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CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
November 2018
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A note from our Executive Director
Friends -
Crossroads of the American Revolution has been officially selected as the private sector partner to work with the New Jersey Historical Commission within the state to plan commemorations and observances of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. This formalizes the relationship with NJHC and fulfills the requirements of legislation passed earlier this year for NJHC to partner with an organization focused on preserving and promoting New Jersey's Revolutionary heritage.
With less than eight years until 2026, we've got a lot of work to do to elevate New Jersey's Revolutionary sites and events as must-see destinations for visitors during the anniversary period from 2024 to 2033. Through this new partnership, we'll build alliances with the state's business and civic communities to capitalize on the once-in-a-generation economic potential of attracting new visitors.
We'll also continue to work closely with our network of Heritage Partners, representing more than 200 Revolutionary-era sites, to help prepare them tell New Jersey's unique story to even more visitors. In fact, programs you'll read about in this newsletter are just two of the efforts we're already undertaking to raise awareness in new ways.
We hope you're as eager as we are about the work ahead, and we look forward to your ideas, contributions and support.
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Retreat to Victory in Bergen County this month!
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 remained on their heels. Journalist Thomas Paine, traveling with American troops, called the period "the times that try men's souls."
On November 17 and 18, 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, infantry and artillery demonstrations and more during its retreat weekend program. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information and schedule.
Historic New Bridge Landing hosts the 242nd anniversary of the British Invasion and American Retreat on Sunday November 18, at the very site where American troops safely crossed the Hackensack River. Hear a reading of Paine's "The Crisis," take a walking tour explaining the site's importance, hear about the role of the militia in Bergen County during the war, chat with reenactors, and more. 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information.
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Trenton students start video project
Lights, camera... Revolutionary New Jersey! Fourth graders from Trenton's Martin Luther King Elementary School started discovering the pivotal history in their own backyard last month as part of a year-long video production project. During a visit to the Old Barracks Museum, they learned about the Battle of Trenton, the building's role as a military hospital, and more.
Using what they've learned on the visit and from historians and reenactors who come to their school, students will produce videos that tell the story of the war's impact on local 18th century residents. Along the way, they'll also build skills in storytelling, writing and editing, too, all leading to a special red-carpet premiere at the school for friends and family in the spring.
The project is made possible through grants from the Verizon Foundation, NJEA and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NJEA's Classroom Closeup on NJTV will also feature the students' Old Barracks visit in its December 9 edition. Read more on our website.
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Heritage Partners enjoy a taste of history at fall conference
Tastes, treats and embellishments were the stars at Crossroads Art of Period Trades and Crafts Fall conference, held at East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway. More than 60 Heritage Partner volunteers and staff members had the opportunity to sample 18th century beverages while learning about Colonial-era taverns and drinking habits from keynote speaker and material culture researcher Phil Dunning.
Participants also attended small group sessions with experts including beer historian Rich Wagner, jewelry maker Taylor Shelby and culinary historian Deborah Peterson. Photos from the event, along with more details on the workshop, are on our
website, with video highlights to come!
Many thanks to our co-sponsor and host, the Middlesex County Office of Arts and History, Division of Historic Sites and History Services.
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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!
We're grateful that the following Heritage Partners have renewed their Crossroads memberships this month:
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 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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Fall Open House at Historic Van Nest-Hoff-Vannatta Farmstead in Harmony Twp.
November 3 at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the harvest, view antiques and enjoy crafts like candlemaking, embroidery and more.
More information
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Eighteenth Century Smokehouse Demonstration at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead in Readington
November 4 at 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Visit a reproduction smokehouse as Susan McLellan Plaisted demonstrates and discusses 18th century pork smoking methods and traditions.
More information
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Revolutionary Haunts and Hangings at Fort Lee Historic Park in Fort Lee
November 4 at 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Storyteller Jonathan Kruk weaves spooky tales around the firepit as guests enjoy cider and donuts at this afternoon event.
More information
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The Noblest of Fruits at Rockingham in Kingston
November 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Watch the process of apple butter making, from start to finish, a salute to the Berrien family's orchard and the importance of apples to Revolutionary-era New Jerseyans. More information.
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1st Lieutenant Jeremiah Leeds: the Quintessential Piney at the Giffordtown Schoolhouse Museum in Little Egg Harbor
November 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Atlantic County historian Norman Goos debunks the 'Piney' myth through the story of a Revolutionary War leader and owner of Absecon Island. More information.
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Colonial Tavern Night at the Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook
November 10 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy drinking songs and sample treats and mulled cider as you learn why taverns were so important to the weary travelers, gossiping neighbors and rebellious patriots of 18th century New Jersey. More information and reservations.
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Board of Trustees
Thomas H. Kean, Honorary Chair ● Ira Jersey, Chair ●
Dale Florio ●
Seth Hahn ● John Hardiman ●
Joshua Henne
● Linda Kellner ● Sally Lane ● Brian Levine ● Chris Paladino ● Rocky Peterson ● Patrick Ryan ● Milly Silva
● Laura Szwak
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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