Revolutionary War Artifacts and Documents From the New York State Museum and State Archives on Display in Tarrytown

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Dora Ricci
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"Treason of the Blackest Dye" Features Fidelity Medallion and Unique John André Papers on Display
Exhibit Open from September 25 to December 11 at Pocantico Center

The New York State Archives, Archives Partnership Trust and the New York State Museum, in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Revolutionary Westchester 250, today announced the opening of Treason of the Blackest Dye: The True Story of Arnold, André, and the Three Honest Militiamen Exhibition at The Coach Barn at Pocantico, in Tarrytown, New York. This extraordinary exhibition, open from September 25 until December 11, 2024, tells the story of Benedict Arnold's betrayal and the remarkable capture of British Army Major John André. It features a few of the most significant Revolutionary War artifacts, including the rarely seen original documents "André Papers," which are part of the papers of George Clinton, the first governor of the State of New York (1777-1795, 1801-1804), and the only remaining "Fidelity Medallion" in existence.

"Nearly 250 years later, the original "boot papers" will return to Tarrytown for the first time in the exhibition Treason of the Blackest Dye. Partnerships with organizations such as Revolutionary Westchester 250 help facilitate local access to and connection with historical records that tell the story of New York's rich and diverse history," said New York State Archives Assistant Commissioner Brian Keough.

"The Office of Cultural Education is excited to partner with Revolutionary Westchester 250 and the Pocantico Center to share this important part of New York State and American history. The Treason of the Blackest Dye exhibition shares an important story of loyalty, betrayal, and bravery with the public. Bringing these important artifacts back to Tarrytown, where the capture of Major André took place, adds a layer of significance to this exhibit. Of the three original medallions awarded, only Van Wart's remains. The other two were stolen from the New York Historical Society in the 1970s and have never been recovered. This makes the return of Van Wart's medal to Tarrytown, Van Wart's hometown, especially significant for the local community, as it represents an important part of their history coming home," said New York State Museum Chief Curator of History Dr. Jennifer Lemak.

"Revolutionary Westchester  250 is committed to the mission of building awareness and enthusiasm for the history of the American Revolution era that unfolded in Westchester. Our collaboration with the New York State Museum, State Archives, and the Archives Partnership Trust, and other partners on the Treason exhibit furthers that goal. Additionally, we are thrilled that this collaboration will immerse students from our local schools, visitors from across the state and region and local residents in an exhilarating - and true - chapter of American  history," said President, Revolutionary Westchester 250 Constance M. Kehoe.

The Continental Congress awarded the Fidelity Medallion to Isaac Van Wart, a Westchester County militiaman who, along with John Paulding and David Williams, captured British Army Major John André on September 23, 1780. The medallion, explicitly created for these three men, was never presented again. It is considered the oldest military decoration in United States military history, preceding the Badge of Military Merit-the precursor to the modern Purple Heart Medal-by nearly two years. The two-sided medal features a Latin inscription that translates to "Love of Country Conquers" on one side and "Fidelity" on the other. After Van Wart's death, the medallion remained in his family's custody until 2023, when it was bequeathed to the historical collections at the New York State Museum.

The exhibition marks a pivotal moment in Revolutionary history, telling the remarkable story of how Benedict Arnold's betrayal was uncovered by three Westchester County militiamen who captured British spy Major John André, exposing Arnold's treasonous plot to deliver West Point into British hands. The André Papers are documents in the handwriting of General Benedict Arnold, discovered in André's boot during his capture in Tarrytown. They contained military intelligence about the Continental Army's positions in the Hudson Highlands. They were the "smoking gun" that sealed Arnold's fate. The special display provides the public with a rare opportunity for visitors to see the very documents and artifacts that played a key role in one of the most infamous betrayals in American history.

The Fidelity Medallion and André Papers will be on display on opening day, September 25, 2024, after which they will be replaced with a reproduction medal and exact facsimiles throughout the remainder of the exhibit. Other notable artifacts include buttons from the Hessian coat worn by John Paulding, the original Orderly Book with "Treason of the Blackest Dye" written boldly across its pages, and costumes and original cast photos from the AMC series Turn: Washington's Spies.

The exhibit will be open every Wednesday and select Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Coach Barn at Pocantico. Special event dates are September 25, 28, and October 2 and 9, 2024.

Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250) is a charitable not-for-profit corporation organized to further the purpose of the Semiquincentennial Commission by providing for the observance and commemoration of Westchester County's pivotal role in the American Revolution, the founding of the United States, and related events.

The State Museum and the State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department's Office of Cultural Education. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website. 

The New York State Archives is the largest repository of state government records in the nation, holding over 280 million records of state and colonial governments dating back to the Dutch colonial period in 1630. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York's history via its Digital Collections on the Archives website.

The New York State Archives Partnership Trust is a statewide non-profit whose mission is to keep over 350 years of New York's rich and diverse documentary heritage within the New York State Archives accessible and alive through preservation, outreach, education, and statewide partnerships, visit nysarchivestrust.org or ConsidertheSourceNY.org.

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