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."

MAY 1: Mini History Fair at the Abraham Staats House!

Please join the Friends of the Abraham Staats House for a fascinating Mini State History Fair celebrating the exciting heritage of historic New Jersey!

DATE: Saturday, May 1, 2010
TIME: 10:00AM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
TKTS: Tours of the Staats House, $7.00/Adults, $3.00/Children under 12
Admission to grounds & parking are free!
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

Come experience New Jersey heritage first hand as historical organizations and re-enactors bring four centuries of local history to life! Participating organizations, performers, and presenters include:

• The Long Hill String Band, a 5 piece acoustic band, will play fun, old-timey music throughout the day!

• The New Jersey Militia/Heard's Brigade and Outwater's Militia will set up camp and demonstrate what life was like for American militia during the time of the American Revolution!

• Arthur Lefkowitz, prominent New Jersey historian and author, will discuss his notable works which include The Long Retreat: The Calamitous American Defense of New Jersey, George Washington’s Indispensable Men, Bushnell’s Submarine: The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution, and Benedict Arnold’s Army: The 1775 American Invasion of Canada.

• Harrison Brook Farm operators will discuss agricultural history, preservation and sustainable farming, and will also have plants for sale.

• The Hunterdon County Historical Society will exhibit artifacts that contrast historic and current lifestyles. Since 1885, the Hunterdon County Historical Society has collected and preserved Hunterdon’s social and material culture and shares it through its c.1845 Doric House museum and genealogical research library

• Somerset County Historical Organizations participating for the day will include the Somerset County Cultural and Historic Commission, Somerset County Historical Society and the Van Veghten House, Heritage Trail Association, and the Women's Guild of South Bound Brook.

• New Jersey Fire Museum - Help support their plans for the museum and the memorial for the fallen firefighters of New Jersey.

ATTENTION RE-ENACTORS, SUTLERS, & EXHIBITORS! Disappointed in the cancellation of the "Spirit of the Jersey's History Faire"? Your participation is very welcome at the Mini New Jersey State History Fair at the Abraham Staats House! Click here for registration information, and/or call (732) 469-5836, or email bkfaulks@gmail.com.

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

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 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!

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!

September 12&13: CANAL DAYS AT THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE!

The Friends of the Abraham Staats House invite you to stroll the cool canal-side grounds and tour the historic 1740 house while learning about the Delaware & Raritan Canal in its heyday!

DATES: Saturday & Sunday, September 12 & 13, 2009
TIMES: 10:00AM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
TKTS: House Tour & Artifact Exhibit $5.00/person
Free for children under 12!
Parking & walking the grounds are free for everyone!
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

"Canal Days at the Abraham Staats House" Will Feature:

• A Fascinating Slide Presentation About the Canal!
• Living History Civil War Re-enactors!
• Live Music & Folk Songs!
• An Exhibition of Authentic Civil War Era Artifacts!

September 12&13: LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND: CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT!

The Meadows Foundation it thrilled to invite you and your entire family to weekend of living history, when the re-enactors of the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers, Co. C occupy the grounds of the Van Liew-Suydam House!

DATES & TIMES:
Saturday, September 12, 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Sunday, September 13, 10:00AM to 2:00PM
RAIN OR SHINE!
PLACE: The Van Liew-Suydam House
280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
TKTS: $5.00 per Carload
INFO: (732) 690-6621

The brave soldiers from this regiment fought in many major engagements of the Civil War, including the Battle of Antietam, Cold Harbor, and Fredericksburg. The brave re-enactors at the Van Liew-Suydam House will demonstrate cooking techniques and other other aspects of Civil War soldiers' daily lives, play music, display authentic reproductions of soldiers' clothing and gear, and have drills for both children and adults!

Complementary Refreshments Will Be Served!

NY400: NEW YORK CELEBRATES THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY HENRY HUDSON'S LANDING ON "NEW AMSTERDAM"!

