George Washington Pays A Presidential Visit To Bensonhurst

Our nation’s first Commander-In-Chief will be making a return appearance at the New Utrecht Reformed Church Parish House, Tuesday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m., and the good news is, there won’t be any presidential-related gridlock.

The public is invited to hear President George Washington, portrayed by Michael Grillo, discuss his key role in many of our nation’s pivotal early moments, including the Battle of Brooklyn in August 1776, his victorious return to New York in November 1783, his inauguration in 1789, as well as his visit to New Utrecht in April 1790, whereupon he lunched at Barre’s tavern on 84th Street and 16th Avenue, and greeted students from the village school nearby.

The father of our country will be accompanied by two Revolutionary War re-enactors, donning the traditional garb of a New York State militia unit, one of whom will deliver a talk on the life and equipment of a Revolutionary War soldier.

There will be a question and answer session with the audience as well as a reception with light refreshments to follow. Parking is available in the church lot.

Earlier in the day, Grillo — the education director at the Van Cortlandt House Museum in the Bronx, who has been appearing as Washington at various historic sites and events for more than 14 years — will portray the former General of the Armies before an audience of more than 700 students in an appearance also sponsored by the Friends of Historic New Utrecht.

The New Utrecht Reformed Church Parish House is located at 18th Avenue and 84th Street. Admission is free.

For more information about the free Washington program, contact the Friends of Historic New Utrecht at (718) 256-7173 or email mail@historicnewutrecht.org.