Raynham Hall To Host Event For New Book On Long Island Spy Ring

Press release from the Town of Oyster Bay:

April 13, 2021

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino today announced that historic Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay will host a virtual book launch and lecture by author Bill Bleyer on Monday, May 3, at 7:00pm, detailing his new book George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide, ahead of its May 10th publication.

Supervisor Saladino said, “Oyster Bay’s history is chock full of historical importance that many may not be aware of, and that is why I am so delighted to see that Raynham Hall Museum has found a way to continue hosting events such as this, utilizing creative solutions to handle gathering restrictions in place to stop the spread of the pandemic. Raynham Hall serves an important mission to perverse our history and educate our children on the past, and this online book launch and lecture will continue to further that goal in the safest manner possible!”

Raynham Hall Museum was the home of Robert Townsend, a central member of George Washington's Culper Spy Ring. The home was occupied by British officer Col. John Graves Simcoe during the Revolutionary War. Transformed into a Victorian villa in the 1850s, the house offers two eras of interpretation, with the front of the house showcasing the period of the Revolution, and the back of the house preserving a late 19th century aesthetic. While still closed due to the pandemic, the garden is open to the public, and virtual school tours are available by appointment.

Bill Bleyer's new book, George Washington's Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide, will tell the true story of the Culper Spy Ring. History buffs have long been fascinated by the operation of the Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution, and interest has peaked since the airing of AMC’s dramatic “Turn,” which chronicled the events. Bleyer's online book launch and lecture “The True Story of the Culper Spy Ring” separates facts from fiction and details the ingenious operation of the intelligence network that helped the Patriots win the war.

For more information regarding Raynham Hall Museum, residents can contact 516-922-6808 or visit https://raynhamhallmuseum.org/events2/book-launch-george-washingtons-long-island-spy-ring/ to register for the event.

This press release was produced by the Town of Oyster Bay. The views expressed here are the author's own.