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!

MAY 29: Walking Tour of Victorian Somerville!

The Heritage Trail Association is proud to sponsor a guided walking tour around one of Somerville's most interesting and beautiful historic neighborhoods!

DATE: Saturday, May 29, 2010
TIME: Tours form at 10:00AM, 11:00AM, & 12:00AM
MEET: The Immaculate Conception Church (in front)
Mountain Ave & West High St., Somerville
DONATION: $5.00 Donation greatly appreciated
INFO: info@heritagetrail.org
(732) 356-8856

Beginning in the first half of the 19th Century, Somerville became a fashionable summer retreat for families from New York, many of whom became permanent residents of the elegant summer homes they built. A number of these fine old homes have been restored to their original architectural style, including Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Second Empire, and Gothic Revival. The guided tour will offer you the opportunity to learn more about these styles, as well as the lives and times of the period.

The Victorian Somerville Walking Tour takes about an hour and a half at a gentle pace and will be restricted to the sidewalk.

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?

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?

December 13: AN OLD FASHION CHRISTMAS AT HAGEMAN FARM!

Gingerbread houses ready to be decorated & transformed into homes!
[Photo, gingerbread houses by Barbara ten Broeke]

The Meadows Foundation warmly welcomes you and your family to celebrate an Old Fashion Christmas at the Hageman Farm!

DATE: Sunday, December 13
TIME: 1:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Farm
209 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset
INFO: Bob Hosh, (908) 892-6962

Admission is FREE so bring the entire family! A $5 donation per carload is appreciated as it will go toward the ongoing upkeep of these beautiful historic house and barns!

This family-friendly, fun-filled event will include tree decorating, refreshments, a performance by the nationally-known Franklin High School Madrigal Singers, children's holiday crafts such as decorating miniature gingerbread houses to take home, and tours of the historic house and property! Please see the schedule below so that you do not miss a single exciting event:

All Day
Children's Crafts & Ornament Making
Tours of the Hageman House & Barns

1:00PM: Holiday Food from 19th Century Recipes
1:30PM: History of Late 18th & 19th Century Tree Ornaments
2:00PM: FHS Madrigal Singers
3:00PM: Tree Decorating

[Click on image to enlarge and/or print flier.]

September 26: "DUTCH TREAT" BUS TOUR!

Celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the Hudson River in 1609 with the Heritage Trail Association's fascinating bus tour of Somerset County's finest examples of Dutch houses and barns!

DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2009
TIME: 9:30AM to 1:30PM
MEET: Bus departs from the corner of Amwell Road & Millstone River Road, Borough of Millstone
Free parking is available at this location.
TKTS: $10.00/Person
Reservations Highly Recommended
Click HERE to register on-line!
INFO: info@heritagetrail.org, (732) 356-8856

The "Dutch Treat" Bus Tour is an exciting opportunity for you and your entire family to spend some quality time together while learning about the Dutch settlers, their contribution to local culture, and the unique architectural characteristics of Dutch houses and Barns!

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!