Back in 2014, the Hunterdon Tricentennial Committee (the Hunterdon 300h) commissioned an 8 minute musical composition for the Hunterdon Symphony to celebrate Hunterdon's 300th anniversary. "The Hunterdon Ode" nicknamed "Balloon Ride" by its composer Raymond Wojcik, sets to music a fantasy hot air balloon ride over the farmland of our beautiful county. In between the soaring balloon, we see a cemetery with monuments to war heroes, the beautiful church steeples dotting the countryside and of course, farms.
"Balloon Ride" was recorded in 2014 and you can listen to it at the link below. The Hunterdon Symphony has added stock footage of balloons, but is seeking actual aerial footage of our church steeples, historic graveyards, and our farms.
Imagine how much more meaningful a video like this would be if the clips actually were of Hunterdon County! That's where YOU come in. We're helping the Symphony canvass the community to see if anyone has any videos or drone footage they might be interested in contributing so they can create a truly Hunterdon version of this video! If you have any such footage you would be interested in submitting for consideration in a new video, files can be easily uploaded to the Hunterdon Symphony's secure Dropbox account here. We're all looking forward to seeing actual video footage of beautiful Hunterdon County!See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsRFmozaohA
POSTPONED “THE IMPORTANCE OF PITTSTOWN TO GEORGE WASHINGTON” UNTIL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10TH FROM THURSDAY, MAY 28TH AND WITH A NEW TITLE!: “ALL ROADS LEAD TO PITTSTOWN”: 7 pm. North Branch of the County Library, Clinton, NJ. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH: “COLONIAL HUNTERDON COUNTY (1720-1774)”: 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 II: Dave Reading provides a fascinating overview of the settlement, economic development, and rising rebellious environment of the County during the period between proprietorship and statehood. This was a period where the colonies served the Mercantile interests of the British. An example of how that economic system contributed to the unrest leading the revolution is illustrated by the rise and fall of the Squires Point Forge in the Musconetcong Valley which began in 1760 and ended in an incident of armed rebellion in 1773.
7 pm, Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington.
Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH: RAISING OF LIBERTY POLE IN ALEXANDRIA TOWNSHIP: In 1776, Alexandria Township was comprised of a territory that included our modern Alexandria Township, Holland Township, Milford Borough, 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 Alexandria Township Park 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. 242 Little York-Mt. Pleasant Road Milford, NJ 08848.
Liberty Pole raisings are planned for Lebanon Township, Readington Township, Bethlehem Township, and Amwell (in East Amwell Township).
CANCELLED: SATURDAY JUNE 6TH: AN (OUTDOOR) COLONIAL TAVERN EXPERIENCE WITH HARD CIDER, FOOD, AND LIVE MUSIC: Musical performance of colonial drinking songs moved to Thursday, December 17th as part of our Am Rev year's grand finale!
THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH: JUST IN TIME FOR FLAG DAY! "THE FLAGS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION": Celebrate Flag Day with the 300th! Flag historian and expert, Richard Pierce, presents new research with a terrific lecture and powerpoint show. We remember "Don't Tread on Me" and Betsy Ross' flag, but there was no single recognized flag in 1776 -- every colony and militia seemed to have their own. This is the place to be for all loyal patriots on Flag Day!
North Branch of the County Library; 7 pm; Refreshments follow; Free.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY PARADE! CELEBRATE 250 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE ON FLAG DAY: George Washington himself will lead off our county parade of Floats, Revolutionary War Militias, Bag Pipes, marching bands, historical organizations, First Responders, and so much more! Join us for this huge parade celebrating our freedom from tyranny!
Rain or shine. 2 pm, Main Street, Flemington
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THURSDAY, JUNE 25TH: "TAYLOR'S MILL: THE MILL THAT FED WASHNGTON'S TROOPS": Join Pat Fisher-Olsen, President of the Friends of Taylor's Mill: as she discusses the history of the mill and the challenges in preserving and protecting its structural remains. Located in Readington Township on the edge of Tewskbury, this mill played an important role in the Revolution as a grain supplier for Washington’s Army, and remains significant for its importance to local history, for studying early patterns of industry and commerce, for studying the architecture of early mills, and for understanding the importance of local business in support of the military effort during the Revolution. The Taylor’s Mill Historic District was added to both the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1992 and currently is on the list of Preservation NJ as one of the 10 most Endangered Historic Structures in NJ.
