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CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
December 2016
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December brings the holidays... and the anniversary of a pivotal event in early American history! Crossroads of the American Revolution Heritage Partners are celebrating both, with Sinterklaas events and festive seasonal decorations, and the build up to the Ten Crucial Days of the winter of 1776-77.
Join us at the events of your choice, and bring your family and friends!
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Reenactments, entertainment and more mark Patriots Week 2016
In December 1776, New Jersey became the epicenter of the American Revolution as General George Washington's Continental Army retreated from the banks of the Hudson River and across the Delaware to safety in Pennsylvania. The army's daring Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware back into New Jersey started a chain of events that led to victory and a renewed sense of purpose for those fighting for independence.
This year, you can experience the excitement of the Ten Crucial Days that turned the tide of the war as Crossroads of the American Revolution celebrates Patriots Week. Witness the Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware and the Battle of Trenton, but don't stop there! Dance the night away - Colonial style, visit the state planetarium to discover how the stars were aligned when Americans surprised Hessian troops at Trenton, enjoy a Revolutionary pub crawl and much, much more. This year, events extend from December 26 to January 7, when British troops occupy Princeton and Continental troops march from Trenton to confront them!
Visit the
Patriots Week website for a full schedule of events in Trenton, Princeton, Ewing and Lawrenceville.
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Heritage Partners offer Revolutionary gifts
Looking for a unique gift for a friend or relative? Why not pick a present that introduces them to New Jersey's Revolutionary heritage? The gift shops at many of our Heritage Partner sites are stocked with treats that help tell stories about the state's past... and they're sure to be different from anything else your friend will receive. Plus, you'll get the added boost of knowing that your purchase supports historic preservation and the work of our local heritage groups.
Visit our
website starting December 1 for gift ideas and participating Heritage Partner sites.
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Remembering Bob Butera
The Crossroads staff and trustees were saddened to learn of the death of Old Barracks historical interpreter Bob Butera on November 13. A quick-witted and engaging storyteller who connected with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, Bob introduced countless people to the story of Colonial Trenton and the Ten Crucial Days during his many years at the Barracks. He was described in a 2011
Washington Post article as "something like a cross between a Catskills comedian and David McCullough, throwing in spot-on Scottish and English accents for good measure."
We'll miss Bob's humor, joy of learning and generosity of spirit. Our sympathies to his family and friends.
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Celebrate in Revolutionary Style with the General William Maxwell DAR
The General William Maxwell Chapter of the New Jersey Daughters of the American Revolution (NJDAR) is celebrating its 85th anniversary, and you're invited! The Belvidere-based organization will mark the big birthday on Saturday, December 10 with a luncheon at the Warrenside Tavern in Bloomsbury.
As a special treat, NJDAR State Historian Pat Sanftner will share her presentation "In the Revolutionary Style," a review and demonstration of the ups and downs of the highest styles of 18th century fashion. Pat makes four costume changes and shares 100 images to relate how clothing tells the story of revolutionary times.
Reservations for the luncheon and presentation are required by December 1. For more information contact the chapter at
[email protected].
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Enlist in Crossroads today!
More people than ever are connecting to their Revolutionary Spirit in New Jersey, thanks to support from people like you.
Over the past year, your generosity has made it possible for the Crossroads of the American
Revolution and our 200+ Heritage Partners to educate and entertain friends, families, students and teachers about the amazing people, places and events of New Jersey's rich Revolutionary heritage. They're discovering fascinating stories of 18th century people and events that parallel today's current events, and they're contributing more than 11 million visits and $2.8 billion in visitor spending to our great state's heritage tourism industry!
With your support, we've introduced new audiences to our shared heritage through events like Revolutionary Spirit Night with the Somerset Patriots minor league baseball team. We've introduced new ways for our historic sites to attract new visitors. We've boosted the size and scope of our Meet Your Revolutionary Neighbors program. And in less than 10 years, the nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution-the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on New Jersey and our contributions to the founding of our nation.
Be a part of it! Enlist in Crossroads with a year-end gift by visiting our website at
http://revolutionarynj.org/donate/ .
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Heritage Partners program grows with new 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!
This month we're happy to announce that two new Heritage Partners have joined more than 120 groups already benefiting from affiliating with Crossroads:
We're also happy to announce that several organizations have renewed their Heritage Partner memberships:
Whether your site is open seven days a week, not ready to receive visitors or somewhere in between, affiliating with Crossroads brings a wealth of benefits to help you tell your Revolutionary story.
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, and watch for our mid-month events email.
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Candlelight evenings at the Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield
December 2, 9 and 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Stop by and enjoy the beautiful seasonal decorations in a Colonial setting during Friday evenings in December.
More information.
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Salem County Yuletide Tour
December 3 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy the magic of the holidays, go antiquing and visit historic homes in this Down Jersey gem of a community.
More information
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Dutch Christmas at the Dey Mansion in Wayne
December 4 at 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Colonial dancers, 18th century music, musket drills and more will bring in the season at Washington's Wayne headquarters.
More information
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Battle of Iron Works Hill reenactment in Mount Holly
December 10 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.
Costumed reenactors share the story of skirmishes that helped assure the American victory at Trenton in December 1776.
More information
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Board of Trustees
Thomas H. Kean, Honorary Chair ● Patrick Murray, President ● Laura Szwak, Vice President ● David Siegfried, Treasurer ● Sally Lane, Secretary ● Leslie Bensley
●
Richard Bousquet ● Kathleen Ellis
● Dale Florio ●
John Hardiman ● Ira Jersey
● Martha Lieblich ● John S. O'Donnell ● Chris Paladino ● Milly Silva
Crossroads Staff
Noreen Bodman, Executive Director ● Tanika Jones, Office Administrator ● Kate Knowles-Brindle, Program Manager ● Sue Kaufmann, Communications and Social Media Coordinator
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Join us!
Your gift matters.
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