Photos and videos may be taken during this event. By attending, you grant the Bedford Historical Society permission to use your image and likeness in any communications and promotional materials.
Step back in time for an epic, large-scale reenactment of the Battle of White Plains, set against the stunning backdrop of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
History is everywhere if you know where to look. Join us for this fun and educational trek in the Village using clues to uncover Bedford’s history. There will be activities on the Green and at buildings and landmarks. Great for all ages!
Photos and videos may be taken during this event. By attending, you grant the Bedford Historical Society permission to use your image and likeness in any communications and promotional materials.
Thank you for the incredible response! All performances of 1776 are now completely sold out. If you're already on the waitlist, we'll contact you if tickets unexpectedly become available. At this point, however, the likelihood of openings is extremely small.
We've also received a number of inquiries about ushering. We are grateful for the enthusiasm, but our usher team is fully staffed for the remainder of the run.
Step into the spirit of the American Revolution with a lively staging of the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 at Historical Hall. This classic brings to life the debates, drama, and determination behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
With performances across multiple June evenings and matinees, the production offers an engaging experience—blending humor, history, and memorable music in this intimate, local setting.
Presented in partnership with the Town of Bedford, John Jay Homestead, Bedford Historical Society, and Katonah Classic Stage as part of the Rev250 initiative, this production is a perfect way to celebrate Bedford’s deep history and the founding story that shaped the nation.
Photos and videos may be taken during this event. By attending, you grant the Bedford Historical Society permission to use your image and likeness in any communications and promotional materials.
The world of insects is far more fascinating —and far more important—than most of us realize. Dr. Jessica Ware, award-winning entomologist and curator at the American Museum of Natural History, will introduce us to the astonishing diversity of insects that share our landscapes, from bees and butterflies to dragonflies, beetles, and ants. Dr. Ware and Mianus River Gorge’s Dr. Chris Nagy will explain why these tiny creatures play an outsized role in healthy ecosystems—pollinating plants, recycling nutrients, and supporting the food web. Audience members will leave with a new sense of curiosity about the insects they encounter every day, and a clearer understanding of how our choices—from gardening to home lighting to land stewardship—affect the smallest members of our local ecosystem.
Bugs. Info and Tickets here.
Forests are one of the defining features of Bedford’s landscape—but they are also living systems constantly changing in response to climate, wildlife, invasive species, and human activity. Forester, bestselling author, and digital storyteller Ethan Tapper, along with Mianus River Gorge’s Rod Christie, will help us see the woods with new eyes, exploring what it really means to care for forests today. Drawing on his experience managing forests, Tapper will explain how forests grow, adapt, and sometimes struggle—and how thoughtful stewardship can help them become healthier and more resilient. For those who walk local trails, own woodland, or value the wooded character of our community, this evening’s conversation will offer a deeper understanding of the forests that surround us and the role we can play in their future.
Forests. Info and Tickets here.
BONUS EVENT: The community is then invited by the Mianus River Gorge for a celebration honoring Rod Christie's retirement after nearly 30 years of service to our community. Enjoy a community-centered celebration just outside Historical Hall on the Bedford Village Green with libations, signature cocktails, light bites, and pizza from oHHo/Pizza Girls NY. For tickets to this event ($75), visit here.
Travel through time with photographs and history of the buildings and landscapes that contribute to Bedford’s historic charm. This timeless coffee table book was composed by former Executive Director Lynn Ryan and features photographs from internationally acclaimed photographer William Abranowicz, the Historical Society’s archives, and other noted photographers.
Join us for a special evening at the 1787 Court House & Bedford Museum as we introduce this limited-edition, must-have book. The cocktail reception will feature opening remarks and a brief conversation about the making of the book. Copies will be available for purchase at the event with your ticket price subtracted.
Birds are among the most visible and beloved wildlife in Bedford. Dr. Andrew Farnsworth of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, along with Mianus River Gorge’s Budd Veverka, will explore how birds can serve as a powerful lens on the health of our landscapes—revealing the richness of local biodiversity, the importance of different habitats, and the many ways wildlife and human communities coexist.
Using research from the Cornell Lab and tools like eBird and Merlin, Farnsworth will show how careful observation—from backyard feeders to woodland trails—can deepen our understanding of the natural world. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply someone who enjoys the sights and sounds of birds around your home, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the role birds play in connecting us to the land.
Presented jointly with the Mianus River Gorge, Bedford Garden Club, Rusticus Garden Club and Bedford Historical Society.
with Historian, Author, Professor & Editor Holly A. Mayer
Historical Society Business, Refreshments, Talk and Q&A
Professor Holly A. Mayer explores the diverse and crucial roles women played in the Revolutionary War and examines how their experiences directly impacted the war's outcome through actions like espionage, nursing, and even combat, while also shaping the changing roles of women in the new nation.
6:30 Refreshments ~ 7:00 BHS Business ~ 7:15 Talk and Q&A
Or call us at 914.234.9751 - $25/person includes refreshments and event.
The Town of Bedford’s Tavern Night is sold out. Other fun events coming though!
