Road to Independence: A Story at York Town

The York County Heritage Trust and the Junior League of York are co-publishing a children's book about Continental Congress' nine-month stay in York Town (left). Author Kathleen Donahue and artist Mary Lamanteer, members of the JLY, are working closely with the staff at the YCHT to ensure historical accuracy, age-appropriate readability, and educational value of the book. Parents and teachers alike will enjoy the storyline of Road to Independence.

Tom McClellan, a boy of fifteen years, and his older sister, Sarah, are residents of the small village of York Town, Pennsylvania when Congress arrives in September of 1777. Tom is a stable hand who hopes to join the Revolutionary War effort. Sarah works at the Golden Plough Tavern. Both witness historical events such as the Adoption of the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of the First National Day of Thanksgiving, and the Conway Cabal. Tom eventually departs for Valley Forge with the Marquis de Lafayette in February of 1778 to join General Washington's army.

Educational in nature, this book will help children understand York's role in the creation of our nation. Illustrations will reflect the style of colonial folk artist and native York Towner, Lewis Miller. With brief descriptions of historical terms, places and people, the book can easily serve as a starting point for discussion in a classroom or at home.

Road to Independence is expected to be published in August 2002 and is one of many projects of the Nine Months in York Town celebration. For more information about the book and the numerous upcoming events, call 848-1587 or e-mail articles@yorkheritage.org. Also be sure to keep your eyes open for a discount coupon appearing in your local newspapers.

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