These New York City based events for are bit outside of the RMVE Blog's range, but any one interested in the history of Dutch Culture in the New World should explore these many opportunities to discover and celebrate the past and present influences of America's Dutch Heritage, at NY400!

TIMES & DATES: Year 'Round!
Browse the calender of events for specific information and frequent additions to the program!
NY400 WEEK: September 8 to 13, 2009
New Island Festival: September 10 to 20, 2009
PLACE: Various Sites Through Out NYC & the Hudson River Valley
CONTACT: NY400 Website

NY400: Holland on the Hudson events showcase many important aspects and contributions of Dutch culture, including:

• History!
• Arts!
• Lifestyle!
• Technology!

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.

April 18 & 19: LIVING HISTORY WEEKEND--THE BATTLE OF BOUND BROOK!

The Friends of the Abraham Staats House are thrilled to invite you and your entire family to one of the most exciting events of the year, living history with the Battle of Bound Brook: Washington's Army at Middlebrook! This Crossroads Celebration will feature compelling speakers, powerful historical interpretors and reenactors, historic house tours, demonstrations, delicious food, and much, much more!

DATE: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19
TIME: (See Schedule of Events Below)
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook

The two-day program explores the American Revolutionary War during the time-frame of the Battle of Bound Brook and Middlebrook encampments, 1777 – 1779. Learn about and experience this important period in New Jersey’s and America’s history. Weekend activities include:

• 18th century Soldiers’ Encampment on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House! Come walk through camp and see what life was like for American and British troops during the time of the American Revolution.
• Historic house tours: The Abraham Staats House, with the original structure c.1740, was home to the Staats family for nearly 200 years and served as the headquarters for George Washington’s “Drillmaster” Baron von Steuben.

Lectures and presentations at the Abraham Staats House, throughout the weekend, include:

• Collector Earl Becker offers a talk and display of his collection of trade beads and wampum (Saturday, 1PM & Sunday, 11AM)
• Wayne Daniels, Senior Historical Interpreter at the Old Barracks, Trenton, presents “The Approaching Storm,” ~ chronicles New Jersey as it is drawn inexorably into the turbulence of the American Revolution. (Saturday, 2PM)
• Eminent historian H. Kels Swan presents information and a map of the first Middlebrook Encampment of 1777. (Sunday, 12:30PM)
• Noted historian and author Arthur S. Lefkowitz, a color slide presentation of 18th century artistry during the American Revolution (Sunday, 1PM)
• Gary DePaolo, New Jersey Militia, Heard’s Brigade, portrays a surgeon of the Colonial era. Learn about medical practices of the 18th century and view surgical instruments used during that time. (Sunday)
• Tom Harabin, President, Friends of Abraham Staats House, plays music of the Colonial Era (throughout the weekend.)

Share your personal photos of these events with the RMVE Blog!

• Please email any photos you are willing to have posted on the RMVE blog in .jpg format (no more than 200K each, please) to the blog's primary writer/editor/monitor, Jan ten Broeke, at tensart@gmail.com.
• Please include any identifying information with your submissions including site location, activities, and names of individuals prominent in the photo(s).
• While no compensation for your photos is available, you will be providing everyone who views them with lasting memories and joy, as well as helping your community document these significant activities for the benefit of many generations to come. In that spirit, we hope you will be generous--and judicious--in your photo submissions!

March 21: FLAPPERS! Scandal at Tulipwood!

Popular New Jersey raconteuse Trish Chambers returns to Tulipwood House for the Meadows Foundations exciting Fireside Chat Series with a new program for Women’s History Month!



DATE: Saturday, March 21
TIME: 2:00 to 4:00PM
PLACE: Tulipwood House
1165 Hamilton St., Somerset
TKTS: $10.00/Person
INFO: (732) 560-1977
info@themeadowsfoundation.org

Find out why women cut their hair! Raised their skirts! And went out on the town in the roaring ’20s! What was this first women’s lib movement really about? Then you'll have to learn where it all began! Join us as Trish Chambers takes us through a fun-filled sashay back through time!

