Garden State Roots
'Garden State Roots' is the podcast that wants to put an end to New Jersey being the butt of the joke for evermore. After 250 years of revolutionary history, it's time to give props to NJ's contribution to the modern culture of America, if not the world. From music to film, sports to tech, food to politics, host Justin Williams and guests explore the unique historical moments and inspirational people that has made the 'Garden State' so fertile to change down the years.
Available at your favorite podcast platform.
NJ Parks Celebrate 250 Challenge
Get outdoors, get moving, and celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026 with the New Jersey State Parks Celebrate 250 Challenge. This yearlong challenge encourages visitors of all ages and abilities to explore New Jersey’s 41 state parks, 11 state forests, five recreation areas, and 50+ historic sites and districts while building healthy habits and honoring this milestone year.
All participants who successfully complete one of the five challenge options will earn a Certificate of Achievement and the opportunity to be recognized on New Jersey State Parks’ social media. Are you ready to take the challenge?
America Gives
America250 is donating $1,000,000 in 2026!
Log your volunteer hours for a chance to be one of 250 winners who will choose where the donations go.
Help us make 2026 a record setting year of volunteer service. Join people and organizations across the country in giving back — from service projects to donations — to honor America’s 250th.
Monmouth Battlefield Walks
The 1st Sunday of each month, the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield host free guided afternoon walks across the Battlefield. Walks are free. Meet your guide at Monmouth Battlefield State Park’s Visitor Center at 1:30 p.m. The Perrine Hill tour meets at the Visitor's Center at 1:30 PM and then drives in convoy to Perrine Hill on Route 522. Appropriate hiking attire is encouraged.
If the weather looks questionable, call the park office for information at 732-462-9616. Walks are not ADA accessible.
Walks will go to one of three locations. It is recommended that you check the Friends of Monmouth Facebook page (Events) to determine which tour will be held.
Hedgerow and Parsonage Farm at Monmouth Battlefield State Park Beginning at the Visitor Center, walk to the Hedgerow at the center of the battlefield. Learn how over 2,000 British infantry rushed the hedged fence and its 800 Continental defenders. Briefly the charge stalled here as the two sides fired at each other at point-blank range. The Hedgerow saw some fierce fighting and changed hands at least eight times during the battle. This tour also visits Oswald’s Knoll and follows the Americans' retreat to the Parsonage Farm where they held off the British and the Battle of Monmouth ended.
Perrine Hill at Monmouth Battlefield State Park Join us on a walk-up to Perrine Hill, which was the main American position during the afternoon of the Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778). It was here where the largest full artillery duel of the American Revolution raged. The American 10-gun battery commanded by Brigadier General Henry Knox was arranged along the ridge against the 11 cannons of the British Royal Artillery at the Parsonage Farm. This is where the legend of Molly Pitcher began.
The Fight at the Point of Woods With your knowledgeable guide, walk the Battlefield and learn about the Fight at the Point of Woods during the Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778). It was here that Brigadier General Anthony Wayne's troops rallied to delay a British advance in the early afternoon of the Battle of Monmouth. This bloody action allowed General Washington time to move his army and form along Perrine Hill.
Monmouth Battlefield Second Sunday Lecture Series
Friends of Monmouth Battlefield present their 2nd Sunday Lecture Series with historic topics associated with Monmouth Battlefield.
The lectures are free and open to the public. They take place on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 2:00PM in the Monmouth Battlefield Visitor's Center auditorium.
See the flyer for dates and topics.
Morris County History Lecture Series
Hosted on Wednesday nights at 6 at the Morris County Library's Public Meeting Room.
Advance registration required at: https://morriscountyhistory.org/programs-events/
Bergen 250 Revolutionary War Roundtable Speaker Series
Bergen250, the Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs, and the County of Bergen present the 2026 American Revolutionary War Roundtable Series, monthly, on Wednesdays at 7PM.
