Philipse Manor Hall Hosts Talk On Revolutionary War Era Westchester's 'Neutral Ground'

Local historian Stephen Paul DeVillo to discuss Westchester's divided history during the American Revolution.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:08pm

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Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site and the Friends of Philipse Manor Hall are hosting a talk by prominent local historian and author Stephen Paul DeVillo on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. DeVillo's talk, 'The Neutral Ground: Westchester County in the American Revolution,' will explore Westchester's divided history during the Revolutionary War, when the county became known as the 'Neutral Ground' after the 1776 Battle of White Plains.

Why it matters

Westchester County played a significant role in the American Revolution, as it was occupied by neither the Continental nor British armies and became a site of clashes between the contending forces as well as violence by bandits, vigilantes, and partisans. DeVillo's talk will shed light on this little-known aspect of the Revolutionary War history in the New York region.

The details

DeVillo's talk will draw from his new book, 'Westchester County in the American Revolution,' which will be available for sale at the Philipse Manor Hall museum gift shop. After the talk, DeVillo will be available for a book signing. DeVillo is a local historian and author who has written extensively on Revolutionary War and local history topics, including 'The Bronx River in History and Folklore' and 'The Battle of White Plains: Washington and Howe in Westchester'.

  • The talk will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
  • The talk will be held both in-person at Philipse Manor Hall (29 Warburton Ave. Yonkers, NY) and online via YouTube Live.

The players

Stephen Paul DeVillo

A local historian and author who has written extensively on Revolutionary War and local history topics in the New York region.

Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site

A museum and historic site that is hosting the talk on Westchester's role in the American Revolution.

Friends of Philipse Manor Hall

An organization that is sponsoring the Philipse Manor Hall History Lecture Series, including this talk by Stephen Paul DeVillo.

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What they’re saying

“After the 1776 Battle of White Plains, Westchester County became known as the 'Neutral Ground.' But there would be no peace here. Occupied by neither side, it was a place where no one could remain neutral amid clashes by detachments of the contending armies, as well as violence by groups of bandits, vigilantes and partisans.”

— Stephen Paul DeVillo, Historian and Author

What’s next

In-person tickets for the talk are free and can be reserved by calling 914-965-4027 or emailing philipsemanorhall@parks.ny.gov. Virtual access to the talk via YouTube Live is also free and open to everyone.

The takeaway

DeVillo's talk on Westchester's 'Neutral Ground' during the American Revolution will provide valuable insights into a lesser-known aspect of the Revolutionary War history in the New York region, shedding light on the divided loyalties and violent clashes that took place in this contested area.