SULLIVAN COUNTY – Concealed carry gun laws have been altered numerous times in the past year leaving gun owners and organizations across the State to question what is legal and what is not.

Sullivan County Clerk Russell Reeves reported that his office has experienced an increase in callers and questions regarding New York’s new laws. 

Many organizations in the County are cautious in the wake of new legislation, including those who participate in historical reenactments.

Sullivan County Historian John Conway said that a number of historical reenactments involving 18th century muskets and other firearms had been canceled all around the State due to caution over updated gun laws. 

Initially, historical muskets were considered by many to be included among the firearms now disbarred from being displayed in public. 

Although since being cleared with Governor Hochul’s Office that the muskets would not violate the new gun legislation, caution from reenactors and other organizations remain, as the penalty of such a violation could result in a class E felony.

Conway is the President of the Delaware Company, an organization that promotes and supports historic landmarks in the Upper Delaware River Valley, which owns and operates Fort Delaware in Narrowsburg. This attraction has been a home to many seasonal reenactments.

According to Conway, there have been no cancellations of historical reenactments in Sullivan County. However, local reenactors are cautious, which has affected turnout for events. 

In July, the commemoration of the Battle of Minisink was held, but left many to worry about the future of similar events. These events used to draw about six to 12 reenactors to participate, but they are now experiencing a drop in those ranks.

The Delaware Company is also in the early planning stages of the 2025 event in commemoration and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

In anticipation of the recognition of the Battle of Minisink for next year, Conway said that the plans are already up in the air as the gun legislation settles in and opinions on it are solidified.

Conway said that muskets are extremely important to the authenticity and purpose of colonial historical reenactments.

To stay up to date on the Delaware Company and their future reenactment plans, check out their Facebook page and/or their website at thedelawarecompany.org.

Other organizations take  up arms against law

In addition to the Delaware Company, other organizations are dealing with the repercussions of the current gun legislation.

The usual gun-related activities at the Sullivan County Long Beards’ Annual JAKES Event were altered, with young prospective hunters not being able to bring their firearms to the event in accordance with the law disallowing firearms on government property, said Reeves.

He also reported that some churches are taking a stance against the legislation, claiming that the law disallowing firearms in places of worship and churches hinders their ability to protect themselves in cases of emergency.

According to Reeves, the gun legislation was passed very quickly, and that County Clerks and the State Police were not included in the conversation, leaving confusion as to what the new laws changed.

Those with questions regarding the new gun legislation can contact the County Clerk’s Office, but are also encouraged to contact the New York State Police and Governor Hochul’s Office for further information.