NOVEMBER 20 "The Spirited War: Ghosts of the Revolution" at the Van Wickle House!

The Meadows Foundation proudly presents “The Spirited War- Ghosts of the Revolution"!

DATE: Saturday, November 20, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Ave., Somerset
TKTS: $10./Person, Reservations Recommended
INFO: 732-560-1977, chrisflp@aol.com

Halloween may be over, but the Meadows has a wonderful ghostly treat for you! Don Peck will join us to discuss his book, The Spirited War, which deals with Washington and the ghosts of the American Revolution in central New Jersey. Specifically, he will discuss the historic peace conference of September 11, 1776 and the ghosts he has uncovered at the Conference House on Staten Island, where the failed conference took place. Mr. Peck discovered many other ghosts in historic central New Jersey during his research, and will discuss them during the Q&A after his presentation.

Copies of The Spirited War will be available for sale and signing after the presentation. Priced at $20, the book is an excellent way to start your holiday shopping.

Please note that there will be a brief Annual Meeting prior to the Fireside Chat presentation this month.

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 '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."

MAY 15: Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Through New Jersey in 1781!

The Meadows Foundation is pleased to invite you to an exciting talk by Dr. Robert Selig, historian and expert on the role of French forces under the Comte de Rochambeau during the American Revolutionary War!

DATE: Saturday, May 15, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00/person
RSVP: MeadowsReserve@aol.com
(732) 560-1977

Dr. Selig will discuss the 1781 Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R) through NJ, which stretched along the entire west side of Franklin Township. He currently serves as project historian to the National Park Services for the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail Project. Historians and history enthusiasts won't want to miss this talk!

Why not become a member of the Meadows Foundation or volunteer and get in on all the fun? OR, become a fan of the Meadows Foundation on Facebook?

APRIL 10 & 11: Battle of Bound Brook & Middlebrook Encampment

THE REDCOATS ARE COMING!!! Please join the Friends of the Abraham Staats House (FASH) in waging the Battle of Bound Brook and rallying Washington's army at the Middlebrook Encampment!

TIME: Saturday & Sunday, April 10 & 11, 2010
DATE: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
PLACE: Abraham Staats House
17 von Stuben Lane, South Bound Brook
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

This two-day program explores the exciting events of the American Revolutionary War surrounding the Battle of Bound Brook and Middlebrook Encampments, from 1777 to 1779, and extremely important time in New Jersey and American history!

Weekend Activities and Events Include:

• 18th Century Soldiers' Encampment on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House, illustrating the daily life events of American and British troops during the American Revolution.
• Tours of the Historic Abraham Staats House (c. 1740), home of the Staats family for over 200 years, which served as the headquarters for George Washington's "Drillmaster", Baron von Steuben.
• Presentations and Demonstrations, staged throughout the weekend, include: a lecture by noted historian Robert A. Mayers, author of The War Man: The True Story of a Citizen-Soldier Who Fought from Quebec to Yorktown; an exhibition of Native American trade beads and wampum by collector Earl Becker; and, eminent historian H. Kels Swan and accomplished musician Tom Harabin (President of FASH) will play music of the Colonial Era throughout the weekend.

Why not become a Friend of the Abraham Staats House and get in on all the fun? Click here and discover what a wonderful, life-long friend a house can be!

Other Sponsors of the Battle of Bound Brook: Borough of South Bound Brook & the Borough of Bound Brook, Bound Brook CommUnity Development Association, The Sheriff's Department of Somerset County, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA

MARCH 27: Walk to Rockingham!

Enjoy a fresh, spring morning with a D & R Canal State Park historian and naturalist guided walk along the towpath from the Mapleton Preserve to the Rockingham Historic Site for a house tour, and then back again!

DATE: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Weather Permitting
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: D&R State Park Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
WEAR: Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
RSVP: Pre-registration Requested
REGISTER HERE

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

From the park headquarters, this 3.5 walk will first pass through a portion of the former Princeton Nursery grounds and by the historic Kingston Canal House on the way to the D & R Canal towpath. The group will then proceed along historic towpath to the beautifully restored Rockingham house, George Washington's 1783 headquarter during the American War of Independence!

Why not join one of these organizations and get in on all the fun?
Friends of the Princeton Nursery Lands
Kingston Greenways Association
D & R Canal Watch

READ ALL ABOUT IT! 1777 London Chronicle Reports on British Raids in the Millstone Valley!

