November 2021

Crossroads Gazette

Commemorate the Retreat to Victory at Fort Lee and New Bridge Landing  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 in New York. Leaving much of their supplies and artillery behind, the Continental Army began a harrowing withdrawal across New Jersey, all while the British Army remained on their heels. Conditions for the Continental Army looked bleak, and journalist Thomas Paine, traveling with them, famously described the period as “the times that try men’s souls.” Discover more about this crucial part of the Revolution at commemorations in Bergen County this month.  On Saturday November 20 and 21, Fort Lee Historic Park marks the anniversary with reenactments of 18th century life and battle, as well as demonstrations of weapons of the era. Saturday’s events include a noontime march to Fort Lee Monument Park. More info.  On Sunday November 21, the Bergen County Historical Society and the Brigade of the American Revolution present a day of living history and scholarship at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. More info. Crossroads Sign Unveiled at Caldwell Parsonage The story of Hannah Caldwell’s death during the June 1780 Battle of Connecticut Farms is featured on Crossroads’ newest interpretive sign at the Caldwell Parsonage in Union. Funded through a generous grant from the Union Foundation, it’s the latest in a growing number of Crossroads-branded signage that alerts and informs travelers to places and stories that are part of New Jersey’s complex Revolutionary heritage. Union County’s Four Centuries in a Weekend event was the backdrop for the October 16 unveiling ceremony, which included Union Township Historical Society President Barbara La Mort, Union Township Mayor Michele Delisfort and Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski along with Crossroads Executive Director Janice Selinger and other dignitaries. Visit our website for more information and to view video highlights of the ceremony.

Revolution NJ Quarterly Update Replay Available Watch the replay of the October 20 Revolution NJ quarterly update for a wealth of information on planning progress for New Jersey's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Visit the Crossroads website for a meeting summary and links to grant opportunities and more. Participants also learned about Made By Us, a collaboration of leading history organizations that are working together to present history in a way that's relevant to young adults, to promote informed civic participation. Watch the replay here.

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 long-established museums 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. This month, we're happy to welcome South Jersey Quakers as our newest Heritage Partner. Could your organization benefit from affiliating with Crossroads? Contact our Program Manager, Amy Osterhout by e-mail for more information, or visit our Heritage Partner webpage to join us today!

Stay Updated with Crossroads All Month Long Follow us on Facebook 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 ●  Laura Crowley, CPA ● Iris Delgado ● Dale Florio ● Jennifer Godoski ●  Seth Hahn ● Joshua Henne ● Jeff Kaszerman ● Patrick Murray ● Andrew Musick ●  Michael Murphy, Esq. ● Tony Perry ● Henry Rinder, CPA ● Laura Szwak Crossroads Staff Janice Selinger, Executive Director ● Sue Kaufmann, Communications Director ● Amy Osterhout, Program Manager ● Roseann Butterfield, Office Administrator James Malchow, Development Associate