John Adams famously said that Independence Day celebrations for the United States should take place on July 2, and with the 4th occurring on Monday this year, many commemorations are taking the spirit of his statement to heart with events before and after the big day. Many sites across the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area are sharing the spirit of independence in creative ways! Here are just a few:
Historic Cold Spring Village celebrates independence with family activities on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a patriot spy game for kids, festive music and more. More info.
Shippen Manor invites you to its Celebration of Independence on July 3, with a noon reading of the Declaration, preceded and followed with music of the era from the Colonial Musketeers Junior Fife & Drum Corps. More info.
Morristown National Historical Park’s Independence Day commemoration returns to the Washington’s Headquarters Museum/Ford Mansion lawn on July 4 this year. Arrive by noon for the always entertaining and unforgettable jokes, riddles and kids-level explanation of the Declaration. Stay for the 1:00 p.m. reading of the Declaration and join the crowd in cheering for liberty. More info.
East Jersey Old Town's Revolutionary Celebration on the 4th includes a reenactment of the July 4, 1778 feu de joie along the Raritan River that's considered by many to be the first official Independence Day celebration. This year, it's just part of a larger celebration with General Washington, colonial-era music and more. More info.
Visit Princeton Battlefield State Park on July 4 for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic music and more, at the site of the pivotal January 3, 1777 Battle of Princeton. The historic Clarke House will also welcome you for tours following the celebration. More info.
The fun extends beyond the 4th as Trenton hosts a three-day Liberty Weekend, July 8-9 and 10, marking the 246th anniversary of the public reading of the Declaration in the community. Join Crossroads leaders and other Trenton-area luminaries for the anniversary reading at noon on July 8, then explore the city’s many historic sites and museums, notable cemeteries, take in a concert and a meal, and more. More info.
Visit our website calendar for more independence events!
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Crossroads Welcomes New Staffers |
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Crossroads welcomes two new staff members this month as we grow our team to address additional work with the approach of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Executive Director Janice Selinger will continue with the organization through July to ensure a smooth onboarding for both newcomers.
Laura Foley, our new Program Manager, comes to Crossroads from the Gloucester County Historical Society Museum, where her duties included creating exhibits and programs, managing the collections and coordinating volunteers. She was also a docent at Red Bank Battlefield, where she assisted with their public programs, tours and history camp. She’s a graduate of Rowan University, where she received a Masters degree in History with a Graduate Certificate in Holocaust and Genocide Education as well as a Bachelors in Theatre and History.
Ashley Abruzzo will join Crossroads on July 5 as our new Heritage Tourism Manager. She brings experience from the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, the 180-mile corridor from Charlottesville, VA to Gettysburg, PA. As Tourism and Marketing Manager there, she was a liaison for historic sites, DMOs/CVBs, hotels and local businesses across four states and 15 counties. More recently, she was Membership Development Manager at the Germanna Foundation in Virginia. She earned her Masters degree in Applied History at Shippensburg University and her Bachelors in History at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
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A Special Thank You
Our longtime Communications Director, Sue Kaufmann, will be leaving Crossroads effective June 30. Starting as a part-time employee in late 2014 and then taking on full time responsibilities in 2018, she managed our communication strategy, including social media, newsletter and messaging, as well as providing strategic support to the executive director. She also contributed to planning work for Revolution NJ and managed Crossroads’ statewide branded signage program. We thank her for her contributions and wish her well in the next stage of her career.
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Next Revolution NJ Session set for July 21
Mark your calendar for July 21 at 7:00 p.m. for the next Revolution NJ update session, to be held via Zoom.
In addition to information on the latest developments on planning for New Jersey's commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, participants will learn about grant opportunities to help fund programming, exhibits and more.
Watch your email for participation details!
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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 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.
Could your organization benefit from affiliating with Crossroads? Contact our Program Manager, Laura Foley, by e-mail for more information, or visit our Heritage Partner webpage to join us today!
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Stay Updated with Crossroads All Month Long |
Our monthly newsletter captures a fraction of the sites, events and stories that make Revolutionary New Jersey come alive. Follow Crossroads on Facebook and Instagram for site news, interesting facts and more throughout the season.
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Board of Trustees
Thomas H. Kean, Honorary Chair ● Sally Lane, Chair ● Edward Allison ●
Iris Delgado ● Dale Florio ● Jennifer Godoski ● Seth Hahn ● Joshua Henne
● Jeff Kaszerman ● Gail Lalla ● Michael Murphy, Esq. ● Patrick Murray ●
Andrew Musick ● Tony Perry ● Henry Rinder, CPA
Crossroads Staff
Janice Selinger, Executive Director ● Laura Foley, Program Manager ●
Ashley Abruzzo, Heritage Tourism Manager ● Roseann Butterfield, Office Administrator
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