Thanks to everyone who told us our links were not working properly. We think we have all the bugs worked out now.
We have a new website address: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/1367/Hunterdon-300th.
If you want to find us, we are hosted on Hunterdon County's website under the Living section. There you will find the Hunterdon 300th's full website with our new calendar, merchandise, pictures, and more. Please check out our merchandise section where you will find many Hunterdon history books, rain gear with our logo, "Blue Skies" - our wonderful Dan Campanelli watercolor of the historic courthouse, our fabulous woven throw offered in 4 colors -- made in America, 100% cotton at an affordabe $40, our new calendar, and much more.
About that calendar -- we have booked over 160 different events with our partners to celebrate and educate about the American Revolution. However, our blog and our website will only announce a month's worth of events at a time.
The 28 month calendar - from September, 2025 thru December, 2027 - allows you to see EVERY American Revolution event, whether this October or October 2026, and save the dates now for the lectures, re-enactments, music and events you really want to attend. At $15, you get a high quality calendar, beautiful prints of Dan Campanelli's tavern signs and tavern histories from throughtout revolutionary Hunterdon, 16 months of events listed in advance, and then a full blank 2027 calendar for you use. The calendars are available at all of our lectures, our wonderful super sponsor, Shop Rite in both the Flemingon and Clinton stores, and by contacting us at 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us.
NOW TICKETING:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH: "1774: HUNTERDON REACTSTO THE COERCIVE ACTS": Within the collections of the Hunterdon County Historical Society, there is a letter from 1774 useful in better understanding how many Jerseyans felt about steps towards independence from England. Written in response to what were known as Parliament’s "Coercive Acts” (a.k.a. the "Intolerable Acts" to many), the Hunterdon County resolves recognized the “rightful King”, but how far were the colonists willing to go towards full separation from the world’s most powerful Empire? Join Historian John Allen for this fascinating talk. Main Branch, Hunterdon County Library, 7pm. Free; reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH: "A DETECTIVE TUTORIAL: RESEARCHING NJ REV ERA ANCESTRY”: A FASCINATING TALK NOT JUST FOR GENEOLOGISTS! Records as we know them were non-existent in the late 18th Century, but our founders left lots of clues for us to learn about them. And they were more than just names and a few key dates on a chart. They had lives with joys and heartache. They may have served in the Revolutionary War – on either side. Maybe they were large landowners or small farmers. They might have run the local ferry or mill. Whatever their stories, there are many resources to help us learn more about them. Join us as we look at what’s available to tell us our founders’ stories. Join geneologist, researcher and historian Betty DeSapio on the fascinating exploration into researching and dicovering America's past. Main Branch, Hunterdon County Library, 7pm. Free; reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH: "THE FORGOTTEN VICTORY: HUNTERDON COUNTY'S HIDDEN HANDS: It started with a murder..... Kevin Vancio explores one of America's most overlooked Revolutionary chapters in the brutal campaigns of 1780 in NJ, when burning towns, secret networks, and fierce local resistance helped turn the tide of the war. From Union County to Hunterdon County, we'll track the forgotten contributions of Minutemen, Black heroes, local militias, and the people whose roles were buried under scattered records, missing archives, and decades of neglect. Even the Union County seal depicts the fiery day of June 7, 1980 yet few people know its true meaning and how it connects to Hunterdon County's Revolutionary War history. Kevin Vancio is the creative lead and historical designer supporting the nonprofit Forgotten Victory Association. He specializes in the design and research of New Jersey's 1780 Revolutionary War battles and leads visual storytelling for the recently established Forgotten Victory Trail.
Check out Kevin's website at www.forgottenvictory.com.
North Branch, Hunterdon County Library, 7pm. Free; reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH: "BONNELL'S TAVERN": An important historic gathering place for patriots seeking liberty and religious freedom, Bonnell's Tavern has stood at the crossroads of three municipalities for over two and a half centuries. Now vacant after the State of New Jersey acquired its land to construct Interstate 78, the tavern's legacy endures. For those intrigued by its history, Hank Bonnell, an eighth-generation direct descendant of the tavern's original innkeeper, will share the vibrant story of the tavern and the patriots who frequented it. In 2026, Hank will return to discuss his personal efforts to preserve and restore the tavern, along with his vision for its future. Main Branch, Hunterdon County Library, 2pm. Free; reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bonnells-tavern-tickets-1507552613449?aff=oddtdtcreator
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2ND: "THE HUNTERDON MILITIA CONTRIBUTIONS TO VICTORY IN DECEMBER, 1776": Join Historian and Author William "Larry" Kidder as he describes how, during the critical month of the “Times that try men’s souls” the soldiers of the Hunterdon militia regiments helped the Patriot cause in ways that have been misunderstood or forgotten. The New Jersey militia received heavy criticism from people at the time and then from historians afterward for not aiding Washington to anywhere near the extent he begged for. Two problems preventing normal militia contributions were the disheveled militia organization and the enemy occupation of New Jersey. Still, individual militiamen aided the cause greatly by helping Washington turn things around and should not be forgotten.Main Branch, Hunterdon County Library, 7pm. Free; reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-hunterdon-militia-tickets-1553590744739?aff=oddtdtcreator
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5TH: “FROM APPLE ORCHARD TO REVOLUTIONARY WAR-ERA CEMETERY: A FULL HISTORY PRESENTATION OF THE DAR MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY” With Ann Rotunno, Cemetery Committee Chair, for the Old White House ~ Gen. Frelinghuysen ~ Col. Lowrey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ann’s presentation will include old and current maps that detail how the cemetery came to be, how the DAR came to own it and future plans. There will be photos of past commemorations and the records of nearly all 138 early settlers buried there. Ann’s two-year assessment and status report has revealed more detailed gravestone inscriptions, as well as, headstones that have long been missing. You will also learn the exciting discovery of where the original Rockaway Dutch Reformed Church was located! Main Branch, Hunterdon County Library, 2pm. Free; reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH: “THE BIRTH OF AMERICA: ARTIFACTS FROM THE 1600s" The Birth of America will feature original artifacts from the 1600s including a document signed by Sir William Russell of Jamestown, Pilgrim documents including a very rare document print by James the Printer, a rare deed from William Penn and colonial coins from the 1500s to 1600s used by Colonial America. Many other documents from that time period will also be on display all from the private collection of historian Ron Warner.
