This Thursday, February 5, join us for an uplifting, true story of an American hero and patriot, who served throughout the American Revolution and even crossed the Delaware River with George Washington and fought n the Battle of Trenton. There are many compelling stories of soldiers from the Am Rev, but few can compare with this one as our story's heroic protagonist was a free black man who lived in what is now Raritan Township and Flemington Borough where he is buried. There are stories about enslaved or indentured blacks serving for their owners, but the story of a free black, not freeD black man, enlisting for his country, is worth telling and worth hearing.
March and April bring multiple lectures and events on both Loyalists and Patriots. We'll be touring an amazing cemetery where many Revolutionary War heroes found their final resting place. This cemetery, located in Union Township, was once part of Revolutionary Bethlehem Township, a topic of another talk. And we'll be raising our first Liberty Pole in March (Huzzah!).
On the other side of Colonial Hunterdon, what were the consequences of being loyal to the crown? Find out in the first two of a three-part series on Loyalists by historian Betty DeSapio and on a map explored by researcher John Allen. Hunterdon County is home to one of the most important Revolutionary War period homes - that of the Loyalist Vought family. It's so important we're offering this talk twice this Spring. Finally, we also explore the motives and history behind the treasonous Benedict Arnold's wife Peggy Shippen, a talk given by the author of the definitive book on the subject, Steve Case.
From tales of war to tales of food with a talk on colonial gardening given by Master Gardener Valerie Johnson and one on how food came into the colonies, what was available, and what it tasted like with global food importer Janis Grover. We've opened up an additional tour slot on March 8th to tour Headquarters Farm and sample some authentic, seasonal hearth-cooked nibbles. And you'll also have a unique opportunity for a construction update and future plans of Patriot Bonnell Tavern given by Hank Bonnell.
We hope to see you this Thursday and many times more this winter and spring. Our calendar is rich with talks and American spirit -- and we still have many months to go! HUZZAH!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH: “HUNTERDON'S JACOB FRANCIS: THE REVOLUTIONARY WORLD OF A FREE BLACK MAN”: Our Black History Month talk brings the story of free Black man Jacob Francis of Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey who was indentured out by his free Black mother to age 21. Five different men "owned his time" during his indenture and each provided a different experience for him. The last man lived in Salem, Massachusetts and Jacob lived there between 1768 and 1775 during the buildup to fighting in the American Revolution. Jacob enlisted in a Massachusetts Continental regiment in October 1775 and served through the siege of Boston, the New York campaign, and the Battle of Trenton. When his enlistment expired on January 1, 1777, he left the army and went back to his birthplace to find his mother and learn his family surname. He established himself in Amwell and turned out for active militia duty for the rest of the war. In 1789 he married an enslaved woman named Mary whose master sold her to him on their wedding day. He freed her and together they raised a family of nine children. After his life of farming, Jacob and Mary moved into the village of Flemington about 1811 and lived there the remainder of their lives. They were active in the local Baptist Church where they are both buried. The story of Jacob and his family helps us understand the longstanding systemic racism that Black people in the United States have had to deal with while working to establish their place in society. It is a story of grit and determination combined with kindness and friendship as only historian and author William "Larry" Kidder can tell it.
American Baptist Church, 170 Man Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.
Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH: “BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP: ITS SIGNIFICANT COLONIAL HISTORY”: In 1776, Bethlehem Township encompassed about one third of what is now Hunterdon County. Life was hard and significant skirmishes between loyalists and patriots occurred throughout this mighty municipality. Bethlehem Township Mayor and historian Paul Muir has collaborated with author of "Colonial and Revolutionary Bethlehem Township", Charles Riddle, and will provide this fascinating lecture.
Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
MARCH 5TH: “1776: BRITAIN'S LOSING STRATEGY ON A MAP": If a picture is worth a thousand words, this map from the Hunterdon County Historical Society is worth at LEAST that much! Showing the “Northern Theater of the Revolution”, it is easy to see what the Crown forces hoped, but failed, to achieve. Instead of ending the War for Independence, Crown forces suffered multiple defeats that some say resulted in the entry of their long-time historical rival, the Kingdom of France, in the Revolution thus opening a global war for dominance. Historian and Hunterdon County Historical Society board member John Allen will present this fascinating look at war strategy. 7pm. Hunterdon County Library Main Branch, Route 12, Flemington, NJ. Free with free refreshments following. Reservations required.
