The Gloucester County Board of Commissioner presents four opportunities to walk Red Bank Battlefield and learn different facets of its history.

May 31: “What are we growing in our garden this year?

Led by expert Historical Interpreters, our battlefield tours include an in-depth walk through the historic Thomas Clarke House and an immersive look at the pivotal Battle of Princeton.

Registration required at https://pbs1777.org/battlefield-tours/

Rick Geffken returns to discuss the Garden State’s evolving attitudes after New Jersey was the last northern state to ratify the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery everywhere. Jim Crow laws and attitudes legalized racial segregation. How did New Jersey “white wash” its history of slavery from books and the public educational system?

Acclaimed author Rick Atkinson, Pulitzer Prize winner, and author of, The British Are Coming and The Liberation Trilogy, is returning to Washington Crossing Historic Park to discuss the 2nd entry in his ongoing Revolution Trilogy, *The Fate of the Day*. Atkinson’s newest work picks up the history of the Revolution where he left off, and covers the years of 1777-1780, where the Continental army went through some of its toughest challenges.

This Lecture will take place on June 10th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. It will feature a lecture by Rick Atkinson on his new book, as well as time for him to sign purchased books. Tickets are $40 to attend, $65 to attend and get a copy of the book, and $90 for two attendees and one copy of the book. Tickets can be purchased here, they will not be sold “at the door”.

This lecture is presented in Partnership with the Princeton Battlefield Society as part of their Cadwalader Lecture Series and sponsored in part by the Sons of the American Revolution.

Well, "Heavens to Betsy!" The Millville Historical Society is thrilled to welcome the famous flagmaker herself, Betsy Ross, on Saturday, June 14th. Festivities for this year’s MHS Ice Cream Social begin at 1:00 pm at the 1814 David C. Wood Mansion House located at 821 Columbia Avenue, Millville, New Jersey, and continue until 4:00 pm.

At 2:00 pm, enjoy a special performance by Jill Lawrence of the American Historical Theatre , portraying Elizabeth Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypoole, better known as Betsy Ross.

During this engaging presentation, attendees will meet the lady behind the legends, discover the true history of the flag, and have the opportunity to master Betsy’s “famous” trick: cutting a five-pointed star with a single snip of the scissors.

"Jill earned her BFA with honors in Musical Theater from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and her high school diploma from the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. She has performed with the Ziggaraut Theater in Los Angeles, The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, American Family Theaters and The Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, just to name a few. For many years she welcomed visitors from all over the world as Betsy Ross at the Betsy Ross house…." (From American Historical Theatre)

Guests are invited to indulge in more than just historical tidbits: they can also enjoy a scoop of delicious ice cream. There will be a build-your-own sundae bar and a demonstration on how to make ice cream the old-fashioned way using a hand crank. There will also be a display of vintage ice cream utensils.

Adding to the patriotic atmosphere of the day, Cynthia Smith will be playing the dulcimer, flute and whistle. Cynthia has been researching, performing and recording her music from the 1700s for over 15 years.

Topping off the day’s activities, the Millville Historical Society will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly completed shed built to house the 1886 Whitaker Ice Wagon! While the wagon itself has not yet been restored, "she" will proudly take her place in her new home as she awaits a future facelift. Vintage photos of the historic wagon will also be on display.

A special thank you to the Cumberland County Cultural & Heritage Commission for their help with the day. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

As a proud partner of Revolution NJ, the Millville Historical Society continues to present programs relating to the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

Parking is available behind the Mansion House, accessible from Church Street.

Stanley Saperstein will perform a presentation as Francis Hopkinson, New Jersey Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Hopkinson, a member of the Congressional Marine Committee, claimed that he had created the Stars and Stripes. The presentation will be held in the Visitor Center Museum’s auditorium at 2:00 PM.

The Visitor Center Museum will be open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. featuring The Swan Historical Foundation’s Collection of 500+ Colonial and Revolutionary War artifacts.

For more information call (609) 737-0623

Tavern Talks returns, with a visit to Wild Air Beerworks in Asbury Park.

In this interactive event, attendees will get the chance to talk with reenactors and draw their own conclusions about the past.