The following images are from an authentic edition of the London Chronicle, dated "From SATURDAY, April 12, to TUESDAY, April 15, 1777" that was recently purchased on eBay by Jan ten Broeke. This exciting historical document will be preserved for posterity in the Kells Swan museum collection at the Washington Crossing State Park in in Titusville, NJ.

More detailed scans will be available shortly, but enjoy the exciting drama recounted in the article below!

See reference to the Somerset Court House.

See reference to Millstone River & Brunswick.

All photos appear courtesy of Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers.

CALLING ALL HISTORICAL RE-ENACTING UNITS & SUTLERS!

Hear-ye, hear-ye! Registration is now OPEN for re-enacting units & sutlers interested in participating in the 2010 Battle of Bound Brook!

"Washington's Army at Middlebrook"
At the Historic Abraham Staats House
17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, NJ

Saturday & Sunday, April 10th & 11th, 2010
(Units & Sulters are encouraged to set-up camp Friday night, April 9.)

About the Battle of Bound Brook
[From the Staats House Website]

On Sunday, April 13, 1777, a four-column force of 4,000 British Crown troops led by Lord Charles Cornwallis attacked a small American garrison of about 500 commanded by General Benjamin Lincoln and located in the town of Bound Brook. The objective: surround the town, capture the garrison and provisions located at this patriot stronghold and gain a foothold in the war against the American Revolutionary army. In the surprise attack, an advance column led by Hessian Jaeger scouts fighting for the British were pinned down by Colonial soldiers who put up a spirited resistance at the Old Stone Arch Bridge located near the Queens’ Bridge.

The skirmish bought precious time for the bulk of the American force in Bound Brook as British forces poured into the area. When a second column of 1,000 British soldiers charged over the Queen’s Bridge to attack, the Colonials retreated, escaping the trap. The American army regrouped in the area later in 1777, in a larger encampment called First Middlebrook. General George Washington’s army was also settled in the winter and spring of 1778-79 in a Second Middlebrook encampment, in the area of Bound Brook. Nearly 10,000 troops gathered at Middlebrook, with attendant artillery camps, hospitals, commissaries, post office, artificers, quartermasters stores, corrals and other military operations situated in nearby locations. General Washington and many of his officers stayed in homes in the area, near to the main encampment. General Baron Frederich von Steuben made his headquarters at the home of Abraham Staats in South Bound Brook, today known as the Abraham Staats House.

February 14: FREE FIVE GENERALS BUS TOUR!

The Heritage Trail Association invites you and your entire family to enjoy a thrilling tour back through time to discover the five original historic houses that served as General staff headquarters during the Second Middlebrook Encampment, 1778-1779!

DATE: Sunday, February 14, 2010
TIME: Five separate tours depart on the hour:
10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, & 2PM
DEPART: The Van Horne House
941 Main Street, Bridgewater
RSVP: Space is limited--Reservations Required Reserve by phone, email, or Click Here to reserve on-line.
PHONE: (732) 356-8856
EMAIL: info@heritagetrail.com

TICKETS ARE FREE!!!

The five historical houses on the tour include the Van Horne House in Bridgewater, the Van Veghten House in Finderne, the Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook, the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster, and the Wallace House in Somerville, where George Washington stayed.

[From the Heritage Trail Association Website]
"The village of Middlebrook
was located just east of the Van Horne House in an area that is now the west end of Bound Brook. During the encampment, General Washington dated all of his dispatches from Middlebrook even though his headquarters was in the Wallace House, five miles away.

A perfect opportunity for a weekend family outing, a visit to these historic sites offers a unique educational experience, for young and old alike to learn about these unique places and the generals who made them their homes and offices during the American Revolution."

Why not become a volunteer with this organization and get in on all the fun?

February 13: TORY JACK DAY AT THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE!!!

Friends of the Abraham Staats House invite you and your family to a very exciting celebration for Black History Month, Tory Jack Day, honoring the life of a slave in the Staats who reputedly supported the American Revolution by spying on the British!

The celebration will feature a presentation by noted historian and interpreter, Joe Becton, and military support by the fearless re-enactors 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops of the Civil War!

