We are so excited to bring you a stellar 16 month-long series on Hunterdon County and the American Revolution. Beginning September 1, 2025 thru December 31, 2026, the Hunterdon 300th along with many of our historical and cultural partners throughout Hunterdon, have collaborated to bring you over 150 lecures, talks, tours, re-enactments, movies, music, and fun!
Our website, www.hunterdon300th.org, is back up and running providing you with all county historical programming in one place.
WE HAVE A NEW CALENDAR! Well, it's actually an expanded reprint of our 2017-2018 Tavern Calendar of which we only published 300 bck in 2016. Our new calendar runs 28 months starting on September 1, 2025 and goes thru December 31, 2027. We will have it available beginning at the 4-H Fair on August 20th and copies will also be available for sale at both the Clinton and Flemington Shop Rites. 
This calendar of beautiful reprints of original watercolors painted by the late Dan Campanelli, reimagines what colonial Hunterdon tavern signs might have looked like. It also contains each Hunterdon tavern's history researched by Dan and Marty Campanelli. If that isn't enough for you to want to run to the Community Tent at the Fair and find us to purchase one, almost the entire American Revolution event programming for the next 16 months from the Hunterdon 300th and our partner organizations are on the calendar! There is even a QR code that will take you to our website to get the latest updates and ticketing information. This calendar lists over 135 opportunies to attend events, tours, demonstrations, re-enactments and eductional and fun talks! And when we're done on December 31, 2026, you still will have a clean 2027 calendar with beautiful artwork all ready to fill in your own busy life as we return to normal programming on Hunterdon history.
For the next 16 months, the Hunterdon 300th is only producing 250th programs. At the bottom of our blogs you will still find all of our historical partners events whether Amercian Revolution or not. Please note that ALL 250th program titles are and will be in RED letters throughout the next 16 months, while others will be in purple.
As always, the Hunterdon 300th's talks are always free and always with free refreshments. We are delighted to partner wth the Ringoes Grange which just celebrated an historic 150th birthday, which will be making our sweets, all based on historic colonial recipes!
Our theme's title, "On the Threshold of Indepenence: Huntedon County:1775-1776", underscores the importance of our county during the War for Independence. Here are a few fun facts you should know:
- In 1776, Hunterdon County included Hopewell Township, Maidenhead Township (Lawrence) and Trenton Township, stretching all the way down to the Assunpink Creek in Trenton;
- When Washington crossed the Delaware he crossed from Pennsyvania into Hunterdon County;
- Both Battles of Trenton were fought in Hunterdon County;
- The first reading of the Declaraton of Independence outside of Philadelphia was read in Hunterdon County on July 8, 1776;
- New Jersey saw more battles, skirmishes, and fighting than any of the other 13 colonies and South Carolina has publicly ceded that point. Hunterdon County saw more battles, skirmishes and fighting than any other county in New Jersey. Therefore, Hunterdon County was the battle center of the war.
And now, to the beginning of an extraordinary 16 months of programs....
ON THE THRESHOLD OF INDEPENDENCE: HUNTERDON COUNTY 1775-1776
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: 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.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-apple-orchard-to-rev-war-era-cemetery-the-dar-memorial-park-cemetery-tickets-1553595809889?aff=oddtdtcreatorTHURSDAY, 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.
FROM OUR PARTNERS!!
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20TH THRU SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY 4-H AND AGRIGULTURAL FAIR: Find us and other historical partners in the Community Tent just across from the Grange Building. South County Park.
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": 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": (NJ History Alive), Main Branch, 2pm. Free. Reservations required.
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