ROUND-UP: September 2010

When August is a declining ember

Enter in, sweet September...
Now comes the time for changing color,
Miracles unfold, green to amber and gold.
--Sweet September, by Joyce Helmsley

Sept 25 WALK THE TOWPATH TO ROCKINGHAM--FREE
Sept 25 "WASHINGTON'S SPIES" FIRESIDE CHAT
Sept 12 2010 SOMERVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL--FREE
Sept 12 AFRICAN-AMERICAN SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTION
Sept 11-12 CIVIL WAR CAMP @ VAN LIEW SUYDAM HOUSE--FREE
Sept 11 HARVEST FESTIVAL & PIE CONTEST @ HAGEMAN FARM--FREE

CLICK HERE to become a member of one of the wonderful organizations that sponsor these exciting historical and environmental events!

CLICK HERE to read about the British raids on the Millstone Valley in an authentic 1777 edition of the London Chronicle recently acquired for the Kells Swan museum collection at Washington Crossing State Park!

CLICK HERE to find out how you can have your private or corporate holiday event in a beautifully restored historic house!

SEPTEMBER 25 Walk the Path to Rockingham!

Celebrate National Public Lands Day and the gorgeous season with a fresh morning walk from the Kingston Canal House to historic Rockingham!

DATE: Saturday, September 25, 2010
(Inclement Weather Cancels)
TIME: 9:30AM
MEET: The Kingston Canal House
Off Route 27, 4 miles north of Princeton
RSVP: Pre-registration Required
INFO: (609) 924-5705

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

[From the Milepost Newsletter]
"In addition to receiving an introduction to the story of the D&R from the park historian, participants will visit two historic homes along the way--the Kingston Canal House and 18th century Rockingham. The group will then walk along the canal to Rockingham where they will be treated to a tour of the restored 1783 headquarters of George Washington. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and join us for this 2.5-mile round trip walk."

It's Not Too Early To Plan A Memorable Holiday Party Or Special Event In A Historical Beautiful House!

Why not make your special celebration or business meeting a truly unique and memorable event for you and your guests by having it in a beautifully ornate yet delightfully warm historic house and grounds?

And, ALL the proceeds go to a good cause!

The Meadows Foundation has the following properties available for booking your:

• Wedding Receptions
• Birthday Parties
• Holiday Celebrations
• Award Banquets
• Business Meetings, Luncheons, or Dinners
• Music Recitals
• Book or Poetry Readings
• Or ANY Reason to Assemble Good People!
  

TULIPWOOD (1892)

THE VAN WICKLE HOUSE (1722)

THE HAGEMAN HOUSE & BARNS (1861 & 1876)

FOR MORE INFORMATION & DETAILS ABOUT BOOKING YOUR EVENT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Carol Sas, carol@themeadowsfoundation.org

SEPTEMBER 25 "Washington's Spies" Come in from the Cold at the Van Wickle House!

The Meadows Foundation is thrilled to kick off 2010-11's Fireside Chat series with a fascinating presentation by historian George Dawson about American spies in the Revolution, especially Franklin resident, John Honeyman!

DATE: Saturday, September 25, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per Person
$1.00 Discount with Membership Card
RSVP/INFO: (732) 560-1977
chrisflp@aol.com

In 1775-76, Washington instructed John Honeyman to continue trading as much as possible behind the American lines in Griggstown and to flee to Trenton, if necessary, on the pretext that his double dealing has posed a danger to his family. The deception was so convincing, an angry mob of American patriots raided Honeyman's house in Griggstown.

SEPTEMBER 12: 2010 Somerville Jazz Festival

Calling all Hep Cats! Pack yourself a picnic and head to the Somerset Court House Green for an entire afternoon of jazz that's hot, cool, and free!




DATE: Sunday, September 12, 2010 [Rain or Shine!] TIME: 1PM to 6PM
PLACE: Somerset County Court House Green
East Main & Grove, Downtown Somerville

BRING

• Blankets, Chairs (Lawn seating only)
• Picnics, but food will be available for purchase
• Beverage, non-alcoholic only, no glass (cans & plastic OK)
• (Beer & Wine available for purchase, 21 & over with ID only)

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Allstar Line-Up
  
• Music Schedule
• Parking & Other Event Info
• How to Get to the Event
• Tell 5 Friends, Win a T-shirt!

