Thomas Paine Cottage Museum

08/02/2026

The official collective signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on August 2, 1776, though the Continental Congress formally adopted the text on July 4, 1776.
Why not sign the document today yourself online at https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/join-the-signers

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence declared that American colonists were breaking free from British rule. In 1787, the Constitution established the United States government.

08/02/2026

August 2, 1776, is one of the most important but least celebrated days in American history when 56 members of the Second Continental Congress started signing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
Once the Congress approved the actual Declaration of Independence document on July 4, it was sent to a printer named John Dunlap.
Many members of the Continental Congress started to sign an engrossed version of the Declaration on August 2, 1776, in Philadelphia. John Hancock’s famous signature was in the middle, because of his status as President of the Congress. The other delegates signed by state delegation, starting in the upper right column, and then proceeding in five columns, arranged from the northernmost state (New Hampshire) to the southernmost (Georgia).
Read the whole account at https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/on-this-day-the-declaration-of-independence-is-officially-signed

August 2, 1776 is one of the most important but least celebrated days in American history, when 56 members of the Second Continental Congress started signing the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

07/16/2026

Our friend and talented children's author, Maria Boan, will have free Soccer Coloring Books at Sunday's watch party! Make sure to pick yours up! We welcome everyone to enjoy some Cool Jazz at the Paine Cottage after the game!
Magic Spells for Teachers New Ro Downtown

07/12/2026

Update - Memorial to Thomas Paine in DC -
July 8, 2026 Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05), with Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), introduced bipartisan legislation to direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to place the Thomas Paine Memorial in “Area 1” of the National Mall, as recommended by the National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC). https://tinyurl.com/honor-thomas-paine

07/12/2026

Let’s celebrate a New Rochelle tradition, our French Heritage and Thomas Paine this July at two free community events.
Jazz in July returns and to Paine Cottage Sunday, July 19th. Sound Shore Jazz Orchestra's 18-member ensemble and Songcatchers Inc. Orchestra fills the early evening starting at 5:30. End your weekend by picnicking & partying with us!
https://www.newrojazz.com - full schedule & add'l venues.
Thursday, July 16th 5:30-7:30 a French celebration at City of New Rochelle, NY City Hall. Remarks by Sister City, presentation by City Historian, Barbara Davis, cool jazz by Brian Carter/Drummer with special guest and refreshments.
https://tinyurl.com/newro-french-heritage
Our association opened the Cottage to the public for the first time on July 14th 1910. We celebrated Bastille Day and Thomas Paine being entrusted with the key to the Bastille to get it to George Washington. Our association continues to celebrate this day in history and our French Huguenot founding families. “Vive le 14 juillet!”

07/04/2026

On July 4, join in the The National Bell Festival and ring a bell at 2:50pm (EST). Bells should ring 13 times, one ring for each colony, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The National Bell Festival invites bells across America to ring out together on Independence Day, creating a canopy of sound to mark our nation’s 250th birthday. Cathedrals and churches, community organizations and historical structures, national parks and memorials, and people from coast to coast are encouraged to gather and contribute to the sound." - The National Bell Festival, Inc

"Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good". Thomas Paine
Let Freedom Ring, Happy 250th.

06/08/2026

What is your wish for America? We knew what Thomas Paine's were through his writings. Why not stop by the New Rochelle Public Library to write your wishes down. Thanks to both the New Ro Downtown and the New Rochelle Public Library for such a great exhibit and way to celebrate community and America 250.

06/03/2026

Help support local favorite Tutti Bravi Productions by bidding on some items during our Colonial Irish Tavern this Friday, June 5th 6:30-9pm. Don't miss several Tutti players perform throughout the evening. https://www.thomaspainecottage.org/tbp.html , Proceeds benefit Tutti Bravi Productions.

Items to be auctioned off during our Colonial Irish Tavern event June 5th 6:30-9pm Full details available night of at our auction table

06/03/2026

This Sat. June 6th, after you see the Ward Acres goats, stop by the Paine Cottage to beat the heat - run through our sprinklers, craft a patriotic parade wand & more and play some outside games. All activities are free! ,