OCTOBER 9-10: Colonial Times IV, Event & Banquent!

Please join the Meadows Foundation for their fourth annual Colonial Times Event & Banquet at the Wyckoff-Garretson House!

DATES/TIMES: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 10AM-5PM
Sunday, October 10, 2010, 12PM-5PM
PLACE: Wyckoff-Garretson House
215 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset

Exciting & FREE family-friendly events include:

• Live Music of the Period!
• Open Hearth Cooking Demonstrations!
• Encampment of Daniel Morgan's Rifle Company & John Lamb's Artillery Company!
• Rifle & Cannon Demonstrations!

THE BANQUET
DATE: Saturday, October 9, 2010
TIME: 6PM
PLACE: The Hageman Barn
209 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset
TKTS: $30.00 per person
Checks payable to: Van Wickle House, 1289 Easton Ave, Somerset, NJ, 08873
RSVP: MUST reserve before October 4

After dinner, Dr. Marc Mappen will speak about his latest book, There's More to New Jersey than the Sopranos! Books will be available for purchase and signing for $20.00.

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: Presentation About The Original Fisk Jubilee Singers!

This event was originally scheduled for February 20 to celebrate Black History Month, but was canceled due to weather and--fortunately--re-scheduled for the 03/27/10!

Please join the Meadows Foundation's celebration of Black History Month with a presentation by noted musicologists Charlie and Pam Horner about the original Fisk Jubilee Singers!

DATE: Saturday, March 27, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Farm
209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per Person
RSVP: Reservations by phone or email strongly recommended.
PHONE: (732) 560-1977
EMAIL: Meadowsreserve@aol.com

[From the Meadows Website]
"In 1871, the Fisk University Jubilee Singers left Nashville on a series of tours to raise funds for their impoverished school. They battled prejudice and oppression, as well as the hardships of the road. But through their perseverance they sang their way into the hearts of the nation and the world.

Our 2010 salute to Black History Month about the original Fisk Jubilee Singers features noted musicologists Charlie and Pam Horner. Their presentation will include a brief analysis of the importance of spirituals during slavery, including their use in communication, secret meanings to lyrics, etc.; history of the Fisk Jubliee Singers’ 1871–78 tours of the U.S. and Europe, including performances for President Grant, Mark Twain, and Queen Victoria.

In addition, the talk will include photos of Jubilee singers, their songbooks and memorabilia, and sound clips of spirituals. The presentation will also touch on the use of Black quartets in productions of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and minstrel shows, and the influence of spirituals on our American musical heritage."

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

MARCH 20: "Rosie the Riveter" at the Meadows!

The Meadows Foundation is thrilled to invite you to "Salute Women's History Month" with Trish Chambers' original presentation on Rosie the Riveter!



DATE: Saturday, March 20, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per person
RSVP: (732) 560-1977 or meadowsreserve@aol.com

[from the Meadows website]
Attendees will learn how middle-class women had to fight cultural blockades to get into the workforce, how various women's volunteer and military groups fit in, the working conditions of women photojournalists such as Margaret Bourke-White of Middlesex, NJ, and how the seeds of the '60s Cultural Revolution were sewn.

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

MARCH 13: "The Story of the D&R Canal" at the Blackwells Mills Canal House

Please come to the historic Blackwells Mills Canal House for a presentation about the history of the canal by the D & R Canal State Park's historian!

DATE: Saturday, March 13, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Blackwells Mills Canal House
598 Canal Road, Somerset
RSVP: Registration NOT required, but seating is limited, so please arrive early.

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

This hour-long, PowerPoint presentation will feature historic and modern photographs will be included to illustrate the past and present life of this active waterway.

Postponed: LIVING HISTORY SERIES SHOWCASES COLONIAL COOKING!

Unfortunately, this event has been postponed due to Friday's predicted snowstorm, please stay tuned for further information.
The Meadows Foundation is proud to invite you to a delicious installment to their Living History Series with Michele Dansak's "Historic Foodways Demonstration and Lecture"!

DATE: Saturday, February 27, 2010
TIME: TBA
PLACE: Wyckoff-Garritson House
215 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per Person
RSVP: Space is limited to 20. Please call or email to reserve your spot.
PHONE: (732) 560-1977
EMAIL: Meadowsreserve@aol.com

Michele Dansak is a expert at the nearly lost art of colonial open-hearth cooking and she is the unit cook and seamstress for Outwater's Militia. Attendees will assist Ms. Dansak in the preparation of a historically inspired dish, and there will be plenty of opportunity to learn- and ask questions about colonial foodways while the dish cooks over the fire. When it is ready, everyone partakes in the best part--eating!

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

February 20 & 27: BLACK HISTORY EXHIBIT & HOUSE TOURS

Come celebrate Black History Month with free tours of the Abraham Staats House featuring a fascinating exhibit on slavery and the contributions of blacks to our national heritage, presented by local historian, Mrs. Joyce Smith!

DATE: Saturday, February 20 & 27, 2010
TIME: 12:00 to 2:00PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

This special Black History Month event is brought to you by the South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission in conjunction with The Friends of the Abraham Staats House, Inc., and in partnership with the Women's Guild of South Bound Brook. Historian, Mrs. Joyce Smith, is a member of the Women's Guild.

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!

Postponed: BLACK HISTORY: FISK JUBILEE SINGERS!

Unfortunately, this event has been postponed due to parking issues at the Hageman Farm--please stay tuned for further information.


Please join the Meadows Foundation's celebration of Black History Month with a presentation by noted musicologists Charlie and Pam Horner about the original Fisk Jubilee Singers!