Wild Air Beerworks hosts RevolutionNJ and friends to explore the aftermath of the Revolution in New Jersey. Participants are invited to imagine that you are in a colonial tavern after the Treaty of Paris was signed. The tavern air smells like beer and fresh government. Reenactors and participants will come up with new and exciting ways to fill the British Empire-shaped hole left behind by the War. What kind of government do we want? What will representation look like? Who will have a say in how things are done? What exactly should this new constitution consider?

Participants will explore the questions faced by everyday people in the wake of the American Revolution and decide the fate of our young republic. You might find that the past is closer than you think.

Click here to sign up. 

Join us for a series of fascinating talks with author Larry Kidder, exploring the untold human stories and military events surrounding the Battle of Princeton

Join the Friends of Millstone Township Historic Registered Properties as we unveil a new commemorative sign honoring the historic African American community of Woodville, New Jersey. The unveiling will be partnered with a ceremony led by the St. James A.M.E. Church, including remarks from distinguished guests, music, a Libation Ceremony, and refreshments.

The event is free and will be held at Wagner Farm Park at 4 Baird Road on June 19th at 5:30 pm. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot no later than June 15 using the link below!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-looking-back-to-look-forward-tickets-1321483636129?aff=oddtdtcreator

On June 23rd, 1778, the Continental Army entered the Hopewell Valley and camped on John Hart’s farm. In the following few days, Washington would make plans to attack the British as they marched through New Jersey, trying to get back to New York City. But what was life like for the soldiers of Washington’s army camped on John Hart's farm? How had recent campaigns forced the army to change? Who were these soldiers, and why was this army camped at Hopewell in the early Summer of 1778 different from the army that had marched defeated into Valley Forge in December 1777? On June 25th, Asher Lurie will explain the experiences of these soldiers, clothed and equipped as a soldier of the New Jersey line as they would have looked during the Monmouth Campaign.

This program is in memory of Cate Litvack, who spent decades promoting New Jersey's role in the American Revolution.

Please enjoy an early preview of the D&R Greenway Land Trust’s future park at Hillside Farm. This is a special opportunity at Hillside Farm, a property donated to D&R Greenway Land Trust by the family of Betty Wold Johnson. The property is not open to the public at this time; D&R Greenway will be opening a public preserve on this land in the fall of 2026.

About the speaker:

Asher Lurie has been the Executive Director at the Hopewell Museum since January 2024. Before that, Asher worked at the Old Barracks from 2009 to 2022 as the Chief of Historical Interpretation. Mr. Lurie’s area of study is politics, society, and the military in Great Britain and Colonial America in the 18th Century.

This program is sponsored by The Hopewell Museum, the Hopewell Valley Historical Society, the D&R Greenway Land Trust, the Hopewell Public Library, and Crossroads of the American Revolution.

To attend, register using the link below.
https://www.hopewellvalleyhistory.org/event-details/washingtons-army-at-hopewell-the-new-continental-army-of-1778/form

One of the most highly anticipated events in South Jersey, with over 10,000 attending.

Visit https://www.hammontonnj.us/red-white-blueberry-festival for more information.

Classic American Tales (CAT) presents THE DIARY OF MARGARET MORRIS, who witnessed Hessians coming into her New Jersey town during the American Revolution, performed by professional actor and artistic director of CAT, Gayle Stahlhuth. Along with the performance, tasty treats and lemonade will be served, all for only $12, cash or check at the door.  Reservations are appreciated and may be made by contacting CAT at 609-884-5898 or classicamericantales@aol.com

https://www.classicamericantales.org/schedule.html

Every year, Morven is the host of a free, family-friendly celebration of Independence Day! Stop by our beautiful gardens in the early-to-mid-afternoon for patriotic activities, food trucks, live entertainment, and so much more!

On July 4, 1778, General George Washington ordered the Continental Army to perform a fue de joie (fire of joy) on the banks of the Raritan River. Celebrate that historic event and Independence Day at the Village.

Join General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron von Steuben for a commemoration of the feu de joie (fire of joy) that took place on the banks of the Raritan River on July 4th, 1778. The day begins with the inaugural Revolutionary Celebration Run.  Register here for this free 5k in Johnson Park. Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy a concert of patriotic-themed music on the front lawn. Listen to 18th-century music and hear stories from General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron von Steuben at the Indian Queen Tavern. Lady Kettle Corn, The Craft Caffe, and The Mexi-Boys will serve up savory eats and sweet treats. For your convenience, RIDE, the County’s shuttle service, will provide FREE, accessible, on-demand transportation between East Jersey Old Town Village and The Cornelius Low House. Park in one spot and experience multiple historic sites.