DATE: Saturday, February 13, 2010
TIME: 11:00AM to 4:00PM
Presentation begins at 11:ooAM.
House tours begin after presentation.
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 von Steuben Lane
South Bound Brook
TKTS: Suggested donation for presentation, $3.00/adult
INFO: info@staatshouse.org
PHONE: (732) 469-3198

[From the SCCHC Website]

"As part of its annual Tory Jack Day program celebrating Black History Month, the South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission, in conjunction with The Friends of the Abraham Staats Ho

use, Inc., and in partnership with the Women’s Guild of South Bound Brook, will present eminent historian Joe Becton.

He will speak on 'Choosing sides in the American Revolution', which focuses on the difficulty of that decision for African-Americans during the war for independence. The talk will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 at the historic Abraham Staats House. Mr. Becton, a National Park Service

Interpretive Park Ranger, has been recognized with the Community Service award for setting a standard of excellence in interpretation and for his role in connecting Americans to our national parks through wonderful stories and varied media.

Members of the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops Civil War re-enactors will also participate as part of the presentation, and be on hand to answer questions and interact with the public.

Following Mr. Becton’s presentation, the public is invited to tour the historic Abraham Staats House and view an exhibit on slavery and the contributions of blacks to our national heritage, presented by local historian and Women’s Guild member, Mrs. Joyce Smith. Tours will end at 4 pm."

Why not become a Friend of the Abraham Staats House and get in on all the fun? Click here and discover what a wonderful, life-long friend a house can be!

December 5: LECTURE AT THE WYCKOFF-GARRETSON HOUSE "WHO WAS THE REAL MOLLY PITCHER?"

[Click Image to Enlarge]
Molly Pitcher "The Heroine of Monmouth" Currier & Ives

The Meadows Foundation is proud to invite you to the debut event of their exciting new Living History lecture series, a presentation by Robert C. Goodyear about the woman behind the legend surrounding his great-great-great-grandmother, Mary Ludwig "Molly Pitcher" Hayes!

DATE: Saturday, December 5
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: Wyckoff-Garretson House
215 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per person
RSVP: (732) 748-7657
Reservations Recommended

The Living History series is designed to bring history alive! Event will feature talks about the lives and contributions of historic figures in American history, as well as demonstrations of cooking in colonial times, medical procedures, militia demonstrations, and much, much more!

November 22: SOMERSET COUNTY HISTORICAL ANNUAL MEETING & PRESENTATION

The Somerset County Historical Society is proud to invite the public to visit the newly renovated Van Veghten House for the society's annual meeting and a presentation by historian and author of Washington's General: Nathanael Greene and the Triumph of the American Revolution, Terry Golway.

DATE: Sunday, November 22
TIME: 2:00Pm
PLACE: Somerset County Historical Society
Van Veghten House
9 Van Veghten Drive, Bridgewater
INFO: www.schsnj.com
CONTACT: schs@schsnj.com
(908) 218-1281

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

The Van Veghten House was used by General Nathanael Greene during the Middlebrook encampment, from 1778 to 1779. Mr. Golway's biography of the general provides a rare glimpse into the man who, in the face of such desperate times, was forced to become a suburban military tactician and brilliant quartermaster general.

"Nathanael Greene was an unlikely warrior - a Quaker with a pronounced limp - he surprised fellow patriots by rising quickly to become George Washington's favorite soldier and heir apparent. After taking command of the failed Southern Army, Greene formulated an unorthodox guerrilla strategy-to win by surprise attacks and hasty retreats, which cut the enemy's supply lines until the outwitted British leaders grew tired of hunger and bloody sacrifices. His strategy of turning defeat into victory allowed the rebel army to gain momentum toward a final push, setting the stage for the victory at Yorktown."

Terry Golway is a frequent contributor to American Heritage, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times. His other books include: So That Others Might Live, The Irish in America, For the Cause of Liberty, Full of Grace, Together We Cannot Fail, and Irish Rebel.

October 10-11: SOMERSET COUNTY'S WEEKEND JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST!!!

Somerset County's 3rd Annual Weekend Journey Through The Past is simply one of the year's grandest and most exciting events with 27 of the most historically significant sites in Somerset County open, free to the public, and hosting very special exhibits, programs, and tours!

DATES & TIMES
Saturday, October 10, 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sunday, October 11, 12:00PM to
CONTACT: Click HERE to receive info by email!
Click HERE to receive info by snail-mail!

ADMISSION IS FREE!!! So bring the entire family!

