A Rendezvous with Treason at The Hermitage

History typically celebrates figures of bravery and honor, and rarely delves into the consciousness of villains. But on Saturday, audience members at the Hermitage explored the story of two antiheros: Benedict Arnold and John Andre – two men who nearly brought an end to the Revolutionary War.

History teachers Gary Petagine and Sean Grady, who teach in Westchester County, performed the reenactment. Dressed in period costume, they acted out the story to a full house of students and curious history buffs.

The tale opened with Benedict Arnold, played by Petagine. Arnold served as an American field commander in the Revolutionary War and led the army to numerous victories, including the Battle of Saratoga. Wounded, he laid injured in a hospital for eight months, during which he was denied credit for the triumph he helped procure and charged with corruption. Though he was acquitted, Arnold became dissatisfied with the war.

“I little expected such an ungrateful return from my country,” he told the audience, throwing an American flag on the ground.

Arnold began to write to John Andre of the British military, played by Sean Grady. Andre agreed to meet Arnold to receive plans for the next American battle. But after the meeting, he was captured by Americans and the plans Arnold had given him were discovered in his boot. Arnold managed to escape arrest, but Andre was hung as a spy.

“This was awesome, a real pleasure,” said attendee Dennis Buttacavoli. “They should definitely bring out more kids next time.” Ten students from Mrs. Hans' RHS American Studies class attended in an audience of 56.

The story has its own historical ties to Ridgewood, Petagine explained to the audience. Peggy Shippen, Arnold’s wife, stayed at the Hermitage while her husband was fleeing the country. Having denied all knowledge of his exploits to authorities, she confessed the whole story to Hermitage resident Theodosia Bartow.

“Anytime there’s a historical connection, it adds to the feel of the performance,” said Sean Grady. The two men have performed the play at historical sites where both Andre and Arnold once visited, including The Old ’76 House where Andre was held prisoner before he was hanged.

Petagine and Grady met as re-enactors in the Fifth New York Volunteer Infantry. They taught a course together about Andre and Arnold to other teachers through the Living History Education Foundation. Grady, an actor, told Petagine they should put a play together.

“I said, ‘Wait, you think I’d be perfect for the obnoxious traitor?’” remarked Petagine with a laugh. Completing their script three years later, they began performing. Their main motivation, they said, is to provide a hands-on education.

“My job, as a teacher, is to go beyond the textbook,” said Grady. “To make kids experience something they can connect to their lives, when that happens you just see a light bulb go off.”

Petagine and Grady also have a second play depicting an interaction between a Prisoner of War and Arnold during his escape.

For more information, see their website.