**Please excuse any cross-postings.

Governor Paterson Announces "Freedom's Treasures" Exhibit to Be in
State Capitol November 10-11

by New York State Office of the Governor

ALBANY, NY (11/01/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson today
announced that the "Freedom's Treasures" exhibit, a rare display of
Revolutionary War-era and early nation period historical artifacts,
including a handwritten draft of Washington's Farewell Address, will be
open to the public at the State Capitol's ceremonial Red Room, from 10
AM to 4 PM on November 10-11.

"Our nation's founding fathers and countless dedicated patriots put
their lives on the line in support of the ideals of freedom and
liberty," Governor Paterson said. "This important exhibition of rare and
historic artifacts from America's struggle for freedom will inspire us
all to remember and cherish our past, as New Yorkers and Americans.
Veterans Day, on which we honor those who have protected and defended
our nation, is a particularly auspicious time for us to reflect on the
history of the United States through this remarkable collection."

The exhibition, entitled "Freedom's Treasures," features a collection
from the New York State Library, Archives and Museum of some of New
York's most important Revolutionary Era artifacts that have rarely been
seen by the public. Featured in the exhibition is an original draft of
George Washington's Farewell Address penned in his hand that was sent to
Alexander Hamilton for comment and revision on May 15, 1796. The
document is part of the George Washington Collection at the New York
State Library and was rescued from the fire that ravaged the State
Capitol in 1911.

"Freedom's Treasures" also will give the public the chance to see a
dress sword allegedly given to General Washington by Frederick the
Great. The sword was purchased by the State of New York directly from
Washington's family in 1871 and is depicted in the Washington portrait
that hangs in the United States House of Representatives. According to
Washington family tradition, the sword was given to General Washington
with this verbal message from Frederick (the Great) II, King of Prussia:
"From the oldest general of the world to the greatest."

Among the other artifacts included in this exhibition are a portrait of
New York State's sixth Governor DeWitt Clinton and a writing desk he
used. In office during two non-consecutive terms, Clinton was
responsible for the building of the Erie Canal. The exhibit also
includes the original engrossed copy of the U.S. Constitution sent to
New York State for ratification and the "spy papers" retrieved from
British Major John Andre's boot that implicated American General
Benedict Arnold in the West Point conspiracy.

The full list of exhibited items is as follows:

● Washington's Farewell Address;

● Bronze bust of George Washington;

● Leaves from Washington's copy of "A Representation of the Cloathing
of His Majesty's Household and of all the Forces upon the Establishments
of Great Britain and Ireland" (the uniform book);

● Washington's dress sword;

● Benedict Arnold / John Andre papers;

● A print of John Andre crossing the Hudson River (based upon his own
drawing of the event);

● Engrossed copy of the original U.S. Constitution;

● DeWitt Clinton portrait; and

● DeWitt Clinton's writing desk and chair.

Reservations are required for those interested in visiting the
Freedom's Treasures exhibit on Wednesday, November 10. On Wednesday,
those who are registered for the tour should meet at the Plaza Visitor
Center, North Concourse, Empire State Plaza, Albany. For those
interested in making reservations for Wednesday, November 10, please
visit: http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/.

Reservations are NOT required on Thursday, November 11. Those
interested in viewing the exhibit should enter the Capitol directly and
follow the signs that will be posted. Visitors can gain access to the
Capitol either from State Street or through the Empire Plaza Concourse.

For directions to the Empire State Plaza please visit:
http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/ESP/Directions.asp.

For parking instructions at the Empire State Plaza please visit:
http://www.ogs.state.ny.us/BU/BA//Parking/Visitor/.

###

Best wishes,
Emily Allen



Media and Education Specialist
New York State Archives
Archival Services
Public Programs and Outreach
9B31 CEC
Albany, NY 12230
(518) 473-9984
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