(Albany, NY) – On Saturday, August 2, 2025, Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site invites the public to celebrate local Revolutionary War Patriot Henry Knox’s early life as a bookseller. This event is a part of the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
Henry Knox is considered to be one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Forced to leave school and begin work at a young age, Knox worked in a Boston bookstore. He joined a militia after witnessing the Boston Massacre. He opened his own bookshop in Boston in 1771, where he became engrossed in military history and tactics, and revolutionary ideals. In 1775, Knox led a wagon train of artillery through Albany, aided and hosted by General Philip Schuyler. To commemorate this anniversary and celebrate the role that bookstores played in literacy during the Revolutionary period, Schuyler Mansion will unveil a new little library at the historic site.
From 11:00am-12:00pm, following the unveiling of the little library, the RED Bookshelf will provide a reading and activity for youngsters. This activity is free and family-oriented, but not a drop-off event.
From 3:00-4:30pm, there will be a bookmaking workshop. Design your own book! Join us for a bookbinding and personalized bookplate workshop. This activity is free, for ages 10 to adult (minors must be accompanied by an adult). As this is a limited space event, reservations are recommended. Call the museum at 518-434-0834 to make a reservation.
Schuyler Mansion is also soliciting donations of books for all ages for use in the new little library. Starting on July 2, and throughout the month of July, Schuyler Mansion will accept donations of gently used books. History and children’s books are of particular interest. Books may be brought to the Visitor Center of the Schuyler Mansion during open hours, Wednesday through Sunday 10:30am-5:00pm, throughout July.
For more information about New York State's 250th American Revolution Commemoration, visit www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/america-250/.
Schuyler Mansion is located at 32 Catherine Street in Albany’s historic South End. For information about this or other site events, please call (518) 434-0834, visit https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schuylermansion/details.aspx or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visits annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