7pm. Main Branch of the County Library. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27TH: PLEASANT RIDGE CEMETERY REVOLUTIONARY GRAVES MEET-UP: Pleasant Ridge Cemetery is only a little more than 100 years old, but it actually started as a burial ground in the early 1700s. The oldest headstone that can be read is dated 1745.
Hunterdon 300th's own David Smisek will lead you to see some of the many notables buried here, such as Governor John Reading Jr., the first from New Jersey native to rule the province. Buried with his wife near where the old church stood, he died at 81 in 1767. There are several Revolutionary war soldiers, the most famous of whom is Captain (later Colonel) John Schenck of Flemington, who led a company at the Battle of Monmouth but is more famous locally as leader of the Amwell Militia against the British cavalry in the so-called “Skirmish at Geary's Ridge" or the "Amwell Skirmish.” It was the only clash between American and British troops to occur within the current boundaries of Hunterdon County.
The cemetery is located at 111 Old York Road, CR 514, Ringoes, NJ 08851.
10 am. Free. Reservations are required. Limited to 20 guests.
Following this walk, you are invited to drive over to the Clawson House in Ringoes to view the East Amwell Historical Society's new exhibit on the Revolutionary War history of Amwell Township which included East and West Amwell, Lambertville, Stockton, Delaware, Raritan and Flemington (see full description below under our Partners listings). Light refreshments will be served. 1053 Old York Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551
If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us at 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us
SUNDAY. JUNE 28TH: ROSEMONT CEMETERY REVOLUTIONARY WAR GRAVES MEET-UP: Looking for a story with a good plot? Well, how about a plot with a good story!
Join Hunterdon County Historical Society Administrator Dave Harding on a walking tour of Rosemont Cemetery. Dave will share stories about a number of denizens buried there including Captain Daniel Bray (later General), who was among several officers who collected all the boats on the upper Delaware River and hid them from the British troops snapping at the heels of General George Washington in late 1776.
The cemetery is located at 100 Kingwood-Stockton Road in Rosemont.
2 pm. Free. Reservations are required. Limited to 20 guests.
If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us at 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rosemont-cemetery-revolutionary-war-graves-meet-up-tickets-1988652452017?aff=oddtdtcreator
THURSDAY, JULY 2ND: SUPPLYING THE CONTINENTAL ARMY (1775-1782): 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 III: Historian David Reading recounts the problems the supply system overseen by Congress in four stages of change leading to the centralization of the national government, and how Hunterdon men such as Moore Furman, Charles Steward, Thomas Lowery, and Thomas Reading participated in the supply system throughout the war.
7 pm, Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington.
Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supplying-the-continental-army-1775-1782-tickets-1988655974553?aff=oddtdtcreator
MONDAY, JULY 6TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY RUG ARTISANS GUILD EXHIBIT RECEPTION AND SHOW AND TELL: Come see the amazing hooked rugs created by the Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild. This exhibit includes portraits, scenes, flags, and more all denoting iconic images of the American Revolution. The Hunterdon 300th will host a reception for the artisans following a "show and tell" o/f some of these beautiful rugs.
7 pm, Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington.
Free. Reservations required.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hunterdon-county-rug-artisans-guild-exhibit-reception-and-show-and-tell-tickets-1988588136648?aff=oddtdtcreator
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH: RE-ENACTMENT OF THE 2nd PUBLIC READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE IN 1776: On July 4, 1776, upon the signIng of the Declaration of Independence, the document was read publicly for the first time in Philadelphia on the steps of the Continental Congress. Following that reading, riders were sent out to read it throughout the 13 colonies. The first location outside of Philadelphia was reached on July 8, 1776 where it was read on the steps of the courthouse in Trenton, NJ, then the County Seat of Hunterdon County.
Join us for a dramatic reenactment and reading of the document that created a nation followed by an impassioned speech on freedom and independence by Revolutionary War hero Ned Hector.
