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CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
February 2018
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No matter the weather, Revolutionary New Jersey offers plenty to see and do in February! Celebrate the opening of an exciting new Discovery History Center in Morristown, learn more about the contributions of African Americans during the war for independence, mark the birthday of our first president and more at Crossroads Heritage Partner sites across the state.
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Celebrate a Revolutionary Black History Month
New Jerseyans from all walks of life faced difficult choices during the American Revolution, and people of African descent were no different. Where they decided to place their loyalties, however, often depended on situations that were complex and nuanced.
Some enslaved African Americans served the Continental Army or local militias as substitutes for their owners, in exchange for freedom after the war. Freed black men fought according to their conscience, either in support of the young United States or Great Britain. Others ran away to join the army of their choice. Revolutionary Neighbors
Oliver Cromwell,
Colonel Tye and
Jacob Francis were just a few of these men whose choices affected the rest of their lives.
Several Crossroads Heritage Partner sites mark Black History Month with programming ranging from African American service during U.S. wars, to the challenges that descendants of enslaved people face in tracing their ancestry.
Visit our Black History Month web page to plan your visits to the Abraham Staats House, the Old Barracks and more!
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Mark the 286th anniversary of Washington's Birthday
General George Washington spent more time in New Jersey during the Revolution than any place else, so it's not surprising that his birthday is celebrated in so many places around the state!
Several Crossroads Heritage Partners are hosting special events this month to celebrate Washington and his accomplishments. Hear first person accounts of him in the words of those who served with him, enjoy a piece of cake at one of his 1780 headquarters locations, act out his rules of civility with your kids, and more!
Whatever event you choose, you're bound to learn something you might not have known about the father of our country.
Visit our
Washington's Birthday events page for the full list of celebrations, tours and lectures at places like Rockingham, Monmouth Battlefield, the Dey Mansion and more this month. Some require reservations, so make your plans soon!
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Discovery History Center to open at Morristown NHP February 17
Presidents Day weekend is especially notable this year as Morristown National Historical Park celebrates the grand opening of the much-anticipated Discovery History Center and Military Gallery at Washington Headquarters Museum. Official opening ceremonies get underway on Saturday February 17 at 10:00 a.m.
Whether it's your first time to Morristown or you're a seasoned visitor, you'll find new and exciting ways to explore the stories of the Continental Army, General Washington and the Continental Congress during the Revolution. Step into the footsteps of a Continental soldier, heft the weight of a musket and walk past snow drifts and into a log hut like those that troops built and lived in during the hard winter of 1779-80. This $2.2 million project was aided by the Washington Association of New Jersey and its fundraising efforts, including $1.8 million in gifts from members, friends and corporations.
Visitors during the grand opening weekend will also enjoy live 18th century music performances, reenactor demonstrations and an exhibit by
photo-artist Xiomaro. Representatives from the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, the Washington Association, the Morris County Tourism Bureau and Crossroads will also be on hand with more information on regional history.
Visit the Morristown NHP website for more information.
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Historic groups benefit from Crossroads Heritage Partnership
More than 200 Revolutionary War-related historic sites, historical societies and heritage organizations in New Jersey benefit from their membership as Crossroads Heritage Partners. Marketing support for events and tours, information on grants opportunities, and networking opportunities with other organizations throughout the state are just some of the advantages of membership.
Volunteers and staffers from Heritage Partner groups also get advance notice on registration for training and professional development sessions. They'll be the first to get details on our upcoming spring seminar on historic trades and occupations at East Jersey Old Town Village, co-sponsored by
Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
We're grateful for the renewed memberships of these continuing Heritage Partners:
National Society Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, New Jersey Branch
Could your organization benefit from affiliating with Crossroads? Contact our Program Manager, Kate Knowles-Brindle by
e-mail or by phone at 609-341-3246 for more information,
or visit our
Heritage Partner membership webpage
to join us today!
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Get Revolutionary at this month's Heritage Partner events
Celebrate New Jersey history at these events at our partners in the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. Visit our
website
and
Facebook page
for even more activities through the month.
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History Videos at Washington Crossing State Park
February 3,
10 and 17 at 2:00 p.m.
Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington are among the Revolutionary luminaries featured in this weekly series. More information in the
park newsletter
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Open House at Historic Somers Mansion at Somers Point
Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Return to Atlantic County's Quaker roots at this circa 1725 home as you discover the story of the Somers family and their contributions to the settlement and growth of the region.
More information
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18th Century Clothing from the Inside Out at
the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead in Readington
February 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Get a fun and insightful look at the "inner workings" of Revolutionary-era women's clothing from experts Bev Altrath and Arlene Soong.
More information.
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Middlebrook Five Generals Tour in Somerset County
February 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Join the Heritage Trail Association on a bus tour of all five existing houses where George Washington and other key generals were headquartered during the 1778-79 Middlebrook Cantonment. Reservations required.
More information.
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Board of Trustees
Thomas H. Kean, Honorary Chair ● Patrick Murray, Chair ● Laura Szwak, Vice Chair, Governance ● Brian Levine, Vice Chair, Finance ●John Hardiman, Vice Chair, Development
● Dale Florio
● Seth Hahn ● Ira Jersey ● Linda Kellner ● Sally Lane● Chris Paladino ● Patrick Ryan ● Milly Silva
Crossroads Staff
Janice Selinger, Executive Director ● Tanika Jones, Office Administrator ● Kate Knowles-Brindle, Program Manager ● Sue Kaufmann, Communications and Social Media Coordinator
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