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CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
July 2018
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Celebrate Independence at the Crossroads of the American Revolution!
Happy 242nd birthday, United States! Independence Day celebrations are occurring all over the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage area on July 4 and surrounding days.
You can also mark the anniversary not far from where the first official celebration took place during the Revolution! Middlesex County honors our nation's independence with a full week of activities from June 30 to July 7, many not far from the historic banks of the Raritan River. Meet George Washington and explore East Jersey Old Town's Revolutionary-era buildings, add your voice to a patriotic sing-along, witness a reenactment of the 1778 celebratory cannon firing and enjoy fireworks. More information.
Celebrate freedom of the press as Potter's Tavern in Bridgeton welcomes you to its annual July 4 open house. Visit and learn about New Jersey's first Patriot newspaper and the brave people who published it. More information.
Visit our website for even more events statewide.
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Legislature designates 250th planning leadership
On June 21, the New Jersey Assembly and Senate passed legislation establishing the planning process for the state's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. A4194, sponsored by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and S2738, sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg, are identical bills that establish a public-private partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the national heritage area dedicated to the history of the American Revolution as it relates to the state, to lead the planning effort in coordination with the state's history and heritage community. Once enacted, this legislation will formalize a process that began late last year, when Crossroads and the NJ Heritage Commission began reaching out to the community for input.
At the time this newsletter was distributed, the legislation was awaiting Gov. Philip Murphy's signature. To read the legislation, visit the online database of
Assembly and
Senate bills.
Is your group interested in being part of the planning process? Contact Janice Selinger by
email or at 609-341-3245 for more information.
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Washington and Franklin confer with the Patriots' General Admission before the game.
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Baseball fans enjoy Revolutionary Spirit Night
Revolutionary New Jersey went to the ballpark yet again on Flag Day as the Somerset Patriots and the state's history heritage community joined forces to present Revolutionary Spirit Night. Before throwing out a first pitch with George Washington, New Jersey's Secretary of State Tahesha Way welcomed baseball fans to explore the many historic sites and events that bring our state's Revolutionary story to life for 21st century visitors.
The grounds outside the ballpark were alive with an encampment of several reenactor groups and music from the Fifes and Drums of the Old Barracks. Kids entering the ballpark got miniature 13-star American flags from the designer, Francis Hopkinson and his wife. Once inside, baseball fans were treated to exhibits from several Heritage Partners, along with between-inning entertainment from the Heritage Trail and Middlebrook Theatrical Society.
Visit our website for photos and more details on participating groups.
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Old Barracks Taptoe to bring Summer evenings to life!
Spirited tunes
and candlelight magically transport visitors to the 18th century this month as the Old Barracks hosts evening Taptoe concerts on July 14 and 28. Featuring the Barracks Band of Musick conducted by Daniel Spalding, Taptoe recreates a summer evening when the musick and the guard would march through the garrison town of Trenton, signaling the time for the taverns to close their taps and for the soldiers to return to their barracks.
Beginning at dusk, the evening will include military tunes and an orchestral and dramatic production of music from the motion picture The Last of the Mohicans. Get your tickets today!
More information.
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Heritage Partners renew Crossroads memberships
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. Partner representatives also get advance notice on Crossroads-sponsored workshops and professional development seminars to help make the most of their organizations' historical offerings.
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
Explore 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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Lantern Tour at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge
July 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate our country's birthday with a twilight tour of the grounds where independence was forged.
More information.
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Field of Honor at the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster
July 2-11
Visit to see a display of more than 200 U.S. flags to celebrate our nation, purchase one for dedication, then return on July 8 for a patriotic community picnic.
More information
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18th Century Ice Cream Making at the Metlar-Bodine House Museum in Piscataway
July 7 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Did you know that ice cream was George Washington's favorite dessert? Watch as culinary historian Susan McLellan Plaisted shows how the frosty treat was made in the 18th century, then try a sample.
More information
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A.J. Meerwald Hudson River Sails
July 11-15, various times
Bergen County-based excursions on New Jersey's official tall ship include programs on area history.
More information
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Board of Trustees
Thomas H. Kean, Honorary Chair ● Ira Jersey, Chair ● Laura Szwak, Vice Chair-Governance ● Brian Levine, Vice Chair-Finance● John Hardiman, Vice Chair-Development ●
Dale Florio ● Seth Hahn ●
Joshua Henne
● Linda Kellner ● Sally Lane ● Chris Paladino ● Rocky Peterson ● 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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