DATE: Saturday, February 20, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Farm
209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per Person
RSVP: Reservations by phone or email strongly recommended.
PHONE: (732) 560-1977
EMAIL: Meadowsreserve@aol.com

[From the Meadows Website]
"In 1871, the Fisk University Jubilee Singers left Nashville on a series of tours to raise funds for their impoverished school. They battled prejudice and oppression, as well as the hardships of the road. But through their perseverance they sang their way into the hearts of the nation and the world.

Our 2010 salute to Black History Month about the original Fisk Jubilee Singers features noted musicologists Charlie and Pam Horner. Their presentation will include a brief analysis of the importance of spirituals during slavery, including their use in communication, secret meanings to lyrics, etc.; history of the Fisk Jubliee Singers’ 1871–78 tours of the U.S. and Europe, including performances for President Grant, Mark Twain, and Queen Victoria.

In addition, the talk will include photos of Jubilee singers, their songbooks and memorabilia, and sound clips of spirituals. The presentation will also touch on the use of Black quartets in productions of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and minstrel shows, and the influence of spirituals on our American musical heritage."

Why not become a member of the Meadows Foundation or volunteer 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.

November 7: WHY GO NATIVE? THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY

You will wonder why you didn't "Go Native" sooner at Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park's presentation by Robert Wells, Kingston resident and Associate Director of Arboriculture Outreach of the Morris Arboretum at the Old Princeton Nursery headquarters!

Robert Wells' talk is based on Dr. Doug Tallamy's book, Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens, and will cover the wonders of native-NJ plants, the importance of biodiversity, and how homeowners can create sustainable landscape designs on their properties that will provide a critical wildlife habitat.

DATE: Saturday, November 7
TIME: 10:00AM to 10:45AM
PLACE: D&R Canal State Park Office
145 Mapleton Road, Princeton

No registration required and ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

Visitors are encouraged to explore the trails of the Mapleton Preserve after the talk and, so far, looks like Saturday is going to be beautiful weather!

October 17: Fireside Chat, WHY DID THE HINDENBERG EXPLODE?

Please join the Meadows Foundation and noted New Jersey historian, Glenn LeBoeuf, for a fascinating exploration of the theories surrounding the infamous airship explosion that killed nearly 100 people in Lakehurst, NJ, on May 6, 1937.

DATE: Saturday, October 17
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Ave., Somerset
TKTS: $10:00 per person
RSVP: (732) 560-1977
Reservations Strongly Recommended

This exciting talk is the second of the Meadows Foundation's ever-popular lecture series of "Fireside Chats". Please stay tuned to the RMVE Blog for information about future talks in this series.

September 19: FIRESIDE CHAT: "THE TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST FIRE"

The Meadows Foundation proudly invites you to the historic Hageman Farm to hear noted New Jersey historian, Tom Ainsworth, speak about the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire of 1911, which was--until September 11, 2001--the worst single-day loss of life in an American workplace.

DATE: Saturday, September 19, 2009
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Farm
209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00 per person
RSVP: (732) 560-1977
Reservations Highly Recommended

In a terrible fire that consumed part of the Asch building (now known as the Brown Building of Science at NYU), nearly 150 garment workers, mostly women, either died from the flames or jumped to their deaths. The fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and helped spur the growth of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union, which fought for better and safer working conditions for sweatshop workers in that industry. To this day no one knows for sure whether the fire was accidental or intentional.

This talk is the first of the Meadows Foundation's ever-popular lecture series of "Fireside Chats". Please stay tuned to the RMVE Blog for information about future talks in this series.

September 17: BROOK ARTS CENTER RIBBON CUTTING AND HURRICANE FLOYD EVENT!!!

The Somerset County Cultural Arts Center Board of Directors and the Borough of Bound Brook are proud to host the triumphant opening of the historic Brook Arts Center--a historic theater that suffered terrible damage during the floods of the Nor'Easter of April 2007--with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a free program remembering Hurricane Floyd and Somerset County's remarkable recovery!

TIME: Thursday, September 17, 2009
DATE: 6:00PM
PLACE: The Brook Art Center
22 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook
INFO: jbib@aol.com, 732-469-7700

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

[From the SCCHC Website]
A classic vaudeville theater, the Brook was opened in 1927. That was the same year that the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson hit the silver screen, signaling the beginning of the end for vaudeville. Even though it was opened at the tail end of the era, the Brook was home to a wide variety of acts. Headliners like Tony Bennett and Jackie Gleason entertained packed houses in this 850-seat theater.

After years of neglect, the Brook has been acquired by a non-profit organization, The Somerset County Cultural Arts Center, which dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Brook Theatre as an architectural and cultural landmark. In addition, the organization committed to promoting and cultivating the arts in Somerset County, as well as providing educational opportunities in the Arts for all ages and celebrating the diversity of our community through programs that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Somerset County.

June 19: MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION, "CLASSIC URBAN HARMONY"

The Meadows Foundation is delighted to invite you an evening of toe-tapping fun with an informative multimedia presentation by noted music historians, Pam and Charlie Horner, "Classic Urban Harmony"!

DATE: Friday, June 19
TIME: 7:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Barn
209 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset
TKTS: $10.00/Person, Reservations Recommended
PHONE: (723) 560-1977

This exciting presentation will include the music and history of Rhythm n'Blues (R&B), early 1950s Rock n'Roll, Doo-Wop, and Soul! Without a doubt, Pam and Charlie Horner will "take you back in the day"!

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.