ACTIVITIES & DEMONSTRATIONS INCLUDE:

• Re-enactments!
• Early Furniture Making!
• Historic Forge Blacksmithing!
• Children's Games & Period Toys!
• Period Music & Dance!
• Family Scavenger Hunts!
• Candle Making Demonstrations!
• Open Fire Cooking!
• Videos, Talks, & Tours!
• Military Drills!
• Antique Exhibits!
• And Much, Much More!

With so much going on, it might be difficult to know where to begin! So to help you make the most of your Journey Through the Past, the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission in conjunction with the participating historical organizations have grouped the sites into three convenient tours based on location! Maps are included with the links below:

THE NORTHERN TOUR: The Watchung Mountains
THE CENTRAL TOUR: The Old York Road
THE SOUTHERN TOUR: The Delaware & Raritan Canal

UPDATED LIST OF ALL PARTICIPATING SITES: Adults who visit four or more of the participating sites will be designated "History Traveler" and will be eligible to participate in a free drawing for one of 10 $25. gas cards!
[N=Northern Tour, C=Central Tour, S = Southern Tour]

Brick Academy, Basking Ridge (Bernards) [N]

Codington Farmhouse, Warren [N]

Farm Museum, Skillman [S]

First Reformed Church of Rocky Hill [S]

Gen. John Frelinghuysen House/Raritan Public Library, Raritan [N]

Griggstown School House, Griggstown (Franklin) [S]

Kennedy-Martin Stelle Farmstead, Basking Ridge (Bernards) [N]

Kirch-Ford House, Warren [N]

Mount Bethel Meeting House, Warren [N]

New Cemetery, Somerville [C]

Old Millstone Forge Blacksmith Shop & Museum, Millstone [S]

Old Presbyterian Graveyard, Bound Brook [C]

Relief Hose Co. #2/Raritan Firehouse, Raritan [C]

Daniel Robert Mansion, Somerville [C]

Somerset County Historic Court House & Lord Memorial Fountain, Somerville [C]

First Dutch Reformed Church, Somerville [C]

South Branch School House, Branchburg [S]

Abraham Staats House, South Bound Brook [C]

Andrew Ten Eyck House, Branchburg [C]

U.S. Golf Association Museum, Far Hills [N]

Jacobus Vanderveer House, Bedminster [N]

Van Horne House, Bridgewater [C]

Van Veghten House, Bridgewater [C]

Vermeule Mansion, North Plainfield [N]

Wallace House, Somerville [C]

Wyckoff-Garretson House, Somerset [C]

[From the Website]
This annual event is the perfect opportunity for a fun and exciting outing! A visit to Somerset County's beautifully preserved historic sites offers a unique educational experience for all ages, as well as a chance to visit some of Central New Jersey's most picturesque and unspoiled areas.

Many of the sites have significant Revolutionary War histories and are the reason for the area's honorable designation as the "Crossroads of the American Revolution State Heritage Area." Many local historians will be on hand to share their knowledge and stories about Somerset County's rich historical and cultural heritage.

September 26: MILLSTONE CELEBRATES WASHINGTON/ROCHAMBEAU REVOLUTIONARY ROUTE (W3R) MARCH WITH PICNIC AND PARADE!!

Please come to the quaint Borough of Millstone's 4th Annual W3R March to Victory Celebration featuring a community picnic, a festive parade, the Fifes and Drums of the Old Barracks Museum, and a day full of exciting events!

DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2009
TIME: TBA
PLACE: Begins at the Hillsborough Reformed Church
Corner of Main St. & Amwell Rd, Millstone
Festival continues at Borough Hall & other locations
INFO: Christine Fung, (908) 904-0436
www.millstoneboro.org

PARTICIPATION IS FREE!!!

The day of family friendly events will also include:

• A Children's Parade!
• Revolutionary War Re-enactors!
• Picnic at Borough Hall!
• Guided Walking Tour of the Borough's National & State Listed Historic District!
• And Much, Much More!

[From the SCCHC website]
During the American Revolution, French soldiers commanded by the French General, the Comte de Rochambeau, fought alongside American soldiers in the battle for freedom from Britain. In August 1781, the French army camped in Millstone during the long march to Yorktown, Virginia. At Yorktown, the joint American and French forces defeated the British army under Lord Cornwallis, effectively winning the American War for Independence. Millstone is proud of its history and the part that New Jersey played in the American Revolution, and on September 26, 2009, the Borough plans to celebrate the courage and dedication of those who fought for our freedom. Millstone invites your participation in a day of family-oriented events highlighting out heritage and honoring an important time in the history of this country.

