May 16-17   The Seizure of Johnson Hall, 1776

   In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Johnson Hall State Historic Site will commemorate the occupation of Johnstown and the confiscation of Johnson Hall by Revolutionary forces in May 1776. The free, two-day living history event on May 16 and 17, 2026 will feature military and civilian reenactors interpreting the experiences of local colonial European, Mohawk, and enslaved African communities, staged recreations of key events in downtown Johnstown and at Johnson Hall, and a chance to see the interior of the historic home as never seen before— looted and ruined in the aftermath of the raid.

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   Only five months after disarming Johnstown in January 1776, Continental soldiers occupied the community once again in May, seizing Johnson Hall and arresting residents accused of refusing to support the Revolution. Lady Mary Watts Johnson, her young children, and other members of the household were taken to Albany, where they were held hostage to ensure the compliance of the Johnson family. Johnstown would remain a key location in the contest for control of the region, as local residents – rebel, loyalist, and neutral alike – found their world turned upside down, facing an uncertain future in the civil war that was to come.

This event is part of a series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution at New York state parks and historic sites. For more events and information, visit https://parks.ny.gov/history/rev-war.