January 2021
Crossroads Gazette
Message from our Board Chair
Friends –

Happy New Year! I join the rest of Crossroads’ trustees and our staff in thanking you for your continued support and generosity during our recent giving campaign. While we continue to work through the pandemic, New Jersey’s Revolutionary heritage reminds us that our forebears endured similar uncertain times, giving us examples of tenacity and hope to draw on.

With just five years until the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re continuing our work with the New Jersey Historical Commission on plans to help state residents and visitors make a meaningful connection to the experiences of Revolutionary-era New Jerseyans. The Crossroads board brings a diversity of experience and perspectives that will help us draw support from the corporate and foundation communities to make the most of this opportunity to build heritage tourism and civic engagement. We see exciting potential in using new technologies and marketing approaches to reach new audiences. We want to help visitors make personal connections to history that will spark an enduring interest in a new generation of Revolutionary War enthusiasts.

We look forward to the time when New Jersey’s 18th century sites are able to return to their full range of events, tours and programs. Until then, Crossroads will continue to help our Heritage Partners prepare for increased visitation in 2026 and beyond. As always, we welcome your input and perspectives, both during our quarterly 250th update meetings and informally.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sally Lane
Chair, Board of Trustees
Revolution NJ Update to occur January 14

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. Revolution NJ Advisory Council co-chairs Linda Caldwell Epps (President and CEO, 1804 Consultants) and Kristin O’Brassill-Kulfan (Assistant Teaching Professor and Coordinator of Public History, Rutgers University) will discuss the initiative's interpretative framework.

Attend via GoToMeeting at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/606619101 or by dialing +1 (646) 749-3122.

Can't attend? Watch the Crossroads Facebook page and website for replay information. Questions can be submitted in advance to info@revolutionarynj.org .
Social Media Workshop Helps Sites Connect With New Audiences
Public health regulations in the age of COVID have prompted many historic sites to take to the internet to share their stories, events and exhibits with the public, students and supporters online. Social media, smartphones and hand-held devices have made it easier than ever to connect and interact with current supporters and new friends — and it’s easier than you might think!

Old Barracks Museum Historical Interpreter and Social Media Coordinator Daryian Kelton shared ways to use social media to engage with the public in a recent Zoom session hosted by Crossroads with funding from the Roma Bank Foundation. During the session he discussed the importance of social media and online presence, as well as sharing best practices on engaging with new visitors as well as longtime supporters.

View the session on our YouTube channel.
Crossroads welcomes renewed Heritage Partners, seeks your news!

A new year brings new focus to Crossroads' Heritage Partners program! More than 200 historic sites, historical societies and heritage organizations help tell the story of the impact of the American Revolution on 18th century New Jerseyans.

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. We're eager to help get the word out on public programs as member sites and groups work through COVID restrictions.

The following Heritage Partners are among those who have joined or renewed their Crossroads memberships in recent months:


Whether your site currently offers online programs, isn't yet ready to welcome visitors or is somewhere in between, Crossroads can help. Contact our Program Manager, Amy Osterhout by email for more information, or visit our Heritage Partner membership webpage to join us.
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● Patrick Murray ● Michael Murphy 
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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