This event is supported in part by a grant from the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission (SCCHC) and the Friends of the SCCHC!

June 6 & 7: THE EYES OF 1777, REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT AT THE FRANKLIN INN

The Meadow's Foundation it delighted to invite you and your entire family to step back through time for the Eyes of 1777, an exciting reenactment of the Revolutionary War encampment on the site of the historic Van Liew Homestead in 1777!

DATES & TIMES:
Saturday, June 6th 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sunday, June 7th 10:00AM to 3:00PM
PLACE: The Franklin Inn
2371 Amwell Rd., East Millstone
CONTACT: (732) 735-1074

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY & ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

Demonstrations by the renowned Revolutionary War reenactment organization, Captain John Outwater's Company of Militia, will include:

• NJ Militia Drills and Musket Firing
• Children's Drills
  
• Displays of Period Clothing and Equipment
• A "Trial of King George" for Tyranny
• Discussion and Q&A About Life During the Revolution

Other Exciting Demonstrations and Talks Include:

• Reenactor Martin Buckelew--direct descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier--will demonstrate period woodcrafting techniques.
• Revolutionary War expert Iain Haight-Ashton will give a presentation on everyday life in 18th Century America, including food and drink, and displays of antiques and wares.

May 17: Luncheon/Lecture, CELEBRATING GEO. WASHINGTON & THE LONGEST DAY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION!

You are cordially invited to join the Raritan Millstone Heritage Alliance for a delightful luncheon and lecture by James T. Raleigh, President of the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield Association!

DATE: Sunday, May 17
TIME: 1:30 to 3:00PM
PLACE: The "Bride's Room"
The Historic Cranbury Inn
21 South Main St., Cranbury
TKTS: $30/Person, Includes Lunch & Lecture
Make Checks Payable to the Raritan Millstone Heritage Alliance, Inc.
Proceeds Will Benefit the GUIDE TO HISTORIC SITES IN CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
RSVP: Required by May 12, Seating is Limited
Please Specify Entree Choice at Time of Reservation:
Chicken Marsala
Salmon
Cavatelli/Broccoli/Carrots (Vegetarian)
(Salad & ice cream or rice pudding included)
PHONE: Mrs. Elyce Jennings @ 732.463.0767
MAIL: RMHA c/o Mrs. Elyce Jennings
851 River Road
Piscataway, NJ 08864

George Washington and his troops arrived in Cranbury on June 26, 1778, from Hopewell, but due to excessive heat and rain were unable to advance any further. On June 27, Washington and his Continentals crossed 10 more miles of farmland, woods, and marshland into present day Monroe Township enroute to the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778!

May 9: COME SHARE YOUR IDEAS ABOUT MEETING THE CULTURAL & HISOTRICAL NEEDS OF SOMERSET COUNTY!!!

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and the Heritage Trail Association invite you to participate in an open forum to exchange ideas, make recommendations, and recommendations, and reexamine how the cultural and heritage needs of Somerset County are currently being met, as well as to explore collaborative efforts to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our common objectives!

DATE: Saturday, May 9
TIME: 9:00AM to Noon
PLACE: Van Horne House
941 East Main, Bridgewater
RSVP: Pre-Registration is Appreciated, Not Required
Register On-Line Here
INFO: (732) 356-8856
info@heritagetrail.org
PARKING: Behind the Target, 200 Promenade Blvd
Patriot Stadium lot, east side of Main St.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED!

Among the topics that will be included on the agenda are:

• The needs survey conducted by the SCC&HC in 2006
• The Crossroads of the American Revolution Association and what that organization can offer the historic community and what we can offer them
• The Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail
• Signage for historical sites and historic routes
• Event marketing and communication with the public
• Educational programs

Should you have specific topics, projects, or ideas that pertain to the general history community, please let us know in advance so that they can be included on the agenda. To insure that every active historical group in Somerset County is represented, please consult with other members of your organization and encourage at least one member to join us. If you have materials to share with other participants, a display area will be provided for flyers, newsletters, event calendars, etc.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

May 3: TALK "SLAVERY IN NJ DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION"

The Friends of the Abraham Staats House are thrilled to invite you to experience a powerful presentation by storyteller and reenactor, Frederic Lawrence Minus, on "Slavery in New Jersey During the American Revolution"!

