“On Penalty of Death” Loyalist Recruitment on NY’s Western Frontier – Presentation by Jeff O’Connor

Join local historian Jeff O’Connor for his presentation, “On Penalty of Death” Loyalist Recruitment on NY’s Western Frontier, which provides a gripping look at secret Loyalist organization efforts made in New Dorlach (present-day Sharon, NY) in the spring of 1776. Discover how Sir John Johnson’s agents quietly sought recruits for the King’s Royal Regiment of New York, and how the Tryon County Committee of Safety uncovered a network sworn to secrecy “on penalty of death.” This fascinating program reveals the little-told story of a Loyalist community taking shape as the American Revolution erupted on New York’s western frontier.

This event is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 per person to support programming. The lecture is generously supported by our 2026 Lecture Sponsor Fenimore Asset Management.