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CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
January 2017
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Maybe holiday lights have dimmed, but the new year brings its own brightness to Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. Bundle up and meet us at events around the state!
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A New Year's Note from our Executive Director
We are the keepers of the flame: New Jersey's historic legacy forged during the American Revolution. Together, Crossroads of the American Revolution and more than 200 sites, historic associations and lineage associations are the storytellers that keep the human story and lessons of "we the people" alive.
Storytelling is the most important thing that Crossroads does. When the United States Congress created the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area in 2006, we were charged with representing
14 distinct storylines of the American Revolution in New Jersey. Like so many other aspects of our amazing state, those local stories represent a microcosm of the national experience. For the state's culturally diverse population, the fight for American Independence meant nearly eight years of civil war; disruptive forays; significant victories and personal tragedies; tenacity, hope and perseverance.
Why are these stories so important? Because more than the dates and statistics about the Revolution, they engage our hearts and minds. Stories bring humanity to events. To quote Riley Gibson, CEO of Napkin Labs:
- Stories are Memorable
- Stories Travel Further
- Stories Inspire Action
Stories of the Revolution in New Jersey are our common heritage. Storytelling has power to help a present-day school child connect with a youngster who witnessed soldiers marching through her community. It has power to lead a recent arrival to the state wonder whether he'd sign an oath of loyalty to the British after troops raided his neighbors' homes, as his Revolutionary Neighbors might have. And it has power to build pride in where we come from, and where we live.
Everyone in New Jersey's heritage community is engaged in a conversation with our visitors, our students and our friends and families. Each of us has the power to make a connection - to make a difference by telling the authentic human stories of our historic sites, battlefields and museums.
Only then can we begin to have an impact. Only then can we put "revolutionary ideas" of hope, perseverance and sacrifice into our community and our world. With those ideas firmly planted, every one of us can make a difference and play a role in our democracy.
These ideas highlight our shared commonalities, our shared values and our shared legacy.
As we start this new year, I'd like to thank the many people in Revolutionary New Jersey who tell these compelling stories, and those who support our historic places and heritage with their time and talents. We're also grateful for the many people who provide financial support through their contributions through our
website. Thank you for helping people of all ages make that memorable and enduring connection to our past.
Noreen Bodman
Executive Director
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10 Crucial Days continue in January
New Jersey was the epicenter of the American Revolution for ten days during the winter of 1776-77, as General George Washington's troops achieved surprising wins at Trenton and Princeton. In 2017, commemorations extend to the first weekend of the new year, giving you the chance to celebrate these victories and make new discoveries at events that shed new light on the conclusion of the 10 Crucial Days.
January 7
In war, delaying the enemy is often as effective as defeating it outright. Lawrenceville commemorates the January 1777 skirmish led by Colonel Edward Hand, which delayed British troops from arriving for the Second Battle of Trenton. Cannon fire follows! 10:00 a.m.
More information.
Meanwhile, the British (in the person of the reenactors of His Majesty's 17th Regiment of Foot) seize Princeton! Sentries take over Morven and a squad of His Majesty's troops patrol Nassau Street and urge passers-by to take the Oath of Allegiance. Throughout the day, Rebels (that is, Patriots) will be brought in for trial, and general plundering, harassment and other wartime mayhem will ensue. The day ends with luminaria lit at the Battle Monument. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
More information.
And in Trenton, Charles Wilson Peale's American troops prepare at the Old Barracks with a full day of 18th century activities open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. True Patriots can also witness the moving sight of reenactors departing on their midnight march to reach Princeton Battlefield for the historic start of battle at 6:45 the next morning.
More information.
January 8
Join reenactors from both sides for a real-time tour of the Battle of Princeton on the grounds where it happened! At 6:45 a.m., meet historian William P. Tatum III PhD. at the Clarke House at Princeton Battlefield State Park in Princeton as he shows exactly where, when and why events unfolded on January 3, 1777. Experience the battle minute-by-minute, at the same time of year and in similar weather conditions as the troops. Learn how these momentous events transpired and were the culmination of the Ten Crucial Days Campaign that changed history. 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
More information.
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Crossroads Signage Plan Moves Forward
Visitors to the Deserted Village in Union County's Watchung Reservation get an immediate reminder of the area's Revolutionary past with a recently unveiled Crossroads of the American Revolution marker at the park entrance. It's just the latest part of a statewide heritage signage program designed to attract visitors to Revolutionary-era historic sites, increase tourism and drive civic engagement.
In 2017, Union County plans to post additional Crossroads signs to mark the site of the Battle of the Short Hills at Ash Brook Reservation in Scotch Plains, and the Spanktown skirmish site at Rahway River Park in Rahway. Revolutionary-era homes among the county's Four Centuries sites will also be marked with the Crossroads logo. Traveling around the county, you'll also see signs for the Battle of the Short Hills Historic Trail and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.
Additional interpretive and way-finding signage is planned for locations across the state, directing visitors to explore 14 storylines that explain the war's impact on everyday New Jerseyans. If you're interested in spreading the word and sponsoring a sign at your location, contact Crossroads Executive Director Noreen Bodman by email or at 609-341-3245.
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Organizations call for research on Middlebrook Encampment
Revolutionary researchers are invited to help bring new light to an important part of the war's history as the Heritage Trail Association and the Friends of Bridgewater History look toward the 240th anniversary of General Washington's First Middlebrook Encampment.
As part of a June 17, 2017 symposium, the organizations are offering a $5000 prize for original research on the May-July 1777 encampment. They're hoping to stimulate new study in different aspects of the war, including disease, how New Jersey's terrain shaped military strategy, the genesis of the state's beacon system, and more. Entries are due by April 1, 2017 and will be judged by a group of Revolutionary war scholars. The winner will be invited to present a summary of his/her research at the symposium.
Visit the Crossroads
website for more details on research requirements and how to enter.
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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!
We're also happy to announce that the following Heritage Partners have renewed their 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.
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Wednesday Tea and Tour at Morven in Princeton
January 4,
11, 18 and 25 at 1:00 p.m.
The home of Signer of the Declaration of Independence Richard Stockton and his wife Annis Boudinot Stockton welcomes you to relax in classic elegance. Following tea, take a docent-led tour of the mansion, which was home to five New Jersey governors.
More information.
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Happy Birthday, Hamilton!
January 7 to 11, various New Jersey locations
Events marking the birth of Alexander Hamilton are planned at the Trenton City Museum, the Snyder Academy in Elizabeth and City Hall in Jersey City.
More information.
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History Happy Hour at Liberty Hall in Union
January 26 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
What wines did New Jersey's first elected governor enjoy drinking? Sip, snack and socialize as you learn about the contents of Liberty Hall's historic wine cellar, then test your knowledge during a round of trivia.
More information
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Brigit's Day and Ladies Ramble at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge
January 29 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate household crafts and the start of Celtic Spring (a little early) on Sunday January 29 at Historic New Bridge Landing. Selected quilts from the Bergen County Historical Society's collection will be on exhibit, with demonstrations from present-day quilters.
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!
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