Original 'Boot Papers' on display in Tarrytown for the first time in nearly 250 years
The new exhibit is called "Treason of the Blackest Dye: The True Story of Arnold, André and Three Honest Militiamen."
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A new exhibit in Tarrytown will show the "Boot Papers" that experts say might have turned the course of the Revolutionary War. The Boot Papers were plans for West Point, supplied by Benedict Arnold, and concealed in the boot of Major John André, a British ppy. The plans were discovered at André's capture in Tarrytown in Sept. 1780.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world," says Robb Haberman, an exhibit visitor.
The new exhibit is called "Treason of the Blackest Dye: The True Story of Arnold, André and Three Honest Militiamen." It was created by the Pocantico Center and Revolutionary Westchester 250. The exhibit is at The Pocantico Center.
"When Arnold's treachery was revealed and André was captured here, he was searched. The papers found in the boot, those papers went to George Washington," says Char Weigel, with Revolutionary Westchester 250.
After Sept. 25, the original Boot Papers will be replaced with replicas.
But experts told News 12 that it's an honor to have the Boot Papers back where they came from.
“It's such an exciting and really unique once in a lifetime opportunity and again, people who are in our community who just have to drive a few minutes to come see it, in the place where it all happened is just such a thrill," says Elly Weisenberg Kelly, with the Pocantico Center.
Both organizations hope the exhibit will educate the community on the local impact of the Revolutionary War.
"An exhibit like this really brings out the full significance of West Point and the Hudson Valley for the war," Haberman said.
The exhibit will be open every Wednesday and select Saturdays now through Dec. 11. It's also free to the public.
