Discover Revolutionary New Jersey! 

CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
December 2017
Trenton reenactment

Occupation and Victory: Experience the drama this month!

New Jersey became the epicenter of the American Revolution in December 1776 as General George Washington and the Continental Army continued their retreat from the banks of the Hudson River and across the Delaware River to safety in Pennsylvania. The army's daring Christmas crossing of the Delaware back to New Jersey started a chain of events that led to victory and a renewed sense of purpose for those fighting for independence.
 
Experience the excitement of the events that turned the tide of the war this month in Trenton and Princeton. Start at the Old Barracks on December 2 as the 17th Regiment of Infantry recreate the British Occupation of Trenton with drills, camp kitchen demonstrations and more. Later in the month, witness the Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware and the Battle of Trenton, but don't stop there! Work off those holiday dinners by joining a spirited  hike from Washington Crossing to the Trenton reenactment or  dancing the night away, Colonial style. Bring the kids for a large puppet look at American history, walk the grounds of Princeton Battlefield on a real-time tour of the January 3, 1777 battle, and much, much more. 

Visit the Crossroads  calendar all month long for updates on Patriots Week events.  
    
Heritage Partners offer Revolutionary gifts
 
If you're looking for a unique gift for a friend or relative, why not pick a present that introduces them to New Jersey's Revolutionary heritage? Many of our Heritage Partner sites have stocked their gift shops 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. Starting December 1, our website will feature a special Revolutionary gifts page with ideas from participating Heritage Partner sites.
 
If you'd rather give a new experience to the person who has everything, our Partners can help there, too! Sites like Peachfield PlantationLiberty Hall Museum and Morven offer gracious teas, themed tours and other unique events that are sure to delight! Make a reservation for your friend (and yourself!) today.
 
Whether you choose an item or an experience at your favorite Revolutionary site, you'll get the added boost of knowing that your purchase supports historic preservation and the work of our local heritage groups. Happy holidays!
Art of Period Dress a hit with reenactors
 
Heritage Partners and other historical interpreters further honed their costuming skills last month at part two of Crossroads' Art of Period Dress Professional Development Conference at Prallsville Mills in Stockton. Based on participant feedback from part one in April, the November session included presentations and hands-on workshops focused on clothing typically worn by the average 18th century working class New Jerseyan. (A full listing of our expert presenters and the extensive program offerings is available on our website.)
 
The session was a hit with participants, according to feedback given through a post-event survey. "The depth and breadth of the content from stellar presenters made this well worth the time," said one. Another participant remarked, "The sewing classes were EXCELLENT, and the handouts full of exact, detailed information."
 
Many thanks to our sponsors, the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission and Investors Foundation for their grant support of this programming. Follow our website and Facebook page for news of future professional development programs.
tree_decorations.jpg
Celebrate the holidays with Crossroads
 
Crossroads' staff and trustees invite you to celebrate the season with us on Friday, December 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the Old Barracks, 101 Barrack Street in Trenton. We'll share holiday cheer with food and drinks and special tours of the Barracks, as well as entertainment from John Burkhalter of the Practitioners of Musick. You'll also have the chance to meet our new Executive Director, Janice Selinger.

In keeping with the spirit of the holidays, please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Marines' Toys for Tots collection.
 
Planning to attend? Please RSVP to Kate Brindle by December 5.
Girl at Barracks Patriots Week
Enlist in Crossroads today!

More people than ever are connecting to their Revolutionary spirit in New Jersey, thanks to your support. Your generosity has made it possible for the Crossroads of the American Revolution to help our Heritage Partners to educate and entertain friends, families, students and teachers about the amazing people, places and events of the state's rich 18th century heritage.
 
The nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in less than a decade. We're working with partners to shine a spotlight on New Jersey and our contributions to the founding of our nation, and we need your support to make the most of this rare opportunity.
 
Be a part of it! Enlist in Crossroads with a year-end gift by visiting the giving page on our website. And thank you for your continued support.
Heritage Partners benefit from Crossroads membership 

Historic sites and organizations throughout New Jersey are enlisting in the cause of heritage tourism as they become Crossroads Heritage Partners. While they tell their part of the story of the American Revolution here in the Garden State, each Partner enjoys programming and marketing support that helps them reach even more visitors. Partners also get advance registration invitations for workshops and professional development seminars like the recent Art of Period Dress to help them make the most of their organizations' historical offerings.
 
This month, we're grateful to report the continuing membership of the Gloucester County, NJ Parks and Recreation/Red Bank Battlefield and the  Madison Historical Society.

Whether your site or group welcomes visitors seven days a week, is in the planning stages or somewhere in between, joining 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.
Get Revolutionary at this month's Heritage Partner events
Holidays and history combine at Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area partner sites in December.  Visit our website and Facebook page for even more activities through the month, and be sure to make reservations when the site recommends them, to avoid disappointment.
Lantern Tours at the Allen House in Shrewsbury
December 1 at 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Experience part of Colonial travelers' lives on a wintry evening as you enjoy a tour and a chat with costumed reenactors in this circa 1710 tavern.  More information.
Rescuing the Revolution at the Princeton Public Library in Princeton
December 4 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Author and historian David Price shares the stories of unsung Patriot heroes and the Ten Crucial Days during this engaging presentation.  More information .
Phillipsburg
Holiday Yule Celebration at the Roseberry House in Phillipsburg     
December 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Step back in time at Phillipsburg's oldest home and discover how many might have celebrated the holidays in days of yore.  More information
Whitall House Red Bank Battlefield
Colonial Candlelight Tours at the Whitall House/Red Bank Battlefield in National Park
December 8, 9 and 10 

Natural and homemade decorations adorn the home, as reenactors prepare a colonial holiday meal in the kitchen. Times vary, check our website for  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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