HAPPY SPRING! We are happy to announce new events celebrating America's 250th. We even went out to the beginning of June to announce that tickets are now on sale for our Outdoor Colonial Tavern experience, with drink, food and song! This should be a very jolly night at Melick's Town Farm's Cider Mill! HUZZAH!
Besides amazing individual lectures, we have parts II and III of Betty DeSapio's series on loyalists, and the first of a 4-part series on colonial commerce given by David Reading, a direct descendent of Governor John Reading and who is a real-life West Jersey Proprietor!
There is a also a special invitation to see the only church in Hunterdon County that has not changed its architecture since pre Revolution, and is considered a national treasure, St Thomas', and then enjoy the hospitality of the members following the talk.
We offer some walking tours of one of the original county municipalities, Tewksbury Township, and Steve Case, the author of "Treacherous Beauty", the story of Peggy Shipton, is making a special trip up from Washington just to talk with us!
And in April, we are bringing back the talk about the Loyalist Homestead, the Vought House, which "sold out" in March.
Our partners are offering a huge variety of events and talks and movies, oh my! Please take some time and enjoy this month's listings. We hope to see you soon!
EVENTS FROM THE HUNTERDON 300TH
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. 10 am. 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.
SOLD OUT: 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 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. Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington, NJ. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY, MAY 7TH: “THE PROPRIETORS” (1674-1720): Historian and real-life West Jersey Proprietor, David R. Reading will present three lectures for the nation’s 250th anniversary that gives an historical perspective of Hunterdon’s history inspired by three generations of his ancestors. From proprietorship to the growth and prosperity of the colonial period culminating with a narrative of Hunterdon’s role in attempting to solve the supply problems of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, Dave will share a unique and personal perspective of the American Revolution.
Part 1: The Proprietors (1674-1720) covers from the start of the proprietary period in 1764 through the first 18 years as a British colony. Featuring John Reading, Sr. who was a participant in much of this history as a founding member of the Council of West New Jersey Proprietors and early settler of Hunterdon County.
Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.SATURDAY, MAY 9TH: WALKING TOUR OF MOUNTAINVILLE: This is such a wonderful tour during Spring. Mountainville in the Spring is like a postcard! Come hear the history of what was originally known as Bulls Head, where the confluence of 3 streams allowed Mountainville in Tewksbury Township to take advantage of the power of water and where the Potter family became an influential family. We’ll see the former one-room school, the local general store and post office, the hotel, the former Kitchen Caboodle cooking school and the site of a former tannery. Tour led by Tewksbury Township Historian Shaun Van Doren.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Tour limited to 20 guests.
Meet at the Tewksbury Historical Society, 60 Water Street (use Lebanon, NJ 08833 for GPS). 10 am to noon.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-mountainville-tickets-1985216791865?aff=oddtdtcreator
THURSDAY, MAY 14TH: “HUNTERDON LOYALISTS PART III: THE AFTERMATH”: In the third part our three-part series on Hunterdon County’s Loyalists, Kingwood historian Betty DeSapio will explore the fate of local Loyalists in following the American Revolution 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.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hunterdon-loyalists-part-iii-the-aftermath-tickets-1985210238263?aff=oddtdtcreator
SATURDAY, MAY 16TH: RAISING OF THE LIBERTY POLE IN (1776) TEWKSBURY TOWNSHIP: In 1776, Tewksbury Township was comprised of a territory that included our modern Tewksbury Township plus Califon 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 Tewksbury Ballfields (behind the Library) 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. 1 pm. Free. No reservations required.
Liberty Pole raisings are planned for Lebanon Township, Readington Township, Bethlehem Township, Amwell (East Amwell Township), and Alexandria Township.
