Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness | Gem Radio Theatre | North Creek | July 11, 2026
- Tannery Pond Center 228 Main Street North Creek, New York, 12853 United States (map)
Catch Gem Radio Theatre's Revolutionary Story at Tannery Pond Center
One final opportunity to experience America's founding through live theater.
"Join, or Die" a famous 18th-century political cartoon attributed to Benjamin Franklin and published in his newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, on May 9, 1754. It is widely considered the first political cartoon in an American newspaper
On Saturday, July 11, from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness comes to Tannery Pond Center in North Creek, bringing Gem Radio Theatre's acclaimed original historical production to one of the southern Adirondacks' premier arts venues.
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this live theatrical performance blends authentic Revolutionary-era voices with Adirondack storytelling for an evening that is both thought-provoking and deeply local.
For visitors spending time around Gore Mountain, Schroon Lake, North Creek, or the Upper Hudson Valley, it's a fitting way to extend the spirit of Independence Day beyond the holiday weekend.
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Revolutionary voices return to the Adirondacks.
Written by Adirondack essayist Edward Collins, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is built from more than 125 archival documents, allowing audiences to hear the Revolution through the words of those who lived it.
Rather than relying on narration or historical interpretation, the production weaves together letters, speeches, journals, and firsthand accounts into a compelling theatrical experience. Through Revolutionary War veteran Andrus Wever—who later established nearby Wevertown—the story connects America's founding with the Adirondack communities that followed.
Alongside familiar figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Abigail Adams, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Paine are voices that deserve equal attention, including Mercy Otis Warren, Sarah Bradlee Fulton, Polly Cooper of the Oneida Nation, Catherine Macaulay, and Crispus Attucks.
Revolutionary War reenactors. Photo courtesy Fort Ticonderoga.
Tannery Pond Center celebrates arts and culture in the Adirondacks.
For years, Tannery Pond Center has quietly become one of the Adirondacks' most important gathering places for music, theater, exhibitions, lectures, and community arts.
Its intimate performance space allows audiences to experience productions in a way that feels personal rather than distant. Every conversation, every pause, and every historical voice carries across the room, making this an ideal venue for a production rooted in storytelling.
It's the kind of evening that reminds visitors why small-town arts organizations play such an outsized role in Adirondack life.
ADK Taste insight.
One of the production's greatest strengths is the way it naturally connects national history with local history.
By framing the Revolution through Andrus Wever's journey from soldier to Adirondack settler, the performance illustrates that America's founding didn't end with the signing of the Declaration. Its legacy continued in communities like North Creek and Johnsburg, where veterans helped build new lives in the mountains.
That Adirondack perspective gives this production a sense of place few historical performances can match.
ADK Taste recommendation.
Arrive early to stroll North Creek's Main Street before the performance or enjoy dinner at one of the village's locally owned restaurants. Tannery Pond Center is an easy stop for visitors staying near Gore Mountain, Schroon Lake, Chestertown, or Warrensburg, making it an excellent addition to a summer weekend itinerary.
If this is your first visit to Tannery Pond Center, allow a few extra minutes to explore the galleries and public spaces before taking your seat.
Event details.
What: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
Presented by: Gem Radio Theatre
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Tannery Pond Center, 228 Main St., North Creek, NY
Visitors are encouraged to check Tannery Pond Center's website or Facebook page for the latest event information and updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?
An original historical stage production by Gem Radio Theatre commemorating America's 250th anniversary using authentic Revolutionary-era writings.
Where is the performance?
Tannery Pond Center, 228 Main St., North Creek, New York.
When is the performance?
Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm.
Is this appropriate for families?
Yes. Anyone interested in American history, live theater, and Adirondack culture is likely to enjoy the performance.
Why is this performance unique?
The production combines meticulous historical research with an Adirondack perspective, connecting the story of America's founding to the mountain communities that grew in its wake.
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