Revolutionary Weekend April 24, 25, and 26, 2009

Revolutionary Weekend April 24, 25, and 26, 2009

Planning continues for a weekend of American Revolution-related special events at various historic sites in the greater Morristown, New Jersey area within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. The weekend is scheduled for April 24, 25, and 26, 2009 with the aim of increasing knowledge of the importance of Morristown and New Jersey in the American Revolution.

Morristown National Historical Park Superintendent Randy Turner is chairing a committee of various organizations that are planning events throughout the weekend. The events will focus on colonial life in addition to the military operations of the Continental Army.

The weekend will begin with a naturalization ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at Washington’s Headquarters Museum to welcome new American Citizens as they take the oath of allegiance to the United States. A “Martha Washington Colonial Tea” is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., followed by “ Songs and Stories of the Revolution” presented by Matthew Dodd, illustrating the type of entertainment that would have been heard at a colonial tavern.

There are currently more than fifteen programs – most of which are free – scheduled by sponsoring organizations. These will include a Continental Army Encampment at Jockey Hollow with demonstrations and events presented throughout Saturday and Sunday. Also on Saturday, New Jersey Historian John T. Cunningham will speak about Lloyd Smith and the historic documents contributed by Smith to the Morristown National Historical Park’s archives. Additional activities include be a guided bike ride from Lewis Morris County Park to Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and information and demonstrations regarding colonial herb gardening.

A limited number of events will require tickets. These include a walking tour of Historic Presbyterian Church Burying Ground in Morristown and a dinner at the Morristown Club where a program will be presented entitled “Thomas Paine: Agitator for Freedom and Justice.”

Beginning in early April complete schedules will be available at the following web sites: www.morristourism.org or www.nps.gov/morr and by calling: 973-539-2016 ext. 232.

More than a dozen organizations participating including the following:

●National Park Service
●Crossroads of the American Revolution Association
●Washington Association of New Jersey
●Morris County Visitors Center
●Morristown Partnership
●Morris Museum
●Morris County Park Commission
●Morris County Heritage Commission
●North Jersey American Revolution Round Table
●2nd New Jersey Regiment, Helms’ Company
●Herb Society of America, Northern NJ Unit
●Town of Hanover Landmark Commission
●Burnham Park Association
●Daughters of the American Revolution, Morristown Chapter
●Glassworks Studio
●International Pottery
●Dublin Pub
●George and Martha’s American Grille