Funeral Bits, Musical Hits, Congress Splits
NINE MONTHS IN YORK TOWN

"Nine Months in York Town," the celebration of the Continental Congress' stay in York from September 30, 1777 through June 27, 1778, will be coming to a close this June.

On Sunday, June 15 at 10:30 am, Zion United Church of Christ will re-enact the funeral of Philip Livingston, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who died while serving in the Second Continental Congress in York Town. Visitors are encouraged to wear Colonial attire and invited to enjoy refreshments after the service. The predecessor to Zion UCC, the German Reformed Church conducted the original funeral in June of 1778. Zion UCC is located at 100 Lafayette Street, York.

The original musical Abigail, which includes enchanting music and lively dialogue, depicts life in York Town during the historical period 1777-1778. Both factual and entertaining, Abigail provides enjoyment for the entire family. Performances will be held at the Northeastern High School in Manchester from June 26 - June 29. For ticket information, call 266-7349.

On June 27, 1778, after receiving the news that the British were no longer occupying the city, the members of the Continental Congress and their staff packed up their belongings and started the sojourn back to Philadelphia.

Two hundred and twenty-five years later on Friday, June 27, a Festive Farewell will be held at the Colonial Court House at the corner of N. Pershing and W. Market Street in York from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A variety of free activities, including vignettes by Abigail actors, chalk walk by YorkArts, storytelling by Martin Library, and musical selections by the York Chorus will celebrate the victorious return of Continental Congress to Philadelphia. Free snacks and drinks will be served.

Additional information on the events is available on the "Nine Months in York Town" Web site by logging on to www.yorkheritage.org and clicking on the Nine Months in York Town logo or by calling the York County Heritage Trust at 848-1587.

Back to Media Center