To the Editor:

In the summer of 1777, an invading army under British General John Burgoyne threatened to capture Albany and to isolate New England from the other rebellious colonies. Challenged by the logistics of continuing his advance, Burgoyne sent a detachment commanded by Lt. Col. Friedrich Baum to capture stores held in Bennington.

Expecting little in the way of resistance, Crown forces instead were delivered a decisive check by General John Stark, who commanded a collection of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire state militias in two fierce engagements.

Victory at Bennington paved the way for victory in the Battles of Saratoga and ultimately in the war itself. However, few people realize that this crucial battle was fought in New York’s present-day Capital Region.

Historic Site Assistant David Pitlyk will deliver a presentation on the history of the Battle of Bennington, drawing from contemporary source material and archaeological findings. The presentation will also touch on how the battle has been commemorated and interpreted over time, both in New York and Vermont.

His presentation is being hosted by the New Scotland Historical Association at a free event on Oct. 3.

David Pitlyk has interpreted the Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site since 2015. He previously worked as the interpretation coordinator for the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum (USS Slater) and graduated from the University at Albany with degrees in history and education.

Please come to the association’s October program to hear this informative and insightful presentation about the pivotal Battle of Bennington.

This program will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center in New Salem at 7 The Old New Salem Road. Admission is always free.   

The New Scotland Historical Association Museum will be open for a half-hour before the program.

Judy Kimes

Publicist

New Scotland Historical Association