SUNDAY, MARCH 8TH: HEADQUARTERS FARM TOUR & COLONIAL NIBBLES: A rare opportunity to see a 1735 estate with the original mill established by John Opdycke. The stone farmhouse dates back to 1758. The mill hasn’t worked for a long time, but the machinery is largely intact. Following a personal tour by owner Roger Byrom, you will be escorted to the Winter Kitchen for a fabulous snack of colonial nibbles cooking on an open hearth. Margaret, our hearth chef, will give a brief talk and answer questions about authentic hearth cooking.
Limited to 25 guests, $10 per person. Reservations and payment in advance via Eventbrite or by emailing 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us to make a reservation and then send a personal check payable to the Hunterdon 300th, 3 Chorister Place, Flemington, NJ 08822.
6 Zentek Road, Stockton.
TWO TIME SLOTS AVAILABLE!!! Please select from:
NOON TO 2PM
3 TO 5 PM
This event will be re-offered on October 17, November 8, and December 13, 2026.
THURSDAY, MARCH 12TH: “HUNTERDON LOYALISTS PART I: ROUNDED UP”: Back in 1776, not everyone was a Patriot. It is estimated New Jersey had about 50,000 Loyalists - about 1/3 of the white population. Join us as Kingwood historian Betty DeSapio presents the first of three lectures on Loyalists of Hunterdon County. Her lecture, "Hunterdon Loyalists Part I: Rounded Up”, will talk about the Loyalists’ motives, activities, and the new government’s early attempts to suppress them.
7 pm. North Branch of the Hunterdon County Library. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY MARCH 19TH: "COLONIAL KITCHEN GARDENS": The Hunterdon County Master Gardener Program's Master Gardener Valerie Johnson will present this interesting talk on Colonial Kitchen’ Gardens. As the kitchen remains the heart of every home, we will travel back to 1640 Massachusetts and rediscover our first
colonial garden to table story. 7pm. Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/colonial-kitchen-gardens-tickets-1981621211387?aff=oddtdtcreator
THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH: “THE 1759 VOUGHT HOUSE: A LOYALIST HOMESTEAD IN REVOLUTIONARY HUNTERDON COUNTY” : In 1759, Christoffel Vought built a fine stone homestead on 285 acres of prime farmland in northern Hunterdon County near modern-day Clinton, NJ. His family grew to become prominent community leaders with a thriving farming operation of nearly 500 acres. As years of colonial grievances with Great Britain spawned growing calls for rebellion, the population of New Jersey was deeply divided. Christoffel and his son John, both staunch Loyalists, would soon find themselves on a collision course with their neighbor Thomas Jones, a prominent Patriot leader.
In December 1776, Christoffel and John Vought led a party of Hunterdon Loyalists on a daring journey through rebel assaults to reach British forces stationed at New Brunswick. John Vought donned the distinctive green uniform of the New Jersey Volunteers and fought against American independence.
David Overaker, Board President of the 1759 Vought House, will tell the fascinating story of the Vought family from their arrival in the colony of New Jersey in 1710 through their Loyalist activities during the American Revolution and their fate after the war. The passage of legislation enforcing allegiance to the newly formed State of New Jersey and its impact on the Vought family will be discussed.
7 pm. North Branch of the County Library, Clinton, NJ. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
This event repeats on April 30th at the Main Branch of the County Library.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH: RAISING OF THE LIBERTY POLE IN (1776) KINGWOOD TOWNSHIP: In 1776, Kingwood Township was comprised of a territory that included our modern Kingwood Township plus Franklin Township, a portion of Clinton Town, and a portion of Frenchtown Borough. In 2026, we will be raising a Liberty Pole -- a secret marker known to Patriots as a safe place to talk about the Revolution -- at the Kingwood Township Municipal Building where we will be joined by the elected officials (invited) of those municipalities. Join us and some of our Colonial re-enactors for an event full of patriotism, merriment, music, and cake for this family friendly, fun and educational outdoor celebration of America's 250th. HUZZAH!
Rain or shine. 11 am (tentative). Free. No reservations required.
Liberty Pole raisings are planned for Lebanon Township, Readington Township, Bethlehem Township, Tewksbury Township, Amwell (East Amwell Township), and Alexandria Township.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH: “HUNTERDON LOYALISTS PART II: SUFFERING THE CONSEQUENCES”: In the second part our three-part series on Hunterdon County’s Loyalists, Kingwood historian Betty DeSapio will explore the fate of local Loyalists in “Hunterdon Loyalists Part II: Suffering the Consequences.” Learn the individual stories of Hunterdon County Loyalists and their families as they dealt with the fallout from their actions. 7 pm. North Branch of the County Library, Clinton, NJ. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12TH: "THE FOODS OF REVOLUTIONARY HUNTERDON": Join global food importer and expert Janis Grover as she describes the availability of foods we take for granted today. Fruits, vegetables, spices, sweets and proteins - what was the average diet of a colonist and how did they get products to their homes. And what did they taste like? A fun and interactive program guaranteed!
