Treasure Hunt Celebrates Bedford Courthouse and U.S. Constitution

Revolutionary War history comes to life this Saturday on Bedford's Village Green, when the stages an afternoon of family-oriented activities featuring that takes kids through eight of the hamlet's historic buildings.

This year's festivities coincide with the 225th anniversary of the 1787 Bedford Courthouse—the oldest government building in Westchester County, according to Bedford Historical Society Executive Director, Lynn Ryan—and the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution, signed on Sept. 17, 1787.

As such, the afternoon include events to commemorate the dual occasions.

"It's a way to bring history to kids—an architectural tour disguised as a treasure hunt," said Ryan.

There's plenty to interest children, from the hunt to historical re-enactors including Ben Franklin and George Washington, to a musical production titled "The Making of the U.S Constitution," with music from Stephen Lawrence, composer of over 250 songs for Sesame Street.

In addition, kids can take part in such activities as colonial games, musket drills, pony rides, face painting, ringing the school bell at the Library, a BBQ hosted by the and more.

In conjunction with the BHS event, the is offering Constitutional-themed house tours scheduled on the hour from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. William Jay, son of John Jay, was once a promient jurist at the Bedford Courthouse.

"The courthouse was one of the first buildings re-built after the Revolutionary War, when the British troops burned the town," said Ryan. She said it once served as the county seat, and among the prominent attorneys who argued cases there was Aaron Burr, who later went on to become vice-president under Thomas Jefferson and is remembered for his fatal shooting of Alexander Hamilton, she added. Later, when the railroad made transportation easier, county court sessions were moved to White Plains.

Now the courthouse—which has been maintained by the historical society for over 40 years—serves as the location for the second-floor Bedford Museum, which features highlights of the village of Bedford, founded in 1680.

The event runs from noon until 4 p.m. Check in is on the Village Green. Registration is $10 for BHS members and $15 for non-members, and includes a treasure hunt bag, map, bracelet, children's hat and treasures. For more information, please call 234-9751 or email info@bhsny.org.