The following dates and topics are scheduled:
Feb 11: Defense of Hudson: Preserving the Hudson River Battleground by Kevin Tremble
March 11: A Revolutionary Revelation: The Complex Story of Peggy Shippen Arnold by Char Weigel
April 8: Thomas Paine and the American Revolution by Jack Kelly
May 13: The Mud Rounds: The British Invasion and the Great Retreat Across the Jerseys by Todd Braisted
Historically Speaking Virtual Lecture Series
The Monmouth County Historical Association presents this series featuring Monmouth County’s most respected historians, on the following dates at 7PM:
February 5: New Jersey's Revolutionary Rivalry: The Untold Story of Colonel Tye and Joshua Huddy
March 26: Bernadette Rogoff presents Children of the Revolution
April 23: Joe Zemla presents Storm of Revolution: Highlights from the new MCHA exhibit
May 28: IN PERSON LECTURE TBD
July 2026: Michael Adelberg presents 250 for the 250th: The Revolution in Monmouth
November 2026: John Barrows presents The Top Ten Myths of Monmouth
To register for events, or to watch previously recorded lectures, visit:
North Jersey American Revolution Roundtable
The North Jersey American Revolution Roundtable presents talks at Washington’s Headquarters Museum in Morristown, and online, usually on the second Thursday of the month at 7PM. $50 membership required, email aart.nj@gmail.com, follow the group on Facebook for the latest updates.
For 2026, the following topics are scheduled for the following dates:
February 12: “The Day the Native Americans Destroyed the US Army” by Colin Calloway of Dartmouth, ZOOM ONLY
March 12: “A Soldiers View: Johann Ewald and the attack on Fort Mercer, October 22, 1777” by Jim McIntyre of Moraine Valley Community College, ZOOM ONLY
April 9: “Incomprehensible Friends and Rebellious Enemies: German Soldiers in the Revolution” by Friederike Bauer of Penn State, IN PERSON AND ZOOM
May 14: “The Tragedy of Tom Paine” by Richard Bell of Maryland, IN PERSON AND ZOOM
June 11: “Underwater Archaeology on Lake Champlain” by Chris Sabick of Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, ZOOM ONLY
Old Barracks Youth Art Contest
Calling all young artists! The Old Barracks Museum is hosting an art contest to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
Theme:
America 250th Anniversary & New Jersey 250th Anniversary
Age Groups (judged separately):
• Elementary School – Grades 4–6
• Middle School – Grades 7–8
• High School—Grades 9–12
Prizes will be awarded in each age group.
Artwork Requirements:
• All art mediums welcome
• Maximum size: 12 x 14 inches
Submission Deadline:
May 29, 2026
Exhibition Dates:
All submissions will be displayed at the Old Barracks Museum from Trenton Barracks Founders Day, June 13, through July 4, 2026.
Artwork must be picked up on or before July 4, 2026.
Winners:
• Winners will be announced publicly on Trenton Barracks Founders Day (June 13)
• Winning artists’ parents/guardians will be notified by June 5
Submission Paperwork:
Parents or guardians must complete the required submission paperwork using the provided link.
(Parent/Guardian approval required)
Ridgewood Library Lecture Series
Lecture series at Ridgewood Library celebrating 250 years of the United States.
Check the flyer for dates, and topics.
The Spirit of '76: Lectures for the 250th
Friends of the North Haledon Library presents monthly, Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by exploring the people, places, and pivotal events that shaped our nation’s fight for independence! Each month an expert historian or presenter will offer fresh insights and connections between America’s founding era and the world we live in today. Mark your calendar for these informative and engaging programs!
January 6 – Walter Choroszewski: American Revolution - The NJ Connection
February 3 – Walter Choroszewski: George Washington; An Indispensable Man
March 3 – Mario Medici: From Rebellion to Independence: America's Revolution"
April 7 – Ken Karnas: Two Stories of Women Who Fought for Freedom
May 5 – Jim Wright: The Turncoat & the Patriot
June 2 – Kevin Woyce: Old Glory
July 7 – Linda Russell: Songs of 18th Century America
August 4 – Mario Medici: Boston; The Freedom Trail
September 1 – William “Billy” Neumann: General Robert Erskine
October 6 – Joel Farkas: Painting the American Revolution
November 3 – Library closed for Election Day
December 1 – Linda Russell: Sing We All Merrily
Please RSVP by calling Susan at 973-427-6213, ext. 5
East Jersey Old Town 2026 Program
Check out all the events in 2026 at East Jersey Old Town, including:
Opening Weekend: April 11-12, 10-4
Union Muster: May 2-4, 10-4
History Day: May 16, 10-4
Revolutionary Celebration: July 4, 10-4
Roaring 20’s Jazz Party: September 27, 10-5
Fall Harvest Festival: October 16-18 and 23-25, 10-4
Learn more at MiddlesexCountyNJ.gov/History
Revolution Up Close
Presented in connection with Nursery of Rebellion: Princeton and the American Revolution, an exhibit at the Princeton University Library which runs from April 15 to July 12, 2026.
