Discover Revolutionary New Jersey! 

CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
November 2017
A Message from our new Executive Director

Friends:
 
I'm thrilled and honored to join Crossroads as its Executive Director as New Jersey's heritage community prepares to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation's birth. As a journalist with lifelong ties to the state, I see tremendous potential in the stories of the people who lived in our state during the Revolution and the challenges they faced, and I look forward to making more people aware of the educational treasures found right here in New Jersey
 
Over the coming weeks and months, I'll be visiting many of our Heritage Partner events and attractions to build a deeper understanding of the Revolutionary heritage community and the challenges ahead. Likewise, I'll be working closely with the Crossroads staff and trustees to move forward on our signage program and development goals.
 
I look forward to meeting many of you along the way!
Janice Selinger
Retreat

Retreat to Victory at November Events

In November 1776, General George Washington made the difficult decision to abandon Fort Lee on the Hudson River, following the British capture of Fort Washington on the New York side of the river. Most of the American supplies and artillery had to be left behind. Thus began a harrowing withdrawal across New Jersey, all while Cornwallis' British Army remains on their heels. Journalist Thomas Paine, traveling with American troops, called the period "the times that try men's souls."
 
Historian and author Todd Braisted shares more of the story in this month's Revolutionary NJ Blog on the Crossroads website. And on November 18 and 19, you can experience parts of life during those uncertain times at the sites where they happened.
 
Fort Lee Historic Park in Fort Lee hosts reenactments of 18th century military life, artillery demonstrations and even a bit of battle during its retreat weekend. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m . More information and schedule
 
Historic New Bridge Landing hosts the 241st anniversary of the British Invasion and American Retreat. Hear a reading of Paine's  The Crisis  Saturday night at 7:00 p.m., followed by a lecture. Then come back Sunday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for 18th century activities, kids' drills, military demonstrations and more. More information .
Salute New Jersey's veterans

On Saturday November 11, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have fought and served in our military during America's wars. Originally designated as Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919 in reflection of the end of World War I the year before, the scope of the commemoration was broadened to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower to honor those who fought in all American wars, including the Revolution.
 
The Indian King Tavern and the Historical Society of Haddonfield join forces on November 5 to honor veterans with programming featuri ng both the American Revolution and the centennial of World War I. Kids can make replica Gold Medals and Merit badges to share with veterans in their lives. More information.

The Bergen County Historical Society will conduct a wreath-laying and ceremony on November 12 at Veterans Memorial Park in River Edge. This annual tradition raises awareness of veterans' accomplishments as well as memorial markers throughout Bergen County.  More information.
Get into the Revolutionary Thank sgiving Spirit

The first national proclamation of Thanksgiving in the United States was proclaimed by the Continental Congress in 1777, which marked December 18 as a day for "Solemn Thanksgiving and Praise." The date shifted several times until 1942, when Congress passed legislation establishing the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving.
 
Get into the Thanksgiving spirit - and even pick up some helpful holiday hints - with these upcoming Heritage Partner events.

Home to a prosperous farmer and his family, the Covenhoven House in Freehold became British General Henry Clinton's headquarters before the Battle of Monmouth. On November 5, you can enjoy the hospitality of costumed interpreters and samples from its an open hearth while the kids play age appropriate games.  12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.  More information.

Also on November 5, the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead welcomes you to visit its new smokehouse, where Susan McLellan Plaisted will demonstrate and discuss 18th century pork smoking methods and traditions. 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.

Miller Cory House helps you bring the table-top traditions of 18th century New Jersey to your holiday celebration with their November 12 program. Experience the atmosphere of a traditional colonial-era Thanksgiving, from open-hearth food prep with period recipes, to proper place settings, table customs and more. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
 
Learn how to cook authentic Colonial food at Peachfield's Open Hearth Cooking Workshop with Margaret Quinn on November 18 in Westampton. A full menu and list of what you should bring that day will be provided upon registration. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. More information and reservations.

Bring the harvest bounty enhance your Thanksgiving table with a beautiful centerpiece! On November 18, the team at Historic Walnford offers a hands-on demonstration to show you how to use the fruits of harvest to build a lovely decoration your guests will love. 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. More information.

Check our November calendar for even more chances to celebrate the harvest with our partners!
Reserve today for Art of Period Dress historical interpretation workshop 

Costumed historical interpreters -- don't miss your chance to learn tips and tricks from the pros!  

A few spots still remain for Crossroads' Fall Heritage Partner Professional Development Conference, The Art of Period Dress. This two day event, November 17 and 18 at Prallsville Mills in Stockton, NJ, offers practical, hands-on guidance in creating or improving your colonial look. Visit our website for more information and reservations.    
Crossroads Heritage Partners enjoy benefits of membership  

Crossroads gets its strength from more than 200 historic sites, historical societies and heritage organizations that help tell the story of the American Revolution in New Jersey. From museums that are open every day to interest groups working to preserve local history, Crossroads helps members enhance their visibility and build community engagement as they help visitors discover Revolutionary New Jersey!
Whether your site is open seven days a week, isn't yet ready to welcome visitors or is somewhere in between, Crossroads can help. 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!
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, and watch for our mid-month events email.
Open House at the Historic Van Nest Hoff Vannatta homestead in Harmony Township
November 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bring the kids for hands-on weaving, candle-making and more in this celebration of the fall harvest.   More information
The Hunterdon County Historical Society's Rare Parchments: the Story of their Origin and Preservation - in Flemington
November 12 at 2:00 p.m.

Tessa Gadomski of the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts shares history and conservation methods for a selection of Colonial documents at a meeting of the Hunterdon County Historical Society.   More information
Light and Life in the Colonies at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton 
November 14 at 7:00 p.m. 

Tour the Barracks during the evening twilight to discover first-hand how light and darkness affected daily activities, work, and entertainment in the 18th century.  Tickets and more information
 
Envisioning New Jersey at the Metlar-Bodine House in Piscataway 
November 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Early American historian and Crossroads Advisory Board Member Dr. Maxine Lurie presents an overview of New Jersey history from the prehistoric era to the present.  Reservations and more information  
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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