SATURDAY, MAY 16TH: WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC OLDWICK: Oldwick is on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, and on this tour with Tewksbury Historian Shaun Van Doren, we will see over a dozen different types of architecture employed on Oldwick’s historic business and residential buildings. What we know today as Oldwick used to be called New Germantown until 1918, when anti-German sentiment caused the name to be changed to Oldwick. The reason behind the name Oldwick is that wick means village and since at the time of the change the village was old, it was named Oldwick, meaning old village. Prior to New Germantown, the village was named Smithfield, after its principal resident Ralph Smith. This is a wonderful tour of one of Hunterdon's very special hamlets that you won't want to miss!
Free but Reservations are required. Approximately 2 hours.
Meet/Park at Cold Brook Preserve, Route 517, Oldwick at 3 pm.
Walk limited to 20 people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-oldwick-tickets-1985217100789?aff=oddtdtcreator
SUNDAY, MAY 17th: TOUR AND HISTORY OF SAINT THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, AN 18th CENTURY NATIONAL TREASURE: Join us for this very special afternoon of history, architecture and fellowship. One of only two churches in Hunterdon during the American Revolution, Saint Thomas Episcopal Church was put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 both for its history and for its simple but beautiful architecture. Following the talk, St. Thomas Church members will be hosting a special reception for us.
Free but reservations are required. Limited to 75 guests.
3pm, 98 Sky Manor Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tour-history-of-st-thomas-church-an-18th-century-national-treasure-tickets-1985217593262?aff=oddtdtcreator
THURSDAY, May 21ST: “1778: THE ROADS TO MONMOUTH” Following the British evacuation of Philadelphia, Washington’s army departed Valley Forge, reoccupied Philadelphia, and set off to harass Crown forces as they crossed New Jersey fleeing to Manhattan Island. That pursuit crossed Hunterdon County on the way to the battle at Monmouth Court House, but what route(s) were taken to get to Hopewell? Join historian John Allen as he explores the options.
7 pm, Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington.
Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1778-the-roads-to-monmouth-tickets-1985217933279?aff=oddtdtcreator
THURSDAY, MAY 28TH: “THE IMPORTANCE OF PITTSTOWN TO GEORGE WASHINGTON”: Moore Furman (1728–1808) was a prominent Revolutionary War figure, merchant, and first mayor of Trenton who developed a 700-acre estate in Pittstown, Hunterdon County, NJ. During the war, he served as Deputy Quartermaster General, using his Pittstown properties—including a mill and tavern—as a critical supply depot for the Continental Army. He was a trusted associate and key logistical agent for George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Join Historian Don Sherblom as he shares the importance of this patriot and his town to the American Revolution and Washington's army.
7 pm. North Branch of the County Library, Clinton, NJ. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-importance-of-pittstown-to-george-washington-tickets-1985218306395?aff=oddtdtcreator
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! SATURDAY JUNE 6TH: AN (OUTDOOR) COLONIAL TAVERN EXPERIENCE WITH HARD CIDER, FOOD, AND LIVE MUSIC: Eat, drink and Huzzah like a real patriot! Hard Cider, Food and Live Music featuring Colonial Drinking Songs. These songs would have been heard in taverns across the colonies throughout the colonial era. Raise a glass and join in! Musicians Anne and Ridley Enslow present a rousing concert of drinking songs, jolly toasts, huzzahs and entertaining tales!
Melick’s Town Farm at the Cider Mill's Pavilion, 19 King Street, Oldwick, NJ 08858. 5 to 730 pm.
$35 per adult in advance; $40 per adult at the door; $25 for children 12 and under.
EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST: MOVIE "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. 6 pm. Free. Reservations are required.
This program is generously sponsored by FOHCL, Friends of the Hunterdon County Library.
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" (postponed from March 24th): 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.
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND: RARITAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL: DUOJALAL: "THREADS OF SOUND: VOICES OF AMERICAN COMPOSERS" (viola and percussion): The 37th Raritan River Music Festival opens with duoJalal – seekers and synthesizers of disparate instruments and cultures. This duo of viola and myriad percussion instruments explores the rich and evolving voices of American composers, celebrating creators who truly represent the America people: those born in the United States, immigrant composers, and first-generation voices whose music reflects the complexity of the American experience.
