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Mount Vernon will host its annual Independence Day celebration at the historic grounds of St. Paul’s Church on South Columbus and Third Avenues. There will be a pre-program concert at 10:30 a.m., followed by a formal program at 11 a.m. highlighted by SUNY Purchase professor Lisa Keller.
Originally in the Town of Eastchester before re-zoning, St. Paul’s Church is famous for its connection with patriotic printer John Peter Zenger – the father of a free press.
Keller is a historian and professor of history, urban and women’s studies at Purchase. She has published pieces on the First Amendment and has been appointed to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Historic Corridor Task Force.
For the 130th year, a member of the Banning family – this year John Banning, Jr. – will read the Declaration of Independence, accompanied by a 13-ring salute on the famous church bell. The Bannings have been Mount Vernon staples since John’s grandfather, Archibald, co-founded Mount Vernon Hospital.
Following the Fourth of July ceremonies, the public can tour the historic grounds at St. Paul’s, which opened for self-guided tours earlier this year.
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