Smoke rising from the grills will herald the start of the Annual Barbecue hosted by the Van Cortlandtville Historical Society on Saturday, July 19. From noon onward, the area near the Little Red School House, a historic building owned by the society and located at 297 Locust Avenue, close to Old St. Peter’s Church, will serve as the setting for this community gathering where hot dogs, hamburgers, and other grilled fare will be served.

Old St. Peter’s Church, a wooden structure built in 1767, sits nearby but is separate from the historical society’s property. It is not certain whether the church will be open for tours during the barbecue.

The event, which has been part of the organization’s social calendar since at least the 1980s, is more than a communal lunch. Organizers explain that the goal is to raise funds destined for the upkeep of the Little Red School House and to sponsor educational programs, exhibitions, and lectures regularly organized by the historical society. Disseminating information about local events from the American Revolution, genealogy, and regional architecture is part of its mission.

One does not need to reside in Cortlandt to be a member of the Van Cortlandtville Historical Society. In all newsletters and banners, the organization emphasizes that its activities are open to members and their friends. On this occasion, the Annual Barbecue will have a cost of five dollars per meal.

Although it is one of the most anticipated and well-attended events on the calendar, the members of the society hold various community activities throughout the year. Between April and October, the Little Red School House opens its doors on the first Sunday of each month for an Open House. There, documents, photographs, and objects related to the history of Van Cortlandtville and Cortlandt Manor are displayed. The group also organizes monthly lectures—usually on the second Saturday of each month—and guided tours of historical sites, including colonial cemeteries and old houses.

Among its events are raffles, sales of memorabilia (collectible objects related to people, places, events, or specific periods that often hold sentimental, historical, or cultural value), and publications about local history. The Van Cortlandtville Historical Society also participates in commemorations such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day and offers assistance with genealogical research to those seeking to trace ancestors connected to the area. Part of its archives and photographs is available on its official website.

For the event on July 19, attendees are advised to arrive on time to ensure hot food and to bring cash, as electronic payments are not always accepted. In case of rain, the organization typically moves the meal indoors at the Little Red School House, where antique furnishings and a historic atmosphere allow visitors to feel transported back in time as they enjoy a pleasant moment with their neighbors.

[Ed. Note: We express our appreciation to Ruth Wells for her clarifications regarding inaccurate information in an earlier version of this article, which was updated at 8:36 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.