All talks will features interaction with the public with questions answered at the end of each presentation and a very rare opportunity to personally hold rare artifacts. North Branch, Hunterdon County Library, 7pm. Free; reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH: 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 payent in advance via Eventbrite or by emaiing 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. 3 to 5 pm.
This event will be re-offered on November 9 and December 14, 2025 and January 11, March 8, October 17, November 8, and December 13, 2026.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH: "WHITE HALL TAVERN: Roger Byrom will recount the history of the White Hall Tavern which once stood at the southwest corner of the intersection of Route 604 and the Lambertville-Headquarters Road. It was there that the Amwell militia did its recruiting. Hunterdon County Library, Main Branch, Route 12. 7 pm.
Reservations required. Free. Free refreshments follow.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/white-hall-tavern-tickets-1628923426819?aff=oddtdtcreator
SUNDAY, NOVERMBER 9TH: 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 payent in advance via Eventbrite or by emaiing 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. 3 to 5 pm.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH: "GEORGE WASHINGTON AND HIS SPIES": Music with the Enslows. There were many spies on both sides of the Revolutionary War. Some were officially spies—others were just people who saw what was happening and made it their mission to get word to George Washington. Spies helped Washington win the war. And some of these missions were even documented in poems and songs (the unsuccessful episodes, of course, because the successful ones remained secret at the time). From Nathan Hale to Benedict Arnold and the British Major John Andre, we celebrate colonial spy craft in story and song. Hunterdon County Library, Main Branch, 7pm. Free. Reservations Required. Free refreshments follow.
FROM OUR PARTNERS!!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH: RED MILL MUSEUM: CAPTAIN JOHN OUTWATER'S MIITIA, INC. PRESENTS: THE SCHOOL OF MILITIA 2025: THE 250th IS HERE! Militia units will be at the forefront of Revolutionary War re-enactments over the next few years. For those involved as the militia, it is time to upgrade your impression and be ready to comply with the new standards for participation in the 250th anniversary events.
THE SCHOOL OF MILITIA 2025 is for those wanting to portray militia and get practical advice to accurately represent these civilian soldiers. Militia are not simply dressed-down Continentals. If you are interested in history and want to learn about these unsung heroes of the Revolution, their worldview, their culture and why they took up arms against the world’s most powerful nation, join us on Saturday, September 6th!
The School of the Militia will be held at the historic Red Mill Museum Village,
56 Main Street, in Clinton, New Jersey, on Saturday, September 6, staring at 9:00 am.
Registration Required: Register before August 22: Attendance is Free; Register after August 22 or at the door: there will be a $20 attendance fee. To register, send your name and email address to Bob Shanahan at: esqbob@comcast.net.
Seating is limited. If you are a re-enactor, proper 19th-century attire with a musket is requested. Further information can be obtained from Mr. Shanahan. 908 963-3298. Learn more about Captain John Outwater’s Militia, Inc at: OUTWATERSMILITIA.COM
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY LIBRARY: "EARLY AMERICAN WOMEN AND COLONIAL GARDENING": Kitchen gardens in the 1700's fed, healed, and clothed Early American families. The 18th century "housewife" skill set included "medicine, cookery, distillation, perfumery, the making of wool, hemp, flax, record keeping, brewing, baking," and, of course - gardening. Growing plants both Native American and from their homelands, these women turned their soup pots into the "melting pot" that is America and exemplified all the best qualities of plantswomen and patriots. Main Branch Headquarters, 6pm. Reservations required.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH: SAMUEL FLEMING HOUSE: MUSEUM HOUSE TOURS. 10 am to 5 pm. 5 Bonnell Street Flemington, Free. No reservations required.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY: WALKING TOUR OF THE HISTORIC BOROUGH OF FLEMINGTON: Take a walk in the historic downtown Flemington with HCHS's Board President Janice Armstrong. Hear the stories of the buildings, the people that built them, and how the downtown has changed and adapted after more than 300 years of settlement. Armstrong is a life-long resident of Hunterdon County and a lover of local history, who has led a variety of Flemington tours over the years. Your $15 donation will greatly benefit our work to preserve our county's historical treasures. 10 a.m. Pre-registration is required by emailing hunterdonhistoryadm@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH: "250TH CELEBRATION! A REVOLUTIONARY WAR CANNON AND MUSKET RE-ENACTMENT": Sponsored by Solitude House and Featuring Heard's Brigade, a re-enactment group whose mission is to educate a the publc about our country's Colonial and Revolutionary War heritage. Watch colonial cooking demonstrations featuring recipes of the 13 colonies; step back in time with hands on colonial skills, and participate in children' musket drills featuring wooden muskets. Union Forge Park, Back Field, 20 Washington Avenue, High Bridge. 11 am to 4 pm.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST: EAST AMWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY: "AMWELL TOWNSHIP CEMETERIES": Embark on a self-drive journey and meet up to uncover the history etched in stone. 9 am to 1 pm.
