Let's Celebrate Our Nation's 250th Anniversary with a Commemorative Book: "From Fishkill to Freedom 250"
Call for Community Contributions
As we prepare to celebrate our Nation's 250th Anniversary, the Fishkill Historical Society is embarking on an exciting new project: a commemorative book that will capture the spirit, sacrifices, and stories of those who lived during the Revolutionary War. The society invites community members to participate in this historic endeavor by
contributing essays, family stories, or exhibits centered on their ancestors' experiences or treasured family documents from the Revolutionary War era.
"Fishkill to Freedom" will aim to highlight local connections to the Nation's founding moments. Whether it's a story of an ancestor who marched for independence, a cherished letter passed down through generations, or a tale of how family heirlooms reveal personal experiences of the Revolution, these stories are a testament to the enduring legacy of the past. We will also include essays on the struggles and triumphs of the patriots who visited or lived in the Hudson Valley.
Our Due Date for Submissions is November 11th, 2025.
We are seeking thoughtful, historically grounded, and creatively inspired submissions,
including:
Essays and Poems
Topics may include:
• Biographies of local Revolutionary War figures or family members who contributed to the founding of our country.
• Reflections on patriotic ideals and their modern resonance.
• Accounts of battles, correspondence, or troop movements in the Hudson Valley
• Family histories with ties to the region’s wartime efforts
Artwork
• Original illustrations, paintings, or digital art inspired by Revolutionary-era themes,
scenes, or personalities
• Historical renderings or modern interpretations (high-resolution digital images preferred)
Artifacts
• Photographs of heirlooms, documents, uniforms, tools, or memorabilia with a brief
written description (ownership remains with the submitter; we are collecting digital
documentation only)
How Should Submissions Be Written?
Essays should:
- Be clear, engaging, and historically respectful
- Include sources when possible (primary documents or local records preferred)
- Use standard formatting: Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, and include
a title and the author’s name.
Captions for artwork or artifacts should provide a brief explanation of their significance and origin.
Submission Process:
• Deadline: November 11th, 2025 (Veterans Day)
• Email submissions to: info@fishkillhistoricalsociety.org
Format:
- Essays in Word or PDF format
- Artwork and artifact photos as high-resolution JPG or PNG files
- We can provide support for your artwork and artifact submissions
Include in your email:
• Full name and brief bio (2–4 sentences)
•Contact information
•A short statement granting permission to publish your work (non-exclusive, for this
edition only)
If you would like to speak with someone, please do not hesitate to contact me, Arnold Restivo,
at 845-674-3330.
To Your Success,
The Fishkill Historical Society
To express interest in submitting or ask a question about the book via email, and receive emailed updates about how submissions are coming along, please submit this form.
Folks who use this form are interested in finding out more about submitting an article to the book that FHS is putting together to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.