October 2020

Crossroads Gazette

Get into the Halloween spirit in Revolutionary New Jersey Halloween may look different this year, but some the homes of some of Crossroads’ Revolutionary Neighbors are offering spooky events – both live and virtual – to mark the holiday. Whether the shot was fired by a British soldier or was ‘friendly fire,’ Hannah Caldwell was murdered during the June 1780 Battle of Connecticut Farms. Does her spirit inhabit Caldwell Parsonage in Union? Find out on October 16 as Union Township Historical Society hosts a Facebook Live investigation to find out! More information. Mary Peale Field's Fieldsboro home was visited by American and British troops during the war. Hessian Col. Carl von Donop visited and had tea. Poet Annis Boudinot Stockton, wife of Declaration of Independence signer Richard Stockton, died there. Do any of their spirits remain? Find out for yourself as White Hill Mansion hosts ghost walks this October. More information. Tickets are going quickly for Liberty Hall’s spine-tingling ghost tours in late October. Museum staff will share their own paranormal experiences from the nearly 250-year old home of Gov. William Livingston before guiding you on a candle-lit tour of the home. Check Liberty Hall’s website for ticket availability. Watch our Facebook page and online calendar for more spooky Halloween events throughout October!

Somerset County offers Journey Through the Past in October Take a road trip through Revolutionary heritage on October 10 and 11 as Somerset County hosts its Weekend Journey Through the Past. Crossroads Heritage Partners including the Abraham Staats, Van Horne and Wallace Houses, the Old Dutch Parsonage and more will welcome visitors, with social distancing measures in place. Rather explore from home? Check out the Journey through the Past virtual experience! Details are available on the county’s website, where you’ll also find an interactive map, guidebook and more as the event dates approach. Please note that sites will be open subject to public health regulations on the event dates. Visitors will be required to comply with state and county health, safety and social distancing protocol.

Join us on Oct 14 for a Revolution NJ – 250th Update The next quarterly update session for Revolution NJ, New Jersey’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, will be held on October 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. via Go To Meeting. In addition to the latest information on planning efforts, we'll welcome guest speaker, Algernon Ward, who will present "Freedom First," a discussion of the issues surrounding African American participation in the American Revolution, on both the American and British sides. Online and phone participation details are as follows: Web: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/740952381  Phone: 1-872-240-3412 Access code: 740-952-381 The meeting will be recorded for those who can't attend the live session and will be posted on Crossroads' website and Facebook page when available.

Support Crossroads today! With the generous support of our members and donors, Crossroads helps to share the stories of New Jersey's fascinating Revolutionary heritage to inspire and educate visitors and residents alike. It's easy to contribute or become a Crossroads member - "contact free"! Just visit our website to make a gift or become a member. All new members receive a Crossroads of the American Revolution license plate frame, with more benefits for other contribution levels.  Thank you for your support!

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 ● Steve Ayscue ● David Capozzi   Laura Crowley, CPA ● Dale Florio ● Jennifer Godoski ● Seth Hahn ● Joshua Henne   Ira Jersey ● Jeff Kaszerman ● 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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