Rare items on exhibit at Washington's Headquarters

The latest exhibit at Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh has received a commendation from Museumwise: The Museum Association of New York, for bringing to view more than 1,300 rare, curious and important collections not seen by the public for decades.

Among the items on view in the exhibit, "Unpacked & Rediscovered: Selections From Washington's Headquarters' Collection," are a powder canister from the U.S.S. Maine; a set of U.S. Army officer's epaulets worn by Augustus van Horne Ellis of New Windsor during the Civil War; a porcelain bust of George Washington by Jean--Antoine Houdon, who was commissioned in 1783 to create a statue to honor Washington, and a silver-hilt hunting sword and scabbard made between 1775 and 1778 by John Bailey, maker of Washington's favorite swords.

Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for seniors. Students and children 12 years and under are free. For more information, go to nysparks.com/historic-sites/17/details.aspx.

Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site is a registered national historic landmark located at the corner of Liberty and Washington streets within the city of Newburgh's East End Historic District.