Four recent authors offer new perspectives on the American Revolution by zooming in on an individual life, a close-knit community, or a single document.
For full details:
https://history.princeton.edu/news-and-events/events/revolution-close
Princeton Battlefield Walking Tours
Walking tours of Princeton Battlefield State Park, Sundays from May 17 to October 18.
Sign up at https://pbs1777.org/battlefield-tours/
Blawenberg Band Concert Series
"Listening to the Revolution: 250 Years of American Music". This is a series of 4 concerts with dates and times listed below. These concerts are outdoors and may be cancelled or rescheduled due to rain.
May 17 3-5: 136th Anniversary Concert in Kendall Hall at the College of New Jersey in Ewing.
June 13, 2PM - Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barracks Street, Trenton NJ 08608
July 4, 7:30PM - Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560
July 8, 6:30 - 23 South Warren Street, Trenton, NJ 08608
July 30, 6PM - Morven Museum and Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
Details at blawenburgband.org
Gallery Talks @ NJ State Museum
Every third Tuesday at noon, from May to December, enjoy a “Gallery Talk” at the State Museum.
https://nj.gov/state/museum/events-upcoming.shtml
May 19: NJ State Archives Executive Director Joseph Klett will do a gallery walk for the new exhibition, “The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the NJ State Archives.” The exhibition is on view in the NJ State Museum through Jan. 10, 2007.
June 16: NJ Historical Commission Black Heritage Trail Project Manager Dr. Synatra Smith will explore the dynamic history of African Americans in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War period. Dr. Smith will share an overview of this historical marker program and discuss specific Black Heritage Trail sites throughout New Jersey that are doing phenomenal work to share the contributions of Black soldiers, the establishment of early Black communities, and the way Black women created public and private spaces for themselves. Talk will be hosted in the Museum’s Riverview Court.
History Pinned
Connecting historical sites and local artists, History Pinned is an opportunity to collect unique buttons while exploring New Jersey’s past.
Revolutionary Lectures at New Providence Library
June 25 at 7:00
Amateur historian Joel Farkas presents the Declaration of Independence: America's Birth Certificate in this fun, brisk presentation.
The New Jersey Militia in the Revolutionary War.
October 22 at 7:00
Military historian John Dwyer presents the role that the New Jersey Militia played in the Revolutionary War.
The American Revolution in Elizabeth and Vicinity
November 10 at 7:00
John Prescott, the History Programs Coordinator for the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, will give a presentation on events, people and places around Elizabeth that made a difference during the War of Independence and in the following years.
Glenbrook Brewery Presents Colonial Tavern Series
March 27th – Live Court-Martial powered by the 2nd NJ Regiment Reenactors (guest participation encouraged)
May 8th – Story Telling – Tales of the Hard Winter
June 19th – Culper RING Murder Mystery
July 4th – Live reading of the Declaration of Independence
October 23rd – Colonial Game Night
November 13th – Tavern Talks
December 4th – Colonial Tavern Night
January 8th, 2027 – Washington’s Arrival to Morristown
“Your Roots Pursuits” Monthly Webinars
The Genealogical Society of New Jersey presents “Your Roots Pursuits” live virtual presentation that are free and open to the public. Recordings of the presentations are available to GSNJ Members Only as a member benefit for a limited time.
Each webinar is scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard or Daylight Savings time (depending on the date) for approximately one hour.
All 2026 webinars will have the ability for attendees to utilize Zoom’s Closed Captioning feature. The webinar host will explain how to select this option at the beginning of each monthly webinar.
Click the Program Title Headlines below to register
April 15 – Mark Nonestied – History and Historic Preservation in Middlesex County
This illustrated talk covers history and historic preservation endeavors in Middlesex County. It will highlight the preservation and restoration of historic structures, archaeology work,
including surveys of maritime resources, archival collections and recently acquired objects that tell Middlesex County’s story.