SEPTEMBER 11 & 12 Civil War Camp at the Van Liew Suydam House!

The Meadows Foundation welcomes the 6th New Hampshire Co. C Volunteers back to the Van Liew Suydam House!

DATES & TIMES Rain or Shine
Saturday, September 11, 2010: 10AM to 5PM
Sunday, September 12, 2010: 10AM to 2PM
PLACE: Van Liew Suydam House

280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
INFO: 732-748-7657

ADMISSION IS FREE!!! ($5. Parking Donation per Car Appreciated!)

The 6th New Hampshire Co. C Volunteers will demonstrate camp life for the average Union soldier of the Civil War, including drilling events for children and firing demonstrations! Complementary refreshments will be served!

SEPTEMBER 12 'Oh Freedom!' African-American Soldiers in the Revolutionary War!

Treat yourself and your family to a special speaking engagement by dynamic historian and performer, Joe Becton, the opening of the "Oh, Freedom!" exhibit at the Van Horne House with a presentation on "African-American Soldiers & the Revolutionary War"!

DATE: Sunday, September 12, 2010
Exhibit runs from September 10 to November 10, 2010
TIME: Starts at 2PM
PLACE: The Van Horne House
941 Main Street, Bridgewater
RSVP: Reservations Not Required, but Appreciated
INFO: (732) 356-8856
info@heritagetrail.com

ADMISSION IS FREE!!! ($5.00 Donation Appreciated)

[From the Website]
"While the war is often characterized as fight between the colonist seeking independence from Great Brittan and a foreign king trying to maintain control over his subjects, the issues were far more complex. Initially, less than a third of the population supported the rebellion and about the same number strongly support the Crown. The balance were either pacifist favoring a peaceful solution or chose to remain neutral. The African-American community was no different.

Some New Jersey slaves escaped to the promise of freedom proclaimed by the British and served in loyalist military units. Others enlisted in local militias or in the Continental Army in exchange for the promise of liberty - a promise sometimes not kept. Free African Americans also chose sides as the Revolution in New Jersey turned into a civil war.

Joe Becton is a member of the Association for the Study of African American History and Life and of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. He has published a number of articles on the War of 1812 and on Africans in the American Revolution. Joe Becton is the co-founder of the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops Civil War re-enactors and Vice President of the United States Colored Troops Monument Committee of Philadelphia."

More Lists For Historical Events Through Out Somerset County!

The Raritan-Millstone Valley Events Blog (RMVE) is delighted to bring you information about historical, cultural, and environmental events in our heritage-rich corner of Somerset, New Jersey, but please check in with-, or subscribe to the Somerset County Culture & Historical Events calendar hosted by the Heritage Trail Association!

SEPTEMBER 11 Harvest Festival & Pie Contest at the Hageman Farm!

The Meadows Foundation is delighted to invite you and your entire family to celebrate the season and sample 19th Centurey life with an old fashioned Harvest Festival and apple pie contest at the Hageman Farm!

DATE: Saturday, September 11, 2010
TIME: 1:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Farm
209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
CONTACT: Mary Anne McMillan, (732) 447-8360
info@themeadowsfoundation.org

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
(SUGGESTED DONATION FOR PARKING, $5.00)

Fun for the whole family and old-timey games for the kids!

[From the website]
"Hageman Farm committee chair MaryAnne McMillan said, 'We encourage the community to visit the farm to learn more about the really fascinating history of the farm and the apple itself, and to play games that reflect the history of 19th Century farm life.' The properties are publicly financed and cared for by volunteers. Participation supports the Township's efforts to preserve and protect these properties."

The large farm house was built by Benjamin Hageman in 1861 in an Italianate and early Victorian style. The Horse and Dairy Barns were designed and built by Garretson Hageman, Benjamin's eldest son and graduate of Rutgers School of Engineering, in 1976. The Horse Barn, which combines Dutch and English design elements is believed to be the only one of this style and size ever built. Both barns are being meticulously restored for community use and the Horse Barn will be open to the public for the entire festival!