/20 touring calendar and schedule, and revisiting the balladeers’ Facebook page, I recollected the happenings we’ve shared including playing great music and yes- enjoying some laughs and each other’s fellowship.
We learned that the Home Front Café closed in December, a victim of the pandemic. The café was truly a place of remembrance and learning. The Andrews sisters were crooning “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” in the background when we gathered there for lunch awhile back.
The Coronavirus has changed our lives “during the year that wasn’t” - but it can never dull the rich and lasting memories that are at the core of the 77th NY Regimental Balladeers’ experience.
Although planning future appearances might still seem uncertain for now, it’s a good time to think about getting back together in June for rehearsals with the goal of booking dates in July, August and September. These will potentially include fundraisers and music supporting the rededication of the restored 77th Soldier Saratoga Springs monument currently in the planning stages -- and of course the Windham Gathering scheduled for August 5 through 7.
We hope to be a part of a special “In Tune with History concert” in the works at the Glen Conservancy for September.
Health and safety concerns always remain at the center of any future band pursuits. Music is a great healing force and I eagerly look forward to seeing each of you whether on stage or in the audience.
Keep in tune with history, stay safe and keep well,
John Quinn, March 2021, Windham NY
77th New York Regimental Balladeers
Campaign Update
Restoration of Saratoga Springs 77th Soldier Monument (Civil War)
Posted 01/21/21 by Sons Of Union Veterans Of The Civil War
The Col. George L. Willard Camp No. 154, Albany, NY, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) would like to express our appreciation to each donor for your contribution toward this project on the restoration of the 77th NY Monument Statue in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, NY.
We have held many meetings and phone calls with the City of Saratoga Springs DPW regarding the completion of this project. Commissioner Scirocco has informed us that that the monument will be back in the park, as soon as they are able, this spring. He indicated that the restoration process is going great and the statue will look better than ever.
Additionally, as part of this project, we are looking at improvements to the landscaping and security of the area. Commissioner Scirocco has emphasized the importance of new security cameras to protect the statue going forward and plans to run the wiring for their setup when the ground thaws. The city of Saratoga Springs makes the ultimate decision on matters regarding the monument and we are supporting their efforts.
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Restoration of Saratoga Springs 77th Soldier Monument (Civil War)
Posted 01/21/21 by Sons Of Union Veterans Of The Civil War
The Col. George L. Willard Camp No. 154, Albany, NY, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) would like to express our appreciation to each donor for your contribution toward this project on the restoration of the 77th NY Monument Statue in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, NY.
We have held many meetings and phone calls with the City of Saratoga Springs DPW regarding the completion of this project. Commissioner Scirocco has informed us that that the monument will be back in the park, as soon as they are able, this spring. He indicated that the restoration process is going great and the statue will look better than ever.
Additionally, as part of this project, we are looking at improvements to the landscaping and security of the area. Commissioner Scirocco has emphasized the importance of new security cameras to protect the statue going forward and plans to run the wiring for their setup when the ground thaws. The city of Saratoga Springs makes the ultimate decision on matters regarding the monument and we are supporting their efforts.
Donate
Share On Facebook
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As Christmas dawns, our thoughts turn to how the soldiers of America's first century weathered each winter in the field during times of war. Winter was bleak during our country's earliest conflicts. Hundreds of thousands of troops toiled in the cold or huddled in canvas-roofed huts while many died of disease in camp. Leaders generally tried to avoid operations due to the trying conditions. But for the soldiers engaged in battle, there was little rest over the holiday. Soldiers preparing for the bloody Battle of Stones River in late December 1862, or shivering in the trenches outside of Petersburg in 1864, found little respite on Christmas or New Year's Day. In 1776, Continental soldiers braved bitter conditions and moved across the icy Delaware River under the command of George Washington to launch a surprise attack against Hessian soldiers and disrupt their traditional German Christmas celebrations. Soldiers who were not on active campaign struggled against the weather and the boredom of life in winter quarters. They sought to bring some semblance of home and comfort to the holiday season. They relished letters from their loved ones, shared special meals, felt loneliness and longing, and even engaged in epic snowball fights. There are records of Civil War soldiers bringing traditional holiday customs like caroling, gift exchanges, and decorating, to camp. One soldier from the 17th Maine recorded that he and his fellow troops eagerly awaited the "sundry boxes and mysterious parcels" directed to them "with feelings akin to those of children expecting Santa Claus." Another soldier, Alfred Bellard of the 5th New Jersey Infantry, recalled a small tree, "decked off with hard tack and pork, in lieu of cakes and oranges," that added festivity to life in a winter camp. Soldiers often let their folks at home know what kind of food they craved. One Confederate soldier from North Carolina wrote his mother, "I wish you would send me a big cake and some dried apple pies or 'slapjacks,' I believe they call them, some molasses, dried fruit, lard, vegetables &c any thing you choose. Please send me a bottle of brandy and some sugar and I will make an eggnog from Christmas if I can manage to get some eggs. Please send me a pound or two of butter for we very seldom get any up in these diggings." Yet, despite troops' best efforts to partake in holiday celebrations on the front, the season also served as a reminder that soldiers were separated from their loved ones and the comforts of home. As we count our blessings, let us also deepen our appreciation for our soldiers' devotion and how they shaped - and continue to shape - the country we call home, often far away from their families. Thank you for doing your part to help ensure that their memory is never forgotten. Searching for a last-minute gift?This holiday, make a gift to preserve historic land in someone else's name. When you make a donation, you have the opportunity to send an ecard notifying them of your gift on their behalf. It's