Bergen County’s 2nd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return this July 4th at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include children’s activities, two-dozen food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.

The evening will also feature the triumphant return of the New Jersey Wind Symphony with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture,” complete with live artillery from Howitzer cannons.

Festivities are set to begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Ridgefield Park section of Overpeck County Park.

Music and festivities will start at 2:30 p.m. on July 4th. The New Jersey Wind Symphony will perform at 8:00 p.m. For event updates and additional performance announcements, follow the Bergen County Parks System on Facebook and Instagram or visit BergenJuly4th.org. 

A rain date for Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is scheduled for July 5th in the event poor weather.

Bergen County’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is an official event of Bergen250, an initiative spearheaded by the Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs within the Bergen County Department of Parks aimed at commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution through Bergen County’s diverse lens of people, places, and culture.

Led by expert Historical Interpreters, our battlefield tours include an in-depth walk through the historic Thomas Clarke House and an immersive look at the pivotal Battle of Princeton.

Registration required at https://pbs1777.org/battlefield-tours/

Join us for a series of fascinating talks with author Larry Kidder, exploring the untold human stories and military events surrounding the Battle of Princeton

Led by expert Historical Interpreters, our battlefield tours include an in-depth walk through the historic Thomas Clarke House and an immersive look at the pivotal Battle of Princeton.

Registration required at https://pbs1777.org/battlefield-tours/

This event celebrates the anniversary of the day Continental and French troops marched through Westfield, NJ, on Aug. 29, 1781, on their way to Yorktown, Va., where they would fight, lay siege to and force the surrender of Cornwallis. Thousands of troops led by Gens. Washington and Rochambeau crossed New Jersey on their way to Yorktown that August, and several columns passed through Westfield including the 1st Rhode Island, with many African American soldiers.

This event’s chief sponsor is Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route-NJ, but the NJSSAR and West Fields Chapter and Westfield DAR all play important supporting roles. In some years there has been a parade at midday, in others an all day encampment in Mindowaskin Park.

Our 4th annual Women’s Equality Day Festival will be held on Saturday, August 23rd from 12-4PM at historic Paulsdale, childhood home of suffragist Alice Paul. This free public event welcomes over 500 visitors annually and features 50+ women owned businesses and organizations from across NJ and PA.

This year’s event will feature free tours of Paulsdale, kids’ activities, including a bounce house and craft making, a beer garden, local food trucks, live music, and 50/50 raffle opportunities. 

Led by expert Historical Interpreters, our battlefield tours include an in-depth walk through the historic Thomas Clarke House and an immersive look at the pivotal Battle of Princeton.

Registration required at https://pbs1777.org/battlefield-tours/

Presented by Keith Muchowski.

Join us for a series of fascinating talks with author Larry Kidder, exploring the untold human stories and military events surrounding the Battle of Princeton

Presented by Larry Kidder.

Presented by John U. Rees.

Kick off the holiday season with Seasonal Traditions, an annual holiday celebration at East Jersey Old Town Village!

Celebrate the holiday season at East Jersey Old Town Village. Enjoy 18th and 19th-century holiday music. Listen to Christmas Short Stories and a reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol featuring Dickens’s edited version of the timeless tale he performed to sold-out audiences in Europe and America. Further, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with a radio play version of the beloved classic It’s a Wonderful Life.  Don’t miss this unforgettable family-friendly holiday experience with festive music, carols, storytelling, wagon rides, children’s crafts, and refreshments.

For your convenience, RIDE, the County’s shuttle service, will provide FREE, accessible, on-demand transportation between East Jersey Old Town Village and The Cornelius Low House, where you can visit the current Hometown Pride: The Power of Sports Exhibit. Park in one spot and experience multiple historic sites.

Presented by Robb Haberman.

The National Flag Foundation asks all American cities, to the extent possible, to light red, white, and blue as a national evening of unity to celebrate our nation's 250th Birthday. The NFF also seeks to unify our country in these historically divisive times by asking all Americans to fly an American Flag on July 4, 2026.

https://nationalflagfoundation.org/