Mahopac Central School District

Austin Road fourth graders stepped back in time as the Mahopac elementary school hosted its Liberty 250 celebration, a full-day educational experience designed to bring Colonial America and the Revolutionary era to life.

Connected to the social studies curriculum on Colonial life in America and timed to coincide with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the event transformed Austin Road into an interactive living history experience where students learned not just by reading about history, but by experiencing it firsthand.

The day began with a special opening ceremony featuring remarks from Austin Road Principal Bryan Gilligan, Mahopac Board of Education trustee Tanner McCracken, Putnam County Historian Jennifer Cassidy and television and podcast host Don Wildman of “Mysteries at the Museum.”

The event was spearheaded by teacher Mary Jean Cerbini, who organized the immersive educational experience with the support of the fourth grade team of teachers including Tiffany Balseca, Katie Douma, Sue Downey, Carolyn Ryan, Jerry Volpe and Tiffany Ziegelhofer. Austin Road’s PTO helped make the event possible through its generous support.

“We are so grateful to all of the community experts who shared their time and knowledge with our students,” Cerbini said. “Their passion and enthusiasm helped bring history to life in a very special way.”

Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of hands-on stations led by historians, storytellers and historical interpreters dressed in historical costumes to lend authenticity to the event. Wildman demonstrated the art of quill writing as it would have been done in 1776 while master storyteller Jonathan Kruk brought the era to life through dramatic stories of local Revolutionary War legends such as Sybil Ludington and Chief Daniel Nimham, connecting the fourth graders to the rich history of the Hudson Valley.

Historical interpreter Jack Sherry portrayed Benjamin Franklin, sharing humorous stories and descriptions of his many inventions, while Celeste Sherry demonstrated 18th century spinning and fiber arts giving students a glimpse into daily Colonial life.

Outside, Bill Weineke guided students through living history demonstrations focused on Revolutionary War soldiers and camp life, including how tents were assembled during the era. Later in the afternoon, local historian Vincent D’Aquino expanded on the story of Sybil Ludington and her famous midnight ride through Putnam County to help rally Colonial militia during the Revolutionary War.

“This was a tremendous experience for our students because they were able to truly immerse themselves in history through hands-on learning,” Principal Bryan Gilligan said. “Our fourth grade teachers did an incredible job planning this event and it’s important to recognize that one day like this takes months of preparation. A special thank you goes to Mary Jean Cerbini for reaching out to historians and experts who helped make the day such a success. Long after our students leave Austin Road and even graduate high school, this is the kind of experience they will remember.”

Superintendent of Schools Frank Miele expressed his gratitude to everyone involved with making the Liberty 250 event happen.

“Mary Jean and the fourth grade team did an outstanding job putting this special day together,” Miele said. “It’s important for our students to understand not only the history of our country, but also the sacrifices that were made to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. This was a tremendous celebration of America and a wonderful way for our students to connect with history in a memorable way.”

By combining storytelling, demonstrations and hands-on activities, the Liberty 250 celebration gave students an opportunity to engage with history firsthand while deepening their understanding of Colonial America and the founding of our nation.