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CROSSROADS GAZETTE
Your resource for all things Revolutionary New Jersey!
June 2020

Revolutionary Neighbors Recall Human Impact of June Battles

Social distancing regulations have forced the postponement of annual battle reenactments and commemorations this June, but we can learn about the human impact of the Battles of Monmouth, Connecticut Farms, Springfield and the skirmish in Haddonfield through the stories of Revolutionary Neighbors.
 
Conflict raging around her home, Hannah Caldwell, wife of vocal Patriot and 3rd New Jersey Chaplain Rev. James Caldwell was murdered during the Battle of Connecticut Farms on June 7, 1780. Current day historians debate whether she was intentionally shot by a British soldier or was the unfortunate victim of a stray bullet, but her demise became a rallying point for Patriots. 
 
Mary Creighton Stratton's Haddonfield community faced looting, raids and violence several times during the war, even before British troops marched through after departing from Philadelphia in June 1778. Troops ransacked the town on their way across New Jersey, before confronting the Continental Army at Monmouth.   
 
Benjamin van Cleve was just five years old in 1778 when the Battle of Monmouth tore his community apart. In later years he wrote of confusion as family and neighbors fled the approaching troops, the devastation they faced on their return to their property, and the attacks of the Tories even after the military conflict had ended.      
 
While the Visitor Center at Monmouth Battlefield State Park is currently closed, the trails are open for exploration. Check the State Parks and Forestry website before you leave home, to get the latest information on regulations and available amenities.
Remembering Original Crossroads Trustee, Environmental Activist Candy Ashmun

Crossroads was saddened to learn of the death of founding board member Candace Ashmun at the age of 96 on May 22.
 
Known as the Godmother of the Pines for her tireless devotion to the preservation of New Jersey's Pinelands region, Candy was a very active part of the team that worked toward the designation of Crossroads as a National Heritage Area by Congress in the early 2000s. Following her departure from the board in 2008, she continued as a supporter of Crossroads' work to preserve New Jersey's Revolutionary landscapes.
 
We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
Save the date: next Revolution NJ quarterly update July 15 

Mark your calendar for July 15, the date of the next Revolution NJ quarterly update. This virtual meeting will be held via GoToMeeting from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, so you can participate via the internet or phone.

Access Code: 977-721-101

Participate to learn the latest about New Jersey's plans for the 250th anniversary of the United States. You're welcome to bring your follow-up questions about the  Visitor Readiness Assessment of New Jersey's Revolutionary-era historic sites. 
Professional Development session coming soon!

Crossroads Professional Development goes virtual this summer! 

While the current public health emergency means we can't gather in person, we're eager to help our Revolutionary heritage sites prepare to welcome more visitors during the nation's 250th anniversary in just a few years.   

Based on feedback from our Heritage Partners, we're planning an informative session to be conducted via Zoom meeting -- you'll receive information on the topic, registration and instructions for participating from our Program Manager, Amy Osterhout by email.

Many thanks to all of the partners who shared their preferences with us through our online survey conducted earlier this spring. 
Stay updated with Crossroads All Month Long

We're working to keep our social media and website updated with the latest information from our Heritage Partners on site and event status during the COVID-19 crisis. We're committed to be your source for rescheduled event dates and site re-openings as we receive them.
 
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for site news, interesting facts and more throughout the season.   
Board of Trustees
Thomas H. Kean, Honorary Chair ● Ira Jersey, Chair ● Steve Ayscue ● David Capozzi  
Laura Crowley  ●  Dale Florio  ● Jennifer Godoski ●  Seth Hahn  ● John Hardiman ●  Joshua Henne 
 Jeff Kaszerman  ●  Sally Lane ● Rocky Peterson  ● Milly Silva  ● Laura Szwak

Crossroads Staff
Janice Selinger, Executive Director ●  Sue Kaufmann, Communications Director 
Amy Osterhout, Program Manager ● Roseann Butterfield, Office Administrator

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