2 pm. Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16TH: “THE 1782 CONFISCATION MAP”:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-1782-confiscation-map-tickets-1981662147829?aff=oddtdtcreator
SUNDAY, APRIL19TH: "PEGGY SHIPPEN, TREACHEROUS BEAUTY”: Margaret Shippen was the second wife of General Benedict Arnold. She has been described as "the highest-paid spy in the American Revolution". Join Stephen H. Case, co-author of the biography "Treacherous Beauty: Peggy Shippen, the Woman behind Benedict Arnold's Plot to Betray America" (along with Mark Jacob), for this fascinating exploration of Peggy Shippen's role in the American Revolution, particularly her involvement in her husband's plot to betray the Continental Army to the British.
2 pm. Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23RD: “CONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION OF BONNELL TAVERN": Hank Bonnell, a direct descendent of the original owner of the Bonnell Tavern, will describe the true labor of love that he has been endeavoring for several years, the restoration of his family's tavern. Hank will describe the hurdles delaying his project which falls in two municipalities, and his long term plans for the property once restored.
7 pm. North Branch of the County Library, Clinton, NJ. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH, 10AM: CEMETERY TOUR OF AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR GRAVES, GRANDIN CEMETERY (Rain Date Sunday, April
List: https://bethlehempc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/EagleProject-Graves-List-DanWeiss.pdf
Map: https://bethlehempc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Cemetery-Map-By-Dan-Weiss.pdf
Walk limited to 20 guests.
The walk is free but reservations are required.
Meeting location is the Church's parking lot on Race Street, Union Township. The 300th will escort you across the street for safety purposes.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH: “THE 1759 VOUGHT HOUSE: A LOYALIST HOMESTEAD IN REVOLUTIOARY HUNTERDON COUNTY” : In 1759, Christoffel Vought built a fine stone homestead on 285 acres of prime farmland in northern Hunterdon County near modern-day Clinton, NJ. His family grew to become prominent community leaders with a thriving farming operation of nearly 500 acres. As years of colonial grievances with Great Britain spawned growing calls for rebellion, the population of New Jersey was deeply divided. Christoffel and his son John, both staunch Loyalists, would soon find themselves on a collision course with their neighbor Thomas Jones, a prominent Patriot leader.
In December 1776, Christoffel and John Vought led a party of Hunterdon Loyalists on a daring journey through rebel assaults to reach British forces stationed at New Brunswick. John Vought donned the distinctive green uniform of the New Jersey Volunteers and fought against American independence.
David Overaker, Board President of the 1759 Vought House, will tell the fascinating story of the Vought family from their arrival in the colony of New Jersey in 1710 through their Loyalist activities during the American Revolution and their fate after the war. The passage of legislation enforcing allegiance to the newly formed State of New Jersey and its impact on the Vought family will be discussed.
7 pm. Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington, NJ. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
FROM OUR PARTNERS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH: HUNTERDON SYMPHONY: "7 STORIES OF OLD HUNTERDON": The Hunterdon Symphony's annual Concert for Young People is not just for kids! People of all ages enjoy this concert, and this year’s performances promises to be extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
The program will include:Seven Stories featuring children or animals (in Hunterdon County 1750-1899), read at the concert by a variety of narrators.
Illustrations projected over the orchestra during the concert
Music composed by Lawrence Kursar
Clinton Township Middle School, Gray Rock Road, Clinton, 3 pm.
Children $5, Seniors $15, Adults $20
This program will be live at the Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse for an encore presentation on February 21st at 3 pm.
https://www.hunterdonsymphony.org/
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH: MOVIE MATINEE “THE PATRIOT”: A widowed farmer, with a brave but brutal military past, decides not to join up when the British arrive in 1776. However, when his son enlists and is later captured by the enemy, the former soldier must abandon his new-found pacifist principles in order to rescue his oldest child, and forms a regiment of Carolina patriots, whose guerrilla tactics prove pivotal to the US war effort. North Branch of the Hunterdon County Library, Clinton, NJ. 2 pm; 2 hours, 45 minutes.
