Anderson Falls Heritage Society presents:
History Matters: Revolution, Independence
and Valcour Island
July 22, 2026 – 7:00 PM
Keeseville Fire Department
8 Pleasant Street
Keeseville, NY
Free Admission-- Public Welcome
Program Summary: History matters because liberty is not self-sustaining; it must first be imagined
in the minds and hearts of ordinary people and then defended through sacrifice, leadership, and
endurance. Using figures such as John and Abigail Adams, Joseph Warren, and William Emerson,
this engaging illustrated presentation will explain how the American Revolution grew from
conviction into action, while the Declaration of Independence gave that struggle its clearest moral
and political purpose. Its central regional argument is that Valcour Island deserves lasting historical
importance because Benedict Arnold's improvised naval stand on Lake Champlain delayed the
British advance long enough to preserve the northern defenses and help make Saratoga possible. A
familiar story will be told in an unfamiliar manner, something you won't want to miss!
Keeseville Fire Department
8 Pleasant Street
Keeseville, NY
Free Admission-- Public Welcome
Program Summary: History matters because liberty is not self-sustaining; it must first be imagined
in the minds and hearts of ordinary people and then defended through sacrifice, leadership, and
endurance. Using figures such as John and Abigail Adams, Joseph Warren, and William Emerson,
this engaging illustrated presentation will explain how the American Revolution grew from
conviction into action, while the Declaration of Independence gave that struggle its clearest moral
and political purpose. Its central regional argument is that Valcour Island deserves lasting historical
importance because Benedict Arnold's improvised naval stand on Lake Champlain delayed the
British advance long enough to preserve the northern defenses and help make Saratoga possible. A
familiar story will be told in an unfamiliar manner, something you won't want to miss!
Guest Speaker: John Krueger is a long-time heritage advocate, having started as a guide at Fort
Ticonderoga in 1970. He is a prolific writer & gifted storyteller whose animated talks have sparked a
deeper appreciation for the Lake Champlain Basin region’s cultural heritage. Originally from
Schenectady, John received his doctorate in history from the University at Albany, after attending
Boston University & the University of Vermont for his undergraduate and master’s studies. John
worked at UVM as a professor of history. He served as the director at the Clinton County Historical
Association, the director of the Kent-Delord House Museum, & worked as city historian for
Plasburgh. John Krueger lives in Port Kent.
Ticonderoga in 1970. He is a prolific writer & gifted storyteller whose animated talks have sparked a
deeper appreciation for the Lake Champlain Basin region’s cultural heritage. Originally from
Schenectady, John received his doctorate in history from the University at Albany, after attending
Boston University & the University of Vermont for his undergraduate and master’s studies. John
worked at UVM as a professor of history. He served as the director at the Clinton County Historical
Association, the director of the Kent-Delord House Museum, & worked as city historian for
Plasburgh. John Krueger lives in Port Kent.
