The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY—On April 27, 2026, the town officially launched its America250 Celebration, marking the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Town Supervisor Craig Randall and Town Historian Helen Allen unveiled a special America250 banner outside the Peru Town Hall, signaling the start of a series of local events. The celebration’s highlight will focus on the Battle of Valcour Island, a significant yet often overlooked Revolutionary War battle fought in the waters of Lake Champlain within the Town of Peru. Filmmaker Paul Frederick, currently producing a documentary about the battle and America250 events, attended the kickoff alongside several town employees and community members.

America250 events listed on the Town of Peru website

April 27 – 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm – Official raising of America250 banner followed by a tour of historian’s office and light snacks.

May 16th – 17th – Babbie Farm Opening Weekend – Battle of Valcour Exhibit

May 16th – 10 am to 3 pm – History Day at the Champlain mall. Visit with historians at the Town of Peru table and share your stories.

May 21st, 6 pm – Lecture, Peru Free Library – The Battle of Valcour Island – before, during and after. With Reenactor and Historian Craig Russell. Hear the story of the most important naval battle of the Revolutionary War – fought on our lake on October 11, 1776.

June 13, Lapham’s Mills walking tour with Bob McGee – 10 am to noon. Rediscover the history of this small hamlet once called Bartonville where the railroad ran and mills flourished. Parking at the Sports center on Lapham’s Mills Rd.

June 24th, 6 pm – Lecture, Peru Free Library. Peru’s Revolutionary War Veterans and the founding of the Town with Military historian Thaddeus Booth-Trudo and Town of Peru historian Helen Nerska.

June 28 10 am to 2 pm. Peru Market, Heyworth/Mason Park.  History table. Talk with local historians and share your stories

July 5, Valcour Island tours – Peru Dock, sponsored by the Clinton County Historical Association. $30 per person.  Call 518-561-0340 for reservations

July 11, Crab Island tours – Peru Dock, sponsored by the Clinton County Historical Association. $35 per person. Call 518-561-0340 for reservations.

July 18, Peaseleeville walking Tour – 10am to noon. Details to follow.

July 26, 10 am to 2 pm, Peru Market, Heyworth/Mason Park. History table. Talk with local historians and share your stories.

August 2, Valcour Island tours – Peru Dock, sponsored by the Clinton County Historical Association. $30 per person. Call 518-561-0340 for reservations.

August 8, Crab Island tour out of Peru Dock, sponsored by the Clinton County Historical Association. $35 per person. Call 518-561-0340 for reservations.

August 15th 1-3 pm, Lyons School House – An ice cream social at the school with exhibits telling the Battle of Valcour Island, reenactors as docents in the school house replicating how students learned history in the 1800’s.

Aug 30, 10 am to 2 pm, Peru Market, Heyworth/Mason Park. History table. Talk with local historians and share your stories.

September 19 – Applefest!!!

Sept 20, 10 am to 2 pm, Peru Market, Heyworth/Mason Park. History table. Talk with local historians and share your stories.

September 26, 10 am – Noon. Old Peru Cemetery Tour – with tales of the Revolutionary War Veterans buried there.

October 10th – Peru Dock – formal installation of interpretive panels and flagpole donated by the Town of Peru

October 11th – Plattsburgh City Beach – Reenactment of the Battle of Valcour

Oct 18, 10 am to 2 pm, Peru Market, Heyworth/Mason Park. History table. Talk with local historians and share your stories.

December – Tractor Parade with America250 theme