2:30 pm. Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse steps, Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Rain or shine.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY CELEBRATION OF OUR NATION'S 250TH BIRTHDAY: Music, fireworks, food trucks, re-enactors, and so much more will create a PARTY at Deer Path Park! Pack a picnic or grab your dinner from a food truck, the park will be alive with festivities and fun! Come early for the best spots; bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Wear red, white and blue and celebrate America! A dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by Revolutionary War hero Ned Hector will be followed by a rousing concert of patriotic music by the amazing Hunterdon Symphony. When the conductor's baton drops for the last time, the county will launch the largest and most spectacular fireworks display Hunterdon County has ever seen, making our own history that night. Come and be part of this magical, spectacular, patriotic celebration.
Deer Path Park, 120 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington.
Rain date Thursday, July 9th.
THURSDAY, JULY 9TH: “SHOW AND TELL PART 3: "ITEMS AND DOCUMENTS FROM FAMOUS REVOLUTIONARY WAR HEROES": Collector Ron Warner presents a real show-stopper of original items and documents from the American Revolution including George Washington, Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, and many others.
This talk will be postponed in the event that the
7 pm. North Branch of the County Library; Refreshments follow; Free.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/show-tell-part-3-items-documents-from-famous-reveolutionary-war-heroes-tickets-1990982070970?aff=oddtdtcreator
SATURDAY JULY 18TH: RINGOES WALKING TOUR: Take a walking tour of downtown Ringoes and discover its rich Revolutionary-era history. Our tour guide is Dave Harding, Executive Director of the Hunterdon County Historical Society, member of the East Amwell Historic Preservation Committee, and author of a self-guided walking tour of Ringoes. Dave will tell us about John Ringo’s arrival in the early 1700s where he became a reluctant tavern owner, and discuss the legend of his buried treasure. We'll learn about this dynamic community where representatives from the county gathered at Ringo's Tavern to pass the Hunterdon Resolutions, while down the street, the Anglican Church continued offering prayers to King George III. We’ll swing past the Henry Landis House, built in 1750, where the Marquis de Lafayette convalesced after falling ill, and we’ll talk about the local doctor from the Second Regiment of the Hunterdon Militia, who rushed to his aid. The tour will stretch past the revolutionary era to tell you all about Dr. Mary Tidd Bennett, the town’s rare 1800s female physician, and we’ll stand beside the home and publishing house of Dr. Cornelius Larison, and discuss this physician, teacher, publisher, author, interviewer of ex-slave Sylvia DuBois and advocate of phonetic spelling. Join us to learn about the fascinating, historic hamlet.
Reservations are required. Approximately 90 minutes.
10 am. Meet at the Clawson House in Ringoes, the home of the East Amwell Historical Society.
Following this walk, you are invited to the Clawson House to view the East Amwell Historical Society's new exhibit on the Revolutionary War history of Amwell Township which included East and West Amwell, Lambertville, Stockton, Delaware, Raritan and Flemington (see full description below under our Partners listings).
Walk limited to 20 people.
WE ARE SORRY BUT THERE IS NO RAIN DATE FOR THIS EVENT.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-ringoes-tickets-1990983102054?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us at 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22ND: WALKING TOUR OF COKESBURY: Tewksbury historian Shaun Van Doren leads our tour thru the village that is almost equally divided between Clinton and Tewksbury Townships. It was named for two Methodist bishops, Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury. We’ll tour the Cokesbury Methodist Church, which remains the focal point of the hamlet, as well the Cokesbury Cemetery. We’ll see the former Cokesbury Reformed Church, which had formed by a group of Methodists who were mad at the then current leadership back in the 1800s.
6 pm. Meet at The Methodist Church, 230 Cokesbury Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833.
Tour length: 75 minutes. Rain date July 23rd, Free but are Reservations Required. Walk limited to 30 guests.
Rain Date July 23rd.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-cokesbury-tickets-1990984247480?aff=oddtdtcreator
If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us at 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us
FROM OUR PARTNERS
THE EAST AMWELL HISTORICAL SCIETY PRESENTS "RINGOES: CROSSROAD OF THE REVOLUTION": Learn about the hidden history of Old Amwell — a township that once stretched nearly 200 square miles, covering today’s East Amwell, West Amwell, Delaware Township, Flemington, Mt. Airy, parts of Kingwood and Hopewell, Lambertville, Ringoes, and more. In the 1700s, all of this was simply Amwell, with Ringoes at its center, where Old York Road carried riders, soldiers, couriers, and intelligence through one of the busiest Revolutionary crossroads in New Jersey.
