BARRETT TOWNSHIP: FRONTIER TO FREEDOM
1776 - 2026
SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL EVENTS
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Barrett Township Historical Society has scheduled a series of programs for 2026. We hope you will join us as we honor our Patriots, observe our country’s accomplishments, and gather with the rest of the nation to celebrate this milestone. Our events are listed on the calendar pages, detailed below, and are open to the public. We look forward to welcoming you, your friends, and family!
Friday, March 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Barrett/Paradise Friendly Library
Dave Matsinko, known as the “Minstrel of the Mountains,” performs traditional music from the Revolutionary Period.
Friday, April 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Barrett/Paradise Friendly Library
Semiquincentennial celebration kicks off. Students will
read their winning essays and receive their prizes.
Friday, May 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Barrett/Paradise Friendly Library
John L. Moore, author and historian, will present a
program on the American Revolution in Pennsylvania.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Cresco Station Museum
Flag Day celebration and ice cream social, featuring early American craft demonstrations and children’s games.
Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Stroudsburg, PA
Monroe County Independence Day Parade
Barrett Historical Society will have a float in the
Monroe County parade held in Stroudsburg.
Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Barrett Township Municipal Building (BARC)
Patriot Descendants Recognition Day and Independence
Day Celebration, featuring the American Legion color guard, DAR representatives, and a Fife and Drum Corps from Philadelphia.
Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Parkside Chapel, Henryville
Open house at the only building in Barrett and
Paradise Townships on the National Register
of Historic Places. Music will be provided.
Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM:
Mountainhome United Methodist Church
A musical presentation entitled “Music of 1776” under the direction of Ruth Kochera, including a skit featuring
George Washington and Betsy Ross.
Friday, October 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Barrett/Paradise Friendly Library
Russ Cramer presents a program on
Native American Artifacts of the Poconos.
Friday, November 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Barrett/Paradise Friendly Library
Jacqueline Magann, a Bicentennial Living History Volunteer at Valley Forge National Park, will present her program “Quilts of the Revolutionary Period.”
Friday, December 18, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Barrett/Paradise Friendly Library
A Colonial Christmas Gathering featuring holiday refreshments, a slide show highlighting past winters in
Barrett Township, and fellowship with our neighbors
and volunteers who made 2026 successful.