NEWBURGH - Constitution Island, its history and inhabitants, will be the focus of a lecture at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Newburgh Free Library.
Located across from West Point near the deepest section of the Hudson River, Constitution Island is an important site of the American Revolution. Constitution Island is situated on the east side of the Hudson River directly opposite West Point and is connected to the east shore by a large marsh area. It is the only part of the U.S. Military Academy Reservation on the east side of the river.
The island is most famous for the Great Chain that was placed across the Hudson during the Revolutionary War, and the Warner family who lived on the island during the 19th century, including two prominent female writers, sisters Susan and Anna Warner.
Ronnie Coffey, former executive director of the Constitution Island Association, will present an illustrated talk based on her book, "Constitution Island." Attendees will hear the story of the sisters’ writings, their triumph over adversity, their legacy and how the island became their unlikely home.
The Constitution Island Association is offering its Family Day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 26. For information, call 265-2501.
For information on library events, call 563-3619.