4th of July 2012 Historical Happenings

4th of July 2012 Historical Happenings

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Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness  Allentown, Monmouth County Wednesday, July 4, 2012 Celebrate the 4th of July in a historical setting. Drop in at Walnford and put yourself in a 1776 frame of mind with a tricorn hat or lacy cap. Use a quill pen to practice your "John Hancock". Stand in a room where Thomas Paine's words were discussed, step where Hessian soldiers marched and Quaker values held firm in the midst of violent conflict. Free of charge and event runs from 1:00-4:00 P.M. 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 (609) 259-6275 - Historic Walnford House

Friends of Monmouth Battlefield Lecture Program 
New Brunswick, Middlesex County
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Friends of Monmouth Battlefield present "The Court Martial of Charles Lee," by Jim Raleigh at 1:30 PM Wednesday, July 4, 2012


The New Jersey events associated with General Charles Lee follow the evacuation of New York City and result is has capture at Widow White’s Tavern in December of 1776. General Washington tries to exchange the Hessian prisoners of Trenton for the release of General Lee. Lee's exchange occurs to Valley Forge after the cold winter and Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben’s training. Lee asked for the Court Martial to clear his name. Previous lectures on Charles Lee have covered the various charges, some of the proceedings and the terrain. The New Brunswick event is significant because General Lee’s trial began in New Brunswick on July 4, 1778. This year’s talk will open with some background, a review of the charges and focus on Charles Lee's final prevention and his observations of the proceedings.

Independence Day at Morristown National Historical Park 
Morristown, Morris County
Wednesday, July 4, 2012 

Morristown National Historical Park's (NHP) will celebrate our declaration of independence with July 4th activities beginning at noon on the park's Washington's Headquarters grounds, 30 Washington Place, with a "Warm-Up for the Declaration." The "Warm-Up" will feature a park ranger in period clothing entertaining the crowd and giving a "kids level" explanation of the Declaration. Stories, jokes, riddles, and an inspection of the troops will all be included.

•  At 1 p.m. the "Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence" will commence. Attendees will be given a copy of the Declaration, and encouraged to cheer along with park rangers and re-enactors as they denounce tyranny and praise liberty. At the conclusion of the reading, members of the 2nd New Jersey Regiment, Helms' Company, a volunteer re-enactment group, will fire a feu de joie (musket salute).
• Following the reading of the Declaration, the Ford Mansion will be open for tours with a number of re-enactors in period dress bringing life to the mansion once again. 

Visitors are asked to bring water to drink and a chair or a blanket to sit on the ground, and are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather including wearing a hat and sunscreen. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to carpool or walk to the event. All other areas of the park, including the Wick House and the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center will be open throughout the day. Events: 12:00-2:00. There is no admission fee on July 4th.

Independence Day with Abraham Lincoln 
Piscataway, Middlesex County
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

On Wednesday July 4th, 2012, beginning at 2:00 pm, at the East Jersey Olde Towne Village meet Abraham Lincoln (Bob Gleason of the American Historical Theatre). Lincoln was a self taught man who rose from poverty. He was highly individualistic and a person who who continues to fascinate and challenge our convictions. Committed to the preservation of the Union, he was no stranger to hard work and controversy. Experience the depth of Lincoln's heart and his quick wit through the remarkable portrayal of Mr. Lincoln. Registration requested, offered free of charge.

Celebrate the 4th of July at the Trent House! 
Trenton, Mercer County
Wednesday July, 4, 2012

Bring a picnic and join us for a special outdoor concert of patriotic music by the Trenton Capital Singers, directed by Richard Loatman. The grounds will open at 5:30 p.m., and the first floor of the Trent House will be open for special evening tours. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.

July 4th Jubilee at Morven Museum and Gardeen 
Princeton, Mercer County
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Morven hosts its annual Independence Day celebration with a full day of activities at the home, turned museum of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The festivities will include demonstrations of colonial life, festive music, refreshments and more. Children of all ages can even “sign” the Declaration of Independence! Noon – 3 p.m. It is A FREE event for the whole family!

July 4th at Fort Lee
Fort Lee, Bergen County
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

John Adams wrote that the Fourth of July “...ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other...” Come to Fort Lee Historic Park (entrance on Hudson Terrace) where we will be following some of Mr. Adams’ suggestions from 2–4 PM. Attendance is free and open to all with no pre-registration required; $5 parking fee will be in effect. For more information: 201 -461-1776.

Potter's Tavern Open House
Bridgeton, Cumberland County
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Open from 1-4 pm. The tavern, dating to the 18th century, is known for tavern owner Matthew Potter who posted a manuscript newspaper called The Plain Dealer. This newspaper spoke of the pros and cons of the American Revolution. Some of the leading citizens who wrote articles included Dr. Jonathan Elmer, Dr. Lewis Howell, Richard Howell and Joseph Bloomfield. The latter two eventually became governors of New Jersey.