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CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
February 2019
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Celebrate a Revolutionary Black History Month
New Jerseyans from all walks of life faced difficult choices during the American Revolution, and people of African descent were no different. Where they decided to place their loyalties, however, often depended on situations that were complex and nuanced.
The stories of Revolutionary Neighbors like
Colonel Tye,
Oliver Cromwell and
Jacob Francis show just a few of the factors that affected their choices. Some enslaved African Americans served the Continental Army or local militias as substitutes for their owners, in exchange for freedom after the war. Freed black men fought according to their conscience, either in support of the young United States or Great Britain. Others ran away to join the army of their choice.
Several Crossroads Heritage Partners are focusing on the African American experience this month with programs like these:
The Dey Mansion in Wayne hosts culinary historian Lavada Nahon on February 3 with "After All, It's Just Food." Discover a day in the life of an enslaved cook and the role she might have taken in meal preparation for the Dey family, then enjoy a tasting of cakes and cookies typical of the 18th century.
Reservations and more information.
Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook marks its annual Tory Jack Day on February 9, honoring the 18th century household's enslaved man who reportedly spied on the British for the Patriots during the Revolution. Historian and musician Joseph Becton will speak on the music of the Civil War.
More information and tickets.
Historian Richard Geffken shares images and stories of the enslaved, slave owners and the Quaker abolition movement in the Unfortunate History of Slavery and Quakers in New Jersey on
February 2 at the Union Township Public Library and on
February 9 at the 1719 William Trent House in Trenton. He'll also relate the influential early activities at the Shrewsbury Meeting, the Manasquan Meeting, and Quaker Meetings in West Jersey.
Reenactors portraying regiments from World Wars I and II and the Civil War join those of the American Revolution at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton on February 23 and 24 with "America... We Served!" Three Centuries of African American Soldiers. Learn about the evolving roles of African Americans in the military, get an up-close look at uniforms and equipment, and more!
More information.
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Mark the 287th anniversary of Washington's Birthday
General George Washington spent more time in New Jersey than any other place during the American Revolution. It's no wonder that so many of our Heritage Partners are celebrating his birthday with events in February! Here are just a few:
The Historic Village at Allaire hosts a conversation with Martha Washington on February 16. Interpreter Pat Jordan offers a first-person look at life with the Father of our Country, along with details of Martha's compassion and love of dance.
More information and registration.
Visit General Washington's winter 1778-79 headquarters, Somerville's Wallace House, during the Heritage Trail Association's Five Generals bus tour on February 17. This narrated excursion also includes visits to the Van Horne House in Bridgewater, the Van Veghten House in Finderne, the Abraham Staats house in South Bound Brook and the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster. Reserve your seat today.
More information.
Rockingham celebrates with a Toast to General Washington's 287th on February 23. Test your knowledge of this American icon, learn what's fact and what's fiction, and enjoy cake and punch to cap off the day.
Reservations and more information.
General Washington's September 1780 headquarters hosts the Washingtons (and the Enslows on fiddle and dulcimer) for a country ball at Historic New Bridge Landing on February 24. Plus, view a Washington centennial quilt and other artifacts. Make your reservations now for this popular annual event. More information.
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250th Update, RFP posted on Crossroads website
An update on the planning for New Jersey's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is available
online. During the January 29 Go-to-Meeting session, New Jersey Historical Commission Executive Director Sara Cureton and Crossroads Executive Director Janice Selinger highlighted status of national and regional 250th planning, plans to study history and civics education statewide, and plans to conduct history-related listening sessions with New Jerseyans.
During the update session, Selinger also announced the release of a request for proposals for the evaluation of the state's Revolutionary War-era historic sites. Available on
Crossroads
website
,
the RFP seeks professional teams to assess the improvements needed to prepare sites for additional visitation during the anniversary period, as well as recommendations on potential sites for one or more New Jersey Revolutionary War visitor centers.
Our next 250th planning update will take place in April at Morristown National Historical Park. Watch the
NJ Historical Commission and
Crossroads Facebook pages for more information as the date nears!
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Historic groups benefit from Crossroads Heritage Partnership
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.
More than 140 Revolutionary War-related historic sites, historical societies and heritage organizations in New Jersey benefit from their membership as Crossroads Heritage Partners. Marketing support for events and tours, information on grants opportunities, and networking opportunities with other organizations throughout the state are just some of the advantages of membership.
Volunteers and staffers from Heritage Partner groups also get advance notice on registration for training and professional development sessions.
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
Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Heritage Partners invite you to explore Revolutionary New Jersey. Visit our
website
and
Facebook page
for even more activities through the month.
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Remembering the Greenwich Tea Burning at the Lummis Library in Greenwich
February 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Did you know there was a Tea Party in Cumberland County? Historian John Fea, PhD relates the history of the December 1774 protest against British tyranny, memorialized by the monument on Greenwich's Ye Greate Street.
More information
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Governor Livingston at the Crossroads of the American Revolution at Hunterdon County Courthouse in Flemington
First opposed to independence, William Livingston became the longest-serving patriot governor. Historian Dr. James Gigantino presents parts of his recently published biography of New Jersey's first elected governor.
More information
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Colonial Maple Sugaring at the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus
February 16 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Find out why maple sugaring was so important to the Lenape and the early Dutch and English settlers of Northern New Jersey, then learn how to tap maple trees, even in your own backyard!
Reservations and more information
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The Shannachie of Glendunbunn Ballybegg at the Indian King Tavern in Haddonfield
February 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Entertainer Dave Emerson shares colorful stories of Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall and Wales where the New Jersey Legislature met at points during the Revolution.
More information.
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Board of Trustees
Thomas H. Kean, Honorary Chair ● Ira Jersey, Chair ● Laura Crowley
● Dale Florio
●
Seth Hahn
● John Hardiman
●
Joshua Henne ● Linda Kellner ● Sally Lane
● 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 Director
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