Free. Reservations required.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST: SAMUEL FLEMING MUSEUM PRESENTS AN IRISH SODA BREAD AND BUTTER DEMONSTRATION AND HOUSE TOURS: 1-3pm
https://www.samuelfleminghouse.org/
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST: HUNTERDON SYMPHONY: "7 STORIES OF OLD HUNTERDON": The Hunterdon Symphony's annual Concert for Young People is not just for kids! People of all ages enjoy this concert, and this year’s performances promises to be extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
The program will include:
Seven Stories featuring children or animals (in Hunterdon County 1750-1899), read at the concert by a variety of narrators.
Illustrations projected over the orchestra during the concert
Music composed by Lawrence Kursar
Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse, Main Street Flemington, 3 pm.
Children $5, Seniors $15, Adults $20
https://www.hunterdonsymphony.org/
SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST: READINGTON MUSEUMS PRESENTS A GINGERBREAD PRESENTATION AT THE HISTORIC BOUMAN-STICKNEY FARMSTEAD: The Readington Museums will host food historian Susan McLellan Plaisted at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead. Throughout the afternoon, visitors are invited to drop in at their convenience to observe Plaisted as she presents the evolution of gingerbread. The demonstration will cover the transformation of gingerbread from its origins as a simple combination of ginger and breadcrumbs to the beloved treat we know today. In addition, Plaisted will create sweetmeat cones using gingerbread, following an authentic local 18th-century receipt (recipe). Attendees will also have the opportunity to view her collection of gingerbread receipts, which span from the 16th to the 18th centuries, providing a unique glimpse into the culinary history of this classic dessert. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The Farmstead is located at 114 Dreahook Road in the Stanton
section of the township. For GPS, use Lebanon, NJ. This is a free,
family-friendly event, though donations are appreciated. For more information,
please visit https://www.readington.gov/community/museum or call
908-236-2327.
Made possible with funds from the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.
MARCH 6TH: MOVIE MATINEE: "1776": A musical retelling of the American Revolution's political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence. Adapted from a popular Broadway show. (1972) Rated G. Run time 2 hours, 22 minutes. 2 pm. Free. Reservations are required.
This program is generously sponsored by FOHCL, Friends of the Hunterdon County Library.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH: TEWKSBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS "FROM APPLE ORCHARD TO REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOT CEMETERY": Join DAR member and researcher Ann Rotunno who will provide a full history of the DAR memorial Park Cemetery. The D.A.R. Memorial Park Cemetery is the final resting place of nine Revolutionary War patriots and 119 other early settlers of the Readington area. Ann Rotunno, Cemetery Committee Chair for the Old White House ~ Gen. Frelinghuysen ~ Col. Lowrey Chapter., will detail how this land went from an apple orchard on land owned by one of those patriot settlers, Abraham Van Horne, to becoming home to the first Rockaway Reformed Church and graveyard, and onto its current ownership under the D.A.R. The presentation will review how the cemetery has gone from periods of limited upkeep to a state of active restoration, preservation and public accessibility. Recent research and assessment work has been done to create a map of the cemetery and a comprehensive overview of those interred, and these items will be on view.
1 to 5pm. Zion Lutheran Christian Education Building, 18 Miller Avenue, Oldwick. Free & open to the public - no pre-registration required. Refreshments will be served.
This talk replaces the previously scheduled lecture on the History of New Germantown and Zion Lutheran Church.
http://www.tewksburyhistory.net
POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL 24TH: March 20: HCL NB: Movie Matinee: “Drums Along the Mohawk”
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST: "GEORGE WASHINGTON AND HIS SPIES": (MUSIC WITH THE ENSLOWS):
SATURAY, APRIL 11TH: SAMUEL FLEMING HOUSE MUSEUM: EASTER EGG HUNT AND HOUSE TOURS:
https://www.samuelfleminghouse.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 11: “THESE ARE THE TIMES THAT TRY MEN'S SOULS": Hunterdon County Library Main Branch, Route 12, Flemington, NJ. 2pm. Free.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17TH: MOVIE MATINEE: "DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK":
Hunterdon County Library North Branch, Clinton, NJ. 2 pm. Free. Reservations are required. Run time: 1 hour, 44 minutes.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH: MOVIE MATINEE: “THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS": The last members of a dying Native American tribe, the Mohicans -- Uncas (Eric Schweig), his father Chingachgook (Russell Means), and his adopted half-white brother Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) -- live in peace alongside British colonists. But when the daughters (Madeleine Stowe, Jodhi May) of a British colonel are kidnapped by a traitorous scout, Hawkeye and Uncas must rescue them in the crossfire of a gruesome military conflict of which they wanted no part: the French and Indian War. 1 hour, 54 minutes.