May 20 – Larry Kidder – Understanding American Revolutionary Ancestors
This talk focuses on life in New Jersey during the American Revolution War of Independence, especially for those with family members serving in the militia in the general region of today’s Mercer County. Because militia duty was part-time, as opposed to full-time Continental Army service, it had unique effects on daily life. This was especially true because of the very complex and prominent nature of the war in New Jersey. It will also touch on research methods to learn about specific individuals.
The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield occurred in June 1780 and were the last major military confrontations in New Jersey before the American Revolution shifted to the southern theatre. British and Hessian forces invaded New Jersey from Staten Island with the intent to capture Morristown, at the time General Washington’s headquarters and encampment of the Continental Army. Faced with fierce resistance from the New Jersey militia, the engagements resulted in victories for the Patriot movement. Through an examination of Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Applications, this project aims to document the experiences of those who witnessed these engagements first hand and to explore how these battles were remembered by subsequent generations. The Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield are understudied yet significant campaigns. The stories of the battles and their participants are compelling and invaluable, and offer a lens to view how different people experienced and understood the American Revolution.
July 15 – Theresa Martin McEwen – Unraveling a Family Mystery Using DNA
Multiple sources indicated George Derone Martin was born October 28, 1879 or 1880 in Omaha, Nebraska. According to the family and available documents, George was orphaned sometime during childhood. However, genetic genealogical research into his parentage took me to an unlikely place, Virginia, where I uncovered unfamiliar family names of multiple intermarried families tracing back to Colonial America. Further research revealed one of George’s biological parents was also adopted. This presentation will discuss leveraging clustering analysis, pattern recognition, and problem solving skills to unravel these branches and how it helped identify the most likely parents and grandparents of George Derone Martin.
Red Bank Battlefield was more than a single day of fighting—it was a landscape shaped by layered and often conflicting lived experiences. This webinar explores the site through the story of the Quaker Whitall family, the material world of soldier John Burlingame’s powder horn, and the recovered remains of Hessian soldiers. Together, these perspectives reveal Red Bank as a complex Revolutionary landscape where faith, war, memory, and human loss intersected in powerful ways.
In researching our family, we gather extensive amounts of records and information to be compiled. Timelines are a tool that allows us to organize our data, and to visually identify patterns, gaps, themes, and relationships. This program will provide examples of genealogical timelines (migration patterns, research gaps, specific record type, historical perspective, etc.) as well as suggestions on creating timelines in Microsoft Word and Excel.
October 21 – TBD
November 18 – Derrick Johnstone – East Jersey Bound – From Scotland to New Jersey in the 1680s
Between 1683 and 1685 several hundred Scots embarked for East Jersey as part of a colonial venture. This was backed at the highest level and sought to ensure that Scotland had a stake in the development of the American colonies. It brought together Quakers, Episcopalians (Anglicans) and Presbyterians, a tense mix of religious affiliations. Many of the Presbyterians were transported Covenanters and the Quakers too had had their share of persecution.
This talk will set out the background to the venture and address the questions: Who were the immigrants? Why did they leave Scotland? What became of them? Derrick will also introduce his website, East Jersey Bound, which hosts a genealogical database containing details of 600 emigrants and over 2,000 of their kin and associates.
December 16 – Ask GSNJ
TBD
Digital Art Contest
Monmouth County officials and the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee have announced a digital art competition for professional and non-professional artists who are at least 14 years old, to showcase the talent and creativity of Monmouth County residents.
On July 4, 2026, the nation will celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and this competition provides Monmouth County artists with a platform to create their digital art masterpiece while leaving a lasting legacy.
Each first-place winner in the professional and non-professional categories will receive $1,776. Additional prizes will be presented for second and third place. Registration is required to participate. For full details - including important dates, contest theme and prompt, eligibility, judging criteria and a complete prize breakdown - click here to access the registration form and information.
America's Field Trip
Students in grades 3-12 can earn a chance to go behind-the-scenes at some of America’s most well-known historical landmarks! America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest designed to engage elementary, middle, and high school students around America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. Students are invited to submit an essay, artwork, or poem answering the question “What does America mean to you?” First-place awardees will get to experience one of several unforgettable field trips to places like Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the National
Archives in Washington, D.C. and more. Second-place awardees and teachers can also earn cash awards.
Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of America’s 250th anniversary! Submit your entry by March 30: https://america250.org/fieldtrip