https://eastamwellhistory.org/
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11TH: PUMPKIN DECORATING EVENT AND SAMUEL FLEMING MUSEUM HOUSE TOURS: 12 pm to 3 pm. 5 Bonnell Street, Flemington. Free. No reservation needed.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11TH: DAR CEMETERY TOUR: “From Apple Orchard to Revolutionary War-era Cemetery: A Full History of the DAR Memorial Park Cemetery, the Cemetery Tour": Join Ann Rotunno, Cemetery Committee Chair, and other members of the Old White House ~ Gen. Frelinghuysen ~ Col. Lowrey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for an on-site tour of the D.A.R. Memorial Park Cemetery. This fundraising afternoon tour will not only make headstones easier to read with the sun’s western rays but it will give attendees the opportunity to see how time and progress turned an orchard into the perfect spot for a church and then a cemetery and then a place for veterans to be honored and history to be shared. Memorial Park Cemetery, Whitehouse Station. 2pm. No reservations required. $15 per person; 12 and under free.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18: HUNTERDON COUNTY LIBRARY: "UNCOVERING HISTORICAL MYTHS": Death by petticoat? Get ready for the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States with a costumed interpreter from New Jersey History Alive as they peel back the layers of creative storytelling which have added color, not facts, to the interpretation of colonial history. Hunterdon County Library, Main Branch, 2pm. Free. Reservations required.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND: UNION FORGE HERITAGE ASSOCATION: COLONIAL COOKING DEMONSTRATION AND TOURS OF THE HISTORIC 1760 JOSEPH TURNER HOUSE AND VAN SYCKLE'S TAVERN: Authentic hearth cooking demonstration preparing foods that the troops would have survived on during the Revolutionary War. Museum tour and demonstration begins at 1:00pm at the Turner house. Tours of the nearby Van Syckel's tavern from 3:00 - 4:00pm. Directions will be provided. Joseph Turner House, 17 Van Syckles Road,Hampton. 12 to 4pm
No reservations required. Free, donations gratefuly accepted.
FRIDAY NOVERMBER 7TH: 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. North Branch, Hunterdon County Library. 2 pm
This program is generously sponsored by FOHCL, Friends of the Hunterdon County Library.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY HISORICAL SOCIETY: WALKING TOUR OF ROSEMONT CEMETERY AND THE STORIES WITHIN: Dave Harding, HCHS director, will lead a tour of Rosemont Cemetery. Harding will offer a brief history of the cemetery while focusing on the stories of those whose remains fill this centuries-old patchwork of monuments and tombstones. You’ll hear about their interesting lives or, in some cases, their interesting deaths. Register by emailing hunterdonhistoryadm@gmail.com or calling 908-782-1091. Tour is free for members; $10 for nonmembers. 10 a.m.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH: SAMUEL FLEMING HOUSE: EDNA'S BROWN BAG APPLE AND PUMPKIN PIE TASTING AND HOUSE TOURS: 1-3pm
https://www.samuelfleminghouse.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND: “NJ MILITIA IN THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE": Join historian John Dwyer to learn about the role the militia played in the Revolutionary War, including a look at the raid on Flemington. John will be dressed in his civilian clothing, carrying his personal firelock and accoutrements as required by Militia Regulations. He will also display the personal items carried by common citizen-soldiers. North Branch, Hunerdon County Library. 2pm.
The program is appropriate for HCL NB:middle school age children and up.
This program is generously sponsored by FOHCL, Friends of the Hunterdon County Library.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND: “CELEBRATING THE HARVEST": Join Judith Krall-Russo to learn how our ancestors prepared for the long winter ahead while celebrating the harvest season.
Autumn was a season of hard work for early Americans. Neighbors joined together to help each other during harvest time. Numerous hands were needed to butcher, preserve, and prepare many foods. School was cancelled for days so children could help their parents with the harvest chores. The fruits of spring and summer labor were enjoyed during this season, which was also a time of feasting and recreation. Main Branch, Hunterdon County Library, 2pm.
