December 2020

Crossroads Gazette

Experience Ten Crucial Days from Your Home Screen This December marks the 244th anniversary of the Continental Army’s crucial Christmas night 1776 crossing of the Delaware River, starting the ten crucial days that turned the tide of the American Revolution. The Battles of Trenton and Princeton that followed were decisive wins for General George Washington’s American forces, boosting morale and building a renewed sense of focus in the early days of 1777. Though in-person reenactments and programming have been sidelined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can mark the 2020 commemoration in the comfort of your home, through online offerings. Watch the Crossing at 10:00 a.m. on Christmas morning, December 25 as Washington Crossing Historic Park premieres a brand-new depiction of the historic event on their YouTube page.  In place of in-person Patriots Week events, the Old Barracks is presenting Battle of Trenton Day as a virtual event on December 26 from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. Watch a puppet show, find out the real story of the Battle of Trenton, learn about the roles of African Americans in the battle and the Barracks and much more. Register at the Old Barracks website for one or more activities. Get a head start on your new year celebration, Scottish-style, as the William Trent House Museum presents a Hogmanay concert with John Burkhalter and Donovan Klotzbeacher of the Practitioners of Musick on December 26 at 1:00 p.m. Register at the William Trent House Museum website.

Heritage Partners Offer Online Options

Evolving social distancing regulations aren’t a barrier to sharing Revolutionary New Jersey with young students. Bypass the school bus for the screen as Crossroads Heritage Partners offer distance learning programming. For instance: Liberty Hall Museum offers a fascinating look into 250 years of American and New Jersey history on topics including the Road to the Revolution, servants and enslaved people, transportation history and more. Programming for elementary, middle and high-school aged students is specifically designed to engage students on a virtual platform while allowing for interaction between your students and the museum educators in period dress. More information. The Old Barracks Museum welcomes educators to immerse students in a variety of programs that bring students back to 1777 through a combination of conversations with historical interpreters, videos and images of artifacts. Offerings include New Jersey divided, 18th century medicine, women’s contributions during the Revolution, and soldiers’ perspectives from both sides of the conflict. More information. Dey Mansion is putting the finishing touches on its virtual education programs, with videos and more on the way! Watch their website for more information this month.

Heritage Partner Workshop to Share Social Media Tips Social media, smartphones and hand-held devices have made it more convenient than ever for historic sites to connect and interact with supporters and new friends — and it’s easier than you might think! Join us on December 14th via Zoom as Old Barracks Museum Historical Interpreter and Social Media Coordinator Daryian Kelton shares the tips and tricks of using social media to engage with the public. Visit our website for more information on this free session.

Save the Date for Next Revolution NJ Update Session Mark your calendars for the next quarterly update for Revolution NJ, New Jersey’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The January 14 session will be held online from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All members of the public are invited to attend via GoToMeeting at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/606619101 or by dialing +1 (646) 749-3122 . Additional details will be announced as the date approaches.

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' 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 ● Sally Lane, Chair ● Edward Allison ● Steve Ayscue ● David Capozzi   Laura Crowley, CPA ● Iris Delgado ● Dale Florio ● Jennifer Godoski ● Seth Hahn ● Joshua Henne   Ira Jersey ● Jeff Kaszerman ● Tony Perry ● Rocky Peterson ● Laura Szwak Crossroads Staff Janice Selinger, Executive Director ● Sue Kaufmann, Communications Director Amy Osterhout, Program Manager ● Roseann Butterfield, Office Administrator

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