October 2021

Crossroads Gazette

Revolutionary New Jersey Offers Spooky Fun in October! Ghost walks and pumpkin carving are just some of the spooky fun happening at Crossroads’ Heritage Partner sites in October. Bring the kids or come on your own, even log in for tales of spectral encounters, and find a new way to explore New Jersey’s Revolutionary heritage. Was that the Jersey Devil you saw? We can’t guarantee you’ll see Mother Leeds’ 13th child at the creekside, but the Tuckerton Seaport Legends and Lore boat tour will introduce you to local legends in this child-appropriate program. Visit the seaport’s website for dates and times. Liberty Hall Museum offers spirited in-person and online themed events to get you in the Halloween spirit! Grownups can enjoy an evening of pumpkin carving and local beer at the Boos and Booze event. Start a new family tradition at Pumpkin Patch Day with crafts, hayrides and more. Or log in for stories of ghosts, murder and secret rendezvous in the Legends of Liberty Hall zoom session! The colonial community of Greenwich turns spooky as the Cumberland County Historical Society hosts the Pathway of Doom. Before taking the ghost walk, be sure to check out the entries in the annual pumpkin carving and painting competition.  Event and tour availability at our partner sites may be affected by public health guidelines due to COVID-19, so be sure to check in with sites before heading out to visit. Road Trip Through the Revolution During County History Events Fall is the perfect time to take a road trip close to home. Leaves are turning shades of orange and red, and visits to local sites fit perfectly into busy family weekend schedules. During special weekends in October, Somerset and Union Counties invite you to pile into the car to explore the rich heritage nestled in our neighborhoods. And Camden County History Alliance offers a full month of virtual and in-person events sponsored by member groups. All told, there's something appealing for everyone in the family, from Colonial and Revolutionary-era stories all the way up to events and places that made the headlines in the 20th century. On October 9 and 10, Somerset County's Journey Through the Past invites you to explore the heart of the Crossroads Heritage Area. Discover homesteads like the Jacobus Vanderveer, Wallace and Staats Houses that hosted Continental Army generals during the Middlebrook encampment, take in the dramatic view from Washington Rock, and more. More info. And on October 16 and 17, Union County's Four Centuries in a Weekend encourages you to pick your route by historical era, from farm life in 1686 through to modern-day commerce and industry. Kids of all ages can pick up history trading cards featuring notable county residents from all four centuries! Bring your Passport To Your National Parks and collect Crossroads-themed stamps at locations linked to the Revolutionary era. More info.  October is Camden County History Month, with Indian King Tavern, Burrough-Dover House and Gabreil Daveis Tavern among the Revolutionary-era sites opening their doors. More info. Reflecting COVID-safety precautions and the impact of Hurricane Ida, some sites may adjust operating hours and offerings. Visit the events' websites for maps and current program descriptions before you head out to explore.

Revolution NJ update: October 20 Reserve your place at the next Revolution NJ update session, scheduled for October 20 at 12 noon. Register here to receive the meeting link, and watch your email and Crossroads' Facebook page for more information on guest speakers.

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 organizations enhance their visibility and build community engagement as they help visitors discover Revolutionary New Jersey!    We're grateful that the Hermitage and the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission have renewed their partnerships with Crossroads. Whether your site is open seven days a week, isn't yet ready to welcome visitors, or is somewhere in between, Crossroads can help. Heritage Partners enjoy enhanced visibility as well as workshops and professional development seminars to help them make the most of their historical offerings. 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!

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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