February 14: TORY JACK DAY AT THE ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE

The Friends of the Abraham Staats House invite you and your family to a very special 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 about the Underground Railroad by historian and re-enactor Joe Becton and a re-enactment of the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops Civil War!

DATE: Saturday, February 14
TIME: 11:00AM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Staats House,
17 von Steuben Lane
South Bound Brook
(map/directions)
TKTS: Suggested donation, $3.00
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

[From the Staats House 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 House, Inc., and in partnership with the Women’s Guild of South Bound Brook, will present eminent historian, Joe Becton. Mr. Becton, will speak on the topic “Samuel Burris Speaks: Conductor on the Underground Railroad” at 11:00 am. 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 3^rd 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.

February 14 : Living the Experience, UNDERGROUND RAILROAD REENACTMENT

[Click on Image to Enlarge]

Please join the Franklin Township Department of Community Resource & Services Black History Committee for this INCREDIBLE opportunity for you and your family to experience this dramatic chapter in American history come-to-life with Living the Experience: Underground Railroad Reenactment!

DATE: Saturday, February 14
TKTS: Includes transportation & Southern-style buffet lunch!
Adult: $60.00
Child: (12 & under) $40.00
INFO: (732) 873-2500, X310
Franklin Twp. Dept. of Community Resource & Services,
935 Hamilton St., Somerset

[form the flier above]
Join us on the Underground Railroad for an interactive journey back to the 1800's. During the reenactment, you will meet the conductors, Freedom Fighters, and others who participated in the Underground Railroad here in Lancaster and surrounding counties. Experience the anticipation of freedom. Experience the joy of finding a welcoming home where you can rest for the night. Experience the fear, as the far-off sound of dogs with their "catchers" comes even closer. Experience the working faith of the Free Africans. Take part in the praise and worship services as we glorify God! The spirituals will touch your soul. Then, enjoy an authentic 1800's Southern style buffet lunch. Visit the Freedom Gift shop and our vendors for your shopping pleasure.

November 8 & 9: 225th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF WASHINGTON'S STAY AT ROCKINGHAM INCLUDING REENACTMENT!

Please join the Rockingham Historic Site, the Rockingham Association, and the MHS Live Historians in their much-anticipated final event in their celebration of General George Washington’s 1783 stay at the perfectly-preserved 300-year-old house called Rockingham!

DATE: Saturday & Sunday, November 8 & 9
PLACE: Rockingham Historic Site, Route 603 (Laurel Avenue), Kingston (map/directions)
ENTRY: $5.00 suggested donation per group
INFO: http://www.rockingham.net/
PHONE: (609) 683-7132
EMAIL: Rockingham1783@yahoo.com

The site will be open to the public both Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9. Visitors can explore an encampment of General Washington's Dragoon Guard, von Heer's Marechausee, including tents and horses! The first floor of the mansion will be open for shortened tours, and "General Washington" will receive guests in his study and answer questions!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9

• 11AM to 3PM: Various activities will take place throughout the day, including demonstrations by reenactors of life in the 18th Century.
• 2PM: Princeton University Professor of History, John Murrin, will discuss the significance of Washington's stay at Rockingham, before introducing "Gen. Washington" who will make closing remarks.
• Gen. Washington will review the major events that occurred during his stay in Rockingham, including his writing of the Farewell Orders to the Armies--and reading from that document--and receiving official confirmation that the Treaty of Paris had been signed and the American Revolution had ended.

The Museum Store with a new array of gifts and toys will be open both days.

First Photos Are IN For "Weekend Journey Through The Past"! Photo Submissions For Posting Are VERY Welcome!

Musician/re-enactor playing period music at the Wyckoff-Garretson House's 4th Annual Living History Weekend during Somerset County's 3rd Annual Weekend Journey Through The Past!