This exhibit uncovers stories almost lost through time:
• Washington’s rides through Amwell and his stops to rest and meet local patriots
• Lafayette’s recovery in our region
• Espionage networks and quiet intelligence work along Old York Road
• Taverns and mills where news, strategy, and resistance took shape
• Local patriots, women, and Black residents whose contributions deserve recognition
• The Sons of Liberty and early sparks of rebellion
• The Amwell Skirmish and the everyday courage of families living on a warfront
The museum is open the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month (except holiday weekends), and will also be open on July 4 with a renewed, enlightening look at the hidden history of the Revolution. Bring a friend, bring family, and come rediscover the Revolutionary world that once unfolded right here in the Revolutionary crossroad we call home.
For more information contact Eastamwellhistoricalsociety1@gmail.com or Text: 609-591-4661
SUNDAY, JUNE 7TH: UNION FORGE HERITAGE ASSOCIATON PRESENTS: "GENESIS OFTHE 1742 UNION IRON WORKS": Exploring the lives of William Allen and Joseph Turner, founders of the Union Iron Works and the foundations of the oldest continually operating foundry in U.S. Powerpoint presentation and museum tours.Event at the 1760 Joseph Turner House. 117 Van Syckels Rd, Hampton, NJ 08827. Suggested Donation. No reservations necessary. 1 pm to 4 pm.
https://www.facebook.com/PRESERVENJ/
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY LIBRARY PRESENTS: "REMEMBERING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION": with Joel Farkas.
7pm. Main Branch, Route 12, Flemington.
Free; reservations are required.https://www.hclibrary.us/home
SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH: TEWKSBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 14TH ANNUAL BARN TOUR 10 AM TO 3 PM: 2026 marks the 14th bi-annual Tewksbury Barn Tour. The first tour took place in 1998. More than 60 Tewksbury barns have been showcased on past tours. Because Tewksbury is a picturesque township known for its equestrian charm, it is no surprise that most barns on the tour house horses. To reflect the agricultural side of Tewksbury, a farm site was added that provides our community with locally grown, farm fresh fruits and vegetables. The goal of the Barn Tour is to share some of the history of Tewksbury, but it is also meant for visitors to enjoy. Rain or Shine.
For ticket information tewksburynjhistory@gmail.com (908) 832-6734.
CANCELLED SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH: VOUGHT HOUSE: "NEIGHBORS AT WAR"
https://voughthouse.org/
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1ST: HUNTERDON COUNTY RUG ARTISANS GUILD: DISPLAY OF THE RUG GUILD'S AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR HOOKED RUGS: (exhibit closes July 31). Main Branch of the Hunterdon County Library, Route 12, Flemington.
https://hcrag.org/
https://www.hclibrary.us/home
SATURDAY, JULY 11TH: SAMUEL FLEMING HOUSE MUSEUM AND GARDENS: "AN AFTERNOON WITH DEBORAH SAMPSON, A REVOLUTINARY WAR SOLDIER": With Historian Dr. Yolanda Cillo. House Tours, 1pm; Talk, 2.pm
Deborah Sampson enlisted in the 4th Massachusetts Light Infantry during the American Revolution in the Spring of 1782 serving for 17 months as Private Robert Shurtliff, hiding her female identity until illness exposed her secret to a doctor. Deborah will share her revolutionary story, the story of the first woman to serve in the American army.Samuel Fleming emigrated from Ireland in the early 18th century, building one of the first permanent dwellings in the Amwell Valley—the home where he and his wife Esther, the daughter of French Huguenots, raised their ten children. Their family's influence extended beyond the Revolutionary War in New Jersey, and the house they built played host to a number of prominent Hunterdon County and New Jersey families.
For further information contact https://www.samuelfleminghouse.org/
SUNDAY, JULY12TH: UNION FORGE HERITAGE ASSOCIATION PRESENTS "FORGES AND FURNANCES OF THE 1742 UNION IRON WORKS": Explore the forges and furnaces of Union Township and High Bridge. Powerpoint presentation and Museum tour. Suggested donation. At the 1760 Joseph Turner House, 117 Vansyckel's Road, Hampton. 1 to 4 pm
https://www.facebook.com/PRESERVENJ/
FRIDAY, JULY 24TH: MOVIE MATINEE: "DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK" North Branch of the Hunterdon County Library 2 pm
https://www.hclibrary.us/home
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