DATE: Sunday, May 3
TIME: Lecture begins 2:00PM
House opens for tours 1:00PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
TKTS: $10/Adult, $5/Under 18
Admission includes house tour & lecture
RSVP: Reservations Strongly Recommended
CONTACT: (732) 469-3198
info@staatshouse.org

[From the Staats House website]
"A native of Delaware, Mr. Minus is a member of the Camp Olden Round Table and active Civil War Museum, where he helped establish a room dedicated to the United Colored Troops. He is also a member of the Sons of the Union Veterans-Anne Ross Post #1, 3rd Regiment USCT of Philadelphia and a founding member of the 6th USCT of Trenton and a Friend of the Revolutionary War Barracks in Trenton, where he serves as a storyteller and reenactor. As a reenactor, Fred has made hundreds of presentations in schools, churches, and community organizations, including Delaware State College, Boy Scout conferences, SUNY Maritime College of New York, the PECO Energy Conference, and the Pennsylvania Underground Railroad Conference. He was a featured speaker at the "Oh Freedom" exhibit at the State Museum in Trenton." This exciting lecture is the sixth and final installment of the enormously popular "Lecture Through Time" series presented at the historic Abraham Staats House (c.1740)!

This program is being hosted by Friends of the Abraham Staats House, Inc. The project has been funded, in part, by a grant from the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission and Friends of Somerset County Culture & Heritage, Inc.

April 19: TALK "A MAP OF THE FIRST MDDLE BROOK ENCAMPMENT, 1777"

The Friends of the Abraham Staats House are proud to invite you to historian and colonial-era artifact expert H. Kels Swan's fascinating presentation on what information can be gleaned from a map of General George Washington's first encampment in Middle Brook in 1777!

DATE: Sunday, April 19
TIME: 12:30 to 1PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
TKTS: $10/Adult, $5/Under 18
Admission includes house tour & lecture
RSVP: Reservations Strongly Recommended
Include: name, address, contact, number of seats
Email: info@staatshouse.org
Phone: (732) 469-3198

This exciting lecture is the fourth installment of the six-lecture "Lectures Through Time" series presented at the historic Abraham Staats House (c.1740) and coincides with the Staats House Living History Weekend!

[From the Abraham Staats House Website]
H. Kels Swan is a prominent New Jersey historian. His colonial-era artifact collection had been on display at Washington's Crossing Museum in Titusville for many years. He is founder and past president of the Swan Historical Foundation. A graduate of Rutgers, Mr. Swan has served on the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the South Bound Brook Historic Commission and has supported history in New Jersey, through his lectures and displays of the artifacts from his collection.

April 18: PRESENTATION "THE APPROACHING STORM"

The Friends of the Abraham Staats House are thrilled to invite you to historical interpreter Wayne Daniels presentation, "The Approaching Storm" in which he chronicles how New Jersey was inexorably drawn into the turbulence of the American Revolution! If you thought history was boring, fasten your seat belts and be ready to do a 360!

DATE: Saturday, April 18
TIME: 2PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
TKTS: $10/Adult, $5/Under 18
Admission includes house tour & lecture
RSVP: Reservations Strongly Recommended
Include: name, address, contact, number of seats
Email: info@staatshouse.org
Phone: (732) 469-3198

This exciting lecture is the third installment of the six-lecture "Lectures Through Time" series presented at the historic Abraham Staats House (c.1740) and coincides with the Staats House Living History Weekend!

[From the Abraham Staats House Website]
New Jersey came about through a remarkable series of unlikely events. Early Dutch and Quaker settlements became folded into the great “land grab” of the Proprietors who then divided and sold parcels to Scottish investors who never saw their land. And that was only the start for New Jersey, the land between.

Wayne Daniels has been a tireless researcher into the American War for Independence and the lives of common folk here in New Jersey for more than 40 years. Author, lecturer, historic preservationist, archaeologist, former museum director and board member, he is a founder of The Brigade of the American Revolution and is presently Senior Historical Interpreter at the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, and consultant to "The Tech Effect: Washington Crosses the Delaware," aired on The History Channel.