Jan ten Broeke at the Wyckoff-Garretson House posing with 18th and 19th Century spinning wheels, hearth ironware, and kitchen table and chairs, all from his and his wife Barbara's personal collection.

Please send us more photos to share on the RMVE Blog! Anyone willing to publicly share their personal photographs of the Weekend's festivities on this blog are encouraged to email them in .jpg format to the blog's primary writer/editor/monitor, Jan ten Broeke, at tensart@gmail.com! Please include any identifying information with your submissions including site location, activities, and names of individuals prominent in the photo(s).**

THANK YOU to everyone who made Somerset County's 3rd Annual Weekend Journey Through The Past such a smashing success! Everyone in the RMVE Blog community looks forward to seeing you at future events celebrating Central New Jersey's unique cultural and historical heritage and precious environmental preserves!

**While no compensation for your photos is available, you will be providing everyone who views them with lasting memories and joy, as well as helping your community document these significant activities for the benefit of many generations to come. In that spirit, we hope you will be generous--and judicious--in your photo submissions!

October 11 and 12: Somerset County's "Weekend Journey Through The Past"

Please join us for Somerset County's 3rd Annual Weekend Journey Through The Past!

Saturday, October 11 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM

Sunday, October 12 from 12:00PM to 5:00PM

Somerset County's Third Annual Weekend Journey Through the Past is the perfect opportunity for your entire family to feed your curiosity and expand your knowledge by traveling through time and immersing yourselves in the past!

Twenty-five beautifully preserved, historically significant sites will be open and free of charge for you to tour and explore all weekend long! Through the rich tradition of oral history you will get to know many of the properties' former occupants, including very distinguished statesmen and national leaders, and experience what life was like in 18th and 19th century New Jersey, from daily work responsibilities and pleasurable pastimes to the difficult hardships endured during the American Revolution.

Other demonstrations offered at select sites include: period music, craft making, open hearth cooking, musket use, black smithing, military drills, and many more! Please click on the individual site below to see what events and demonstrations each site offers.

PARTICIPATING HISTORIC SITES

Bedensville One-Room Schoolhouse, Skillman (Montgomery)

Boudinot-Southard-Ross Property, Basking Ridge (Bernards)

Brick Academy, Basking Ridge (Bernards)

Codington Farmstead, Warren

First Reformed Church of Rocky Hill

Gen. John Frelinghuysen House/Raritan Public Library, Raritan

Griggstown School House, Griggstown (Franklin)

Kennedy-Martin Stelle Farmstead, Basking Ridge (Bernards)

Kirch-Ford House, Warren

Mount Bethel Meeting House, Warren

Old Dutch Parsonage, Somerville

Old Millstone Forge Blacksmith Shop & Museum, Millstone

Old Presbyterian Graveyard, Bound Brook

Daniel Robert House, Somerville

Rockingham, Kingston (Franklin)

Somerset County Courthouse Green (two sites), Somerville

Somerset County Historic Court House & Lord Memorial Fountain

First Dutch Reformed Church

South Branch School House, Branchburg

Abraham Staats House, South Bound Brook

Andrew Ten Eyck House, Branchburg

U.S. Golf Association Museum, Far Hills

Jacobus Vanderveer House, Bedminster

Van Horne House, Bridgewater

Van Veghten House, Bridgewater

Vermeule Mansion, North Plainfield

Wallace House, Somerville

Washington Rock/Washington Rock State Park, Green Brook

Wyckoff-Garretson House, RECOMMENDED! Join us for the 4th Annual Living History Weekend at Wyckoff-Garretson House, Somerset (Franklin) on South Middlebush Road in Somerset Township

SUGGESTED TOUR ROUTES

These suggested tours include sites grouped logically by area and linked by beautiful, winding, scenic by-ways in hopes of making your journey more pleasurable!

Northern Tour, The Watchung Mountains

Central Tour, The Old York Road

Southern Tour, The Delaware/Raritan Canal