Visit the Town of Bedford’s website for more info and tickets
Join us as we celebrate the kindness and generosity of our community
Refreshments, Snacks, Music & Friendship for All at the 1787 Court House
Event is Rain or Shine - Tickets are non-refundable but will be fully tax deductible if you are unable to attend. Thank you.
Join us for an evening of fascinating talks on Bedford wildlife, featuring CBS Sunday Morning's David Pogue and iNaturalist's Scott Loarie!
TICKETS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Featured Guest Speaker Mark Alan Hewitt
Architect, Preservationist, Architectural Historian &
Author of The Architecture of Mott B. Schmidt
Will Discuss the Legacy of Architect Mott. B. Schmidt
Home of Katherine & Daniel Boulud
Designed by Mott B. Schmidt
This is a Member-only event - Tickets & Membership HERE
Join us for an evening of fascinating talks on Bedford wildlife, featuring CBS Sunday Morning's David Pogue and iNaturalist's Scott Loarie!
Join us for an evening of fascinating talks on Bedford wildlife, featuring CBS Sunday Morning's David Pogue and iNaturalist's Scott Loarie!
Join us for a historic evening at Rochambeau Farm as we partner to bring you a special reading of Paul Revere’s Ride and more. Tickets here with courtesy member pricing for Historical Society members.
History is everywhere if you know where to look!
Follow the clues to hunt through the Village, find answers and learn more about Bedford’s storied past. Walk-ins welcome - Tickets available at the Court House
The Architecture of Mott B. Schmidt - Talk and Trip
TICKETS ON SALE AT THE DOOR. WALK INS WELCOME
Join us for Valentine's Bingo! Tickets include pizza, popcorn, prizes plus kid and adult refreshments. Family tickets include adults and children. You can park in the public lot in front of St. Patrick's Church and there will be a crossing guard available to help.
The Society reserves the right to use any photos or videos taken at our events in our promotional materials or publications.
All proceeds benefit the Sociey’s Properties Preservation Fund.
There is no refund on tickets or tables.
After 28+ years working for the Bedford Historical Society, Executive Lynn Ryan is retiring! Please join us as we celebrate the growth and changes at the Society under her leadership.
If you have photos and/or memories you’d like to share, please send to info@bhsny.org. Thank you!
Shop the Village and enjoy specials and discounts from local merchants plus food tastings and other goodies!
Tour select houses in and around the Village representing “The Collected Home.” In addition to their historical and architectural significance, these homes offer the added interest of curated collections including antiques, art and objects of design. The 1787 Court House & Museum will also be open featuring objects of interest from Bedford’s past.
Noon to 1pm - Lunch & Panel Discussion at Historical Hall
1pm to 4pm - House Tour
Tickets available for House Tour only starting at $125
Join us for a panel discussion on the evolution of Bedford as a town and community including thoughts on where we are headed. With panelists:
Ellen Calves, Supervisor, Town of Bedford
Jesica Youngblood, Director of Planning, Town of Bedford
Clayton Rose, Chair, Bedford Village Historic District Review
Brett Cameron, President, Bedford Village Business Association
Lynn Ryan, Executive Director, Bedford Historical Society
6:30pm Refreshments & Mingle - 6:45pm BHS Business - 7:00pm Panel Discussion w/ Q&A
Join us on the 1787 Court House porch with your family for warm cider & candy canes
toasty $5 Fezziwigs cocktails inside the Court House for adults
TODAY’S TOUR IS CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE 1787 COURT HOUSE & BEDFORD MUSEUM WILL BE OPEN NOON - 3PM FOR TOURS.
Step back in time and tour Bedford Village like a Colonial. Meet Lynn Ryan, the Society's Executive Director on the Green at 11am and learn about Bedford's storied past as you walk through the Village. Stops include the 1829 one-room School House and 1787 Court House & Bedford Museum.
Free to Historical Society members, $10 for non-members and $25 for non-member families. Visit our website for tickets or call us at 914-234-9751 for information.
RSVPs necessary to ensure we have enough participation for a tour. Thank you!
TIMING:
6:30 : Doors Open – Official Start of Hoppfest
6:30 – 7:30 : Trunk Blue Grass Band on The Green
7:30 – 9:30 : Doghouse on the Stage
HELPFUL INFO:
Ticket – If you bought a ticket, we’ll have your name at the door. We don’t send physical tickets (saving the trees!)
At Check-In you’ll receive a wrist band which is your ticket to beer, wine, water, non-alcoholic punch, pretzels, bourbon tastings, live music, cornhole and free donuts at Glazed & Confused
If you want to enjoy the Food Trucks, Cash is King (there is cell service on the Green but you never know!) - Pizza Luca (pizza), Latta Meat & Sweets (bbq), Big Fish (seafood) will be at the Green
Parking is behind and in front of St. Patrick’s Church or down Court Road or any of the usual spots. THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH as they are having an event and need their parking
Weather forecast looks dry-ish (fingers crossed) but cool. We’ll have firepits but a cozy sweater or coat and water-proof shoes will feel nice (the Green is squishy!)
