Teatown Celebrates America 250 with a Day of Revolutionary Storytelling
Ossining, N.Y.--Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will bring Teatown’s Revolutionary past to life with family and adult programs on September 26.
Kruk will lead two programs at Teatown, bringing the people, places, and stories of Revolutionary-era Westchester to life for audiences of all ages.
Long before Teatown became a land trust and environmental education center, the landscape and surrounding communities were part of a region deeply shaped by the struggle for American independence. The September programs will invite visitors to experience that history through storytelling, music, audience participation, and the local tales that connect Teatown to a pivotal chapter in the nation’s founding.
"Teatown is a place where people come to connect with the landscape, and that landscape has a history of its own,” said Kevin Carter, Executive Director of Teatown. “As we celebrate America 250, we’re excited to work with Jonathan Kruk to share the stories of Teatown and Revolutionary-era Westchester with our community.”
The afternoon begins with Teatown Tales, a family program from 2–3 p.m. Children will become part of the storytelling themselves, stepping into roles as Kruk shares tales inspired by the
history and landscape of the Hudson Valley. The program will include local place-name stories, the tale of the Hudson River’s formation, and more, with musical accompaniment by “Caffeine” Steve Kelman.
That evening, Teatown will present Revolutionary Teatown! from 6–7:30 p.m., an adults-only program exploring Teatown’s Revolutionary origins and Westchester’s struggle for
independence. Kruk will be joined by Historical Balladeer Linda Russell for a musical journey from the Revolutionary era through Teatown’s story today, complete with period songs, sing-along pub tunes, hammer dulcimer, and guitar. Ticket price includes refreshments, beer, and wine.
The evening program will also serve as a special fundraiser supporting Teatown’s ongoing campus transformation. As Teatown celebrates the history rooted in its landscape, the event offers an opportunity to help shape the organization’s next chapter and the future of environmental education and conservation at Teatown.
Celebrate America 250 with Teatown and master storyteller Jonathan Kruk:
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Teatown Tales for families, 2–3 p.m.
Revolutionary Teatown! for adults, 6–7:30 p.m.
Advance registration is required. Tickets and additional information are available at teatown.org/revolutionary-teatown
About Jonathan Kruk
Jonathan Kruk is the Hudson Valley’s master storyteller. Known for solo shows of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and A Christmas Carol, he engages all with dramatic interactive performances at schools, libraries, historic sites, and nature reserves. He created eight recordings and authored four books. Jonathan’s been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, The Today Show, and Travel Channel. He’s been awarded citizenship medals by the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution. Learn more at www.jonathankruk.com
About Teatown
Teatown is a nonprofit, nationally accredited land trust that protects and manages more than 1,300 acres, conducts habitat restoration and scientific research, and provides environmental education to future generations. Our mission is to inspire our community to lifelong environmental stewardship.
Today, Teatown is undertaking a major transformation of its campus, including the renovation of its Nature Center and construction of a new Education Center, creating expanded and more accessible ADA-compliant spaces for environmental learning, wildlife encounters, research, and community engagement.