PRESS RELEASE: On Saturday, July 7th, the Pound Ridge Historical Society Commemorates an Historic Event. Come experience history hands-on and even win a chance to own a DVD copy of the critically-acclaimed movie, The Conspirator.
On July 7th 1865, 147 years ago, at 1:26 P.M., four of the conspirators were hanged at the Arsenal Penitentiary in Washington D.C. for their parts in the plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln. Included was Mary E. Surratt, the first women to be hanged by the federal government of the United States.
During their incarceration, the conspirators were kept in separate cells, and forced to wear hoods, ankle chains and a unique set of wrist restraints called Lilly Irons. When worn, Lilly Irons kept the prisoner’s hands apart by about 10†so as to limit independent use of their hands.
Come to the Pound Ridge Historical Society Museum on Saturday, July 7th at 1:00 P.M. and be there to commemorate that historic moment. See a replica of the dreaded Lilly-Irons first hand and try them on if you dare. Also on display will be the diary of Sergeant George E. Dixon, from Pound Ridge, who was a witness to the events at the penitentiary. In his diary, Dixon documented the names of the guards assigned to the prisoners’ cells on the day of the executions as well as name the four soldiers who sprung the traps of the scaffold on that historic day.
This is the first known document found to list all the names of the guards and there assignments on that day, documented in the handwriting of the man who was actually there and who participated in this historic event.
This is one day only…you won’t want to miss it! Â Four lucky visitors will win a DVD copy of the critically-acclaimed movie, The Conspirator directed by Robert Redford.
On July 7th, the Museum will open at 1:00 P.M. for this event.  Thereafter, doors are open weekends from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. through December 2nd.  Admission is free. Donations are always gratefully accepted. The Museum is located at 255 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576.  Tel: (914) 764-4333
