Cobblestone’s annual patriotic service will celebrate 250th anniversary

Keynote address will discuss Liberty Poles and origin of the one at museum

Photo by Tom Rivers: Doug Farley, director of the Cobblestone Museum, speaks on July 6, 2025 during the annual patriotic service held near the Fourth of July in the Cobblestone Church.

CHILDS – A special America 250 celebration is scheduled at 11 a.m. Sunday at the National Historic Landmark Cobblestone Church on Route 104.

A festive program of patriotic songs, readings, and much more, themed to highlight the nation’s semi-quincentennial, has been planned, according to Cobblestone Museum Director Doug Farley.

Bill Lattin, former Cobblestone Museum director and county historian, will provide a keynote address explaining the historic significance of Liberty Poles, and how the Museum’s Liberty Pole was dedicated on the museum campus.

Assistant director Sue Bonafini and summer intern Casey Starkweather will provide information about the four signers of the Declaration of Independence from New York state. They will answer questions, such as “How and why did they decide to sign the document? What led them to that decision? What were the ramifications of their actions?”

For answers to these questions, and more, Farley urges everyone to join them on Sunday.

In addition, summer intern Collin Capurso will be offering selected readings from Thomas Payne and other patriots. Of course, guests will be asked to join in singing several historic melodies that will add to the occasion.

Following the patriotic program, a picnic lunch is planned on the side lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to pass. Hotdogs and beverages will be provided.

This is a free, public program, however, donations are gladly accepted.