a wonderful way to spread cheer. Give Now Christmas BellsDid you know that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1863 poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" had its origins in the American Civil War? Longfellow wrote the piece on Christmas Day in 1863. Nine months earlier his son, Charles Appleton Longfellow, snuck away from home and enlisted in the Federal army in Washington, D.C. Learn more Christmas in the Confederate White HouseVarina Davis, wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, wrote this article describing how the Davis family spent the Christmas of 1864 in the Confederate White House. It was published in The New York World, December 13, 1896 and has since been reprinted often. This excerpt was obtained via the website "The American Civil War, 1861-1865." Learn more Christmas in WartimeLearn more about how Americans experienced the Christmas holiday during the wars that defined the United States. Our collection includes a look at warfare in wintertime and the battles that were shaped by the season. Explore the collection "Christmas Night of 62"Confederate soldier William Gordon McCabe sat down on Christmas night 1862 to write his thoughts and remember his family far away. One hundred and fifty five years later, his words are still poignant. Read his poem Clara BartonClara Barton was born on December 25, 1821, and spent several Christmases in Washington. Although she had twice the reason to celebrate the day, she did not find it very exciting during adulthood, particularly during the trying years during the Civil War. Learn more about the life and legacy of the "Angel of the Battlefield." Read more Washington’s CrossingOn Christmas night 1776, General George Washington moved his troops across the icy Delaware River to launch a surprise attack against Hessian soldiers encamped in the British garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. Washington's plan was a bold one, but the commander knew that such an endeavor was necessary to prevent the revolution from crumbling. On Dec. 26, Washington and his men achieved a stunning victory, capturing 900 Hessian prisoners and setting the stage for the 10 Crucial Days to come. Watch the video Christmas on the RappahannockThis story was published in Harper's Weekly in 1886 by the Rev. John Paxton, a veteran from the 140th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Paxton's account takes place on Christmas Day, just weeks after the Battle of Fredericksburg, while performing often miserable picket duty. Read the story Year-End GivingThis year’s CARES Act allows cash charitable deductions up to 100% of adjusted gross income (up from 60%) if itemizing and up to $300 if taking the standard deduction. Consult your tax advisor for details. Please make your year-end gift to preserve our threatened hallowed ground. Your tax-deductible gift will help us to preserve irreplaceable hallowed ground — forever. Make your year-end gift today CONNECT WITH THE AMERICAN BATTLEFIELD TRUST More than 53,000 acres saved American Battlefield Trust 1156 15th St NW Suite 900 Washington, DC 20005 United States 
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A message from the 77th NY Regimental Balladeers - Tuesday July 7, 2020
2020 Windham Civil War Heritage Music Gathering & Encampment Cancelled
In compliance with the Governor’s Capital District Region phase four COVID-19 reopening plan and our concern for the health and safety of our event visitors, fellow musicians and members of the living history community we are unable to proceed with this year’s Civil War Heritage Music Gathering & Encampment and have rescheduled our event for August 6,7 and 8, 2021.
This would have been our twenty-second year of commemorating the valor and sacrifices of Greene County’s Civil War volunteers who fought to preserve a more perfect Union. Federal troops were recruited from the mountaintop towns of Ashland, Hunter, Jewett, Lexington, Prattsville and Windham. The 20th New York Militia troops under the command of Prattsville’s favorite son Colonel George W. Pratt was one of the first regiments to answer Lincoln’s call to action in 1861. The regiment participated in the battles of Second Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg and Appomattox. Pratt was mortally wounded at the Battle of Second Bull Run and died on September 11, 1862 in Albany, NY.
Each year the Windham based remembrance weekend presents music, historical art, book-signings, film showings, exhibits and living history demonstrations that tell the story of our mid-19th century ancestors who lived during one of most tumultuous times in American history.
We are grateful for the on-going support we receive each year from the Community of Windham Foundation, Windham Foundation, Town of Windham, VFW Post 1545, Windham Rotary, Hensonville Fire Company, Windham Historical Society, Civil War Heritage Foundation, Windham Diner, Ment Media Group, United Methodist Church, WRIP, Windham Movie Theatre, Stewart’s Shops, local hotels, individual sponsors and the re-enactment community.
We’re looking forward to the time, when we once again are able to congregate in large groups, breathe the same mask-free air, and raise up our voices in song at the historic Centre Church. We plan to rebook as many of our musician friends and guest speakers as possible for 2021. We’ll see you at the encampment on August 6-8, 2021 as we commemorate the One Hundred and Sixtieth anniversary of Greene County’s role during America’s Civil War.
Please visit this website 77thnyballadeers.com or on Facebook for updates about the 2021 Gathering and other events.
Our Mission
Guided by the spirit of Foster, Kittredge, Emmett, other leading music composers, publishers and the singing soldiers of the day, the Civil War Music Heritage Gathering aims to educate, explore, preserve, promote and share with the public the popular songs/tunes of the mid-nineteenth century.
Furthermore, we seek to create a fellowship and learning community where contemporary antebellum and Civil War string band musicians and workshop participants can exchange musical knowledge, thoughts and views about music history, playing styles and rub musical elbows with each other.
The only pre-requisites are having a genuine passion and respect for the period's songs and tunes and a capacity to enjoy and support the musicianship of others.
Guided by the spirit of Foster, Kittredge, Emmett, other leading music composers, publishers and the singing soldiers of the day, the Civil War Music Heritage Gathering aims to educate, explore, preserve, promote and share with the public the popular songs/tunes of the mid-nineteenth century.
Furthermore, we seek to create a fellowship and learning community where contemporary antebellum and Civil War string band musicians and workshop participants can exchange musical knowledge, thoughts and views about music history, playing styles and rub musical elbows with each other.
The only pre-requisites are having a genuine passion and respect for the period's songs and tunes and a capacity to enjoy and support the musicianship of others.
