Peekskill Museum Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Press release from the Peekskill Museum at Herrick House:

April 25, 2021

As one of its premier 75th Anniversary events, the Peekskill Museum will rededicate a Revolutionary War Cannon that was instrumental in making local African-American soldier, John Jacob Peterson, a national hero.

Rededication of the cannon commemorates the historic and heroic steps taken by “Rifle Jack” Peterson and Moses Sherwood, two Revolutionary War soldiers, who by their decisive action thwarted a conspiracy hatched by Benedict Arnold, which would have resulted in the capture of West Point by the British. The event also honors the late Kay Moshier, a direct descendant of John Jacob Peterson, for her contributions to the Museum and to Peekskill’s history.

The commemoration will take place at the Museum on Union Avenue on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Peterson/Moshier family members will be in attendance as guests of honor, and the outdoor program will include a Military Gun Salute, Revolutionary War Reenactors, a brief recitation of the story of “Rifle Jack” Peterson by historian John Curran, and a wreath ceremony.

This event is free. The Museum is open to the public, with Covid restrictions.

Donations to the Museum Building Fund are welcome and appreciated.

This press release was produced by the Peekskill Museum at Herrick House. The views expressed here are the author's own.