Featured works include compositions by Kenji Bunch, Caroline Shaw, Dafnis Prieto, and Kurt Rhode, alongside a newly adapted work, “Can’t Be,” by Native composer Dawn Avery of Kaniènkéha Mohawk Nation ancestry.
7:30 PM, Historic Hunterdon County Courthouse,71 Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822
SATURDAY, MAY 9TH: “CELEBRATE 250: MUSIC OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION" with Anne and Ridley Enslow. 2pm Hunterdon County Lbrary, Main Branch, Route 12, Flemington.
Free. Reservations required.
SATURDAY, MAY 9TH: RARITAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL: TRIO ONDATA: "AMERICAN MYCELIUM: EXPLORATIONS OF THE NEW WORLD, MUSIC BY SHOSTAKOVICH, HAYDN, ESMAIL, AND SHAW" (violin, cello, piano): The dynamic young Trio Ondata (violin, cello, piano) comes for the first time to Raritan River Music Festival from New Haven, where they formed as graduate students at Yale University School of Music. Winner of awards at the 2022 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the trio strives to cultivate spaces of close, intimate listening in a busy and noisy world.
Their program includes the groundbreaking Piano Trio Number 2 by Shostakovich, along with works by Haydn and by today’s American composers Caroline Shaw (Pulitzer Prize-winning graduate of Princeton University), Reena Esmail (weaving together the traditions of Hindustani and Western classical music), and young composers of the Native American Composer Apprentice Project of the Grand Canyon Music Festival.
7:30 PM, Old Greenwich Presbyterian Church * 17 Greenwich Church Rd, Stewartsville, NJ 08886.
For tickets and information www.RaritanRiverMusic.org. info@raritanrivermusic.org, 908-213-1100
FRIDAY, MAY 15TH: 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. 6 pm. Free. Reservations are required.
This program is generously sponsored by FOHCL, Friends of the Hunterdon County Library.
SATURDAY, MAY 16TH: RARITAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL: NEWMAN & OLTMAN GUITAR DUO: "GREATEST HITS OF 1776: MUSIC BY BILLINGS, MOZART, HAYDN,AMONG OTHERS" (two guitars): The Newman & Oltman Guitar Duo, comprising Raritan River Music co-founding directors Laura Oltman and Michael Newman, take us on a journey of Revolutionary-era music from Europe and the newly-forming American nation.
Musical and other cultural connections abound: music by Haydn was first presented in America in the Moravian community of nearby Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Mozart’s librettist Lorenzo da Ponte came from Italy to live in Elizabeth, New Jersey; the venue for this concert, Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, was founded in the hamlet of Grandin (Hunterdon County) in 1730 and was influential in the community throughout the 18th century.
7:30 PM, Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 2 Race St, Pittstown (Grandin), NJ 08867
For tickets and information www.RaritanRiverMusic.org. info@raritanrivermusic.org, 908-213-1100
SATURDAY, MAY 23RD: RARITAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL: ARTEK: GWENDOLYN TOTH & PETER SYKES: "TWO BY TWO: HARPSICHORD DUETS ACROSS THE CENTURIES" (two harpsichords): A pair of America’s top early music specialists – Peter Sykes directs harpsichord studies at The Juilliard School; Gwendolyn Toth is professor of Historical Performance Practice at The Graduate Center, CUNY – join together to share an evening of intimate music created by “virginalist composers,” those English keyboard musicians writing for virginal, clavichord, harpsichord, and chamber organ in the late 1500s and early 1600s, the period of peak English exploration of the New World.
Included in the program will be Two by Two’s mashup of “The Battle of Trenton,” à la William Byrd.
7:30 PM, Stanton Reformed Church, 1 Stanton Mountain Rd, Stanton, NJ 08885
For tickets and information www.RaritanRiverMusic.org. info@raritanrivermusic.org, 908-213-1100
