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Month: July 2025

  • First Oval Office Project at the Dey Mansion

    My family and I visited the First Oval Office Project at the Dey Mansion in Wayne, NJ on Saturday, July 19th. The event, which ran all weekend, was curated by the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and featured a replica of George Washington’s War Tent from the American Revolution. This wasn’t our first time experiencing the tent. In July 2023, as I shared in my post “Washington’s War Tent and the Ford Mansion,” we attended the First Oval Office Project at Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown, NJ. We also had the chance to see the original tent at the Museum of the American Revolution during our trip to Philadelphia in February 2024. You can read more about that trip [HERE]. This recent visit was another great opportunity to see history come to life and engage with historical reenactors.

    George Washington’s War Tent

    The War Tent on display at the Dey Mansion was a reproduction of George Washington’s original field tent, which has been preserved and is now housed at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. After Washington’s death, the tent was passed down through Martha Washington’s descendants until it was acquired in 1909 by Reverend W. Herbert Burk, the founder of the museum’s collection. While the original tent can be viewed at the museum, visitors aren’t permitted to go inside it. This full-scale replica was created to give people a sense of what it was like inside Washington’s mobile headquarters during the Revolutionary War. It served as both a workspace—where he and his aides handled military business and correspondence—and a place to sleep while on campaign.

    Our Day

    Demonstrations

    We arrived at the Dey Mansion a little before 10:30 a.m. and began by exploring several of the programs and demonstrations happening on the mansion grounds. Our first stop was a demonstration on 18th-century weaving, followed by a visit to the blacksmith’s shop, where the historical reenactors shared fascinating insights into the techniques and tools used by blacksmiths during the Revolutionary era.

    Second New Jersey Regiment, Helm’s Company

    Next, we made our way to the front lawn and explored the dining tent. At 11:00 a.m., the 2nd New Jersey Regiment, Helm’s Company, performed military drills—including standing in formation, loading and firing muskets, marching, and executing a bayonet charge. It’s been a privilege to see Helm’s Company at several recent events, including the Battle of Monmouth Reenactment and Lafayette’s Visit to Morristown. After the demonstration, the reenactors answered questions from the audience and posed for photos.

    Arts and Crafts/ Presentations

    Following the drills, I took a few photos of Washington’s War Tent but planned to return later once the crowd had thinned out. Meanwhile, my children enjoyed doing arts and crafts, which were run by the Passaic County Arts Center. I also attended a demonstration on 18th-century fabric dyeing, and later listened to a reenactor give a detailed presentation on Revolutionary War weaponry. He spoke about muskets, rifles, swords, musket balls, and even primitive hand grenades. His depth of knowledge was evident when addressing spectators’ questions.

    Washington’s Tent

    Later, I returned to Washington’s War Tent for a more in-depth look. Just like during our previous visit, it was a great experience to step inside the tent and hear reenactors describe what daily life was like for Washington and his aides while on campaign. It served as a vivid reminder that—despite his leadership and status—Washington endured many of the same hardships as his soldiers. This stood in contrast to the relative comfort he would have enjoyed while staying at the Dey Mansion.

    What made this visit to The First Oval Office Project unique was the addition of the dining tent—it was even larger than Washington’s War Tent. The reenactors throughout the event were incredibly informative and passionate about sharing their knowledge. Their dedication to bringing history to life was evident in every conversation.

    Food was available on-site, with hamburgers and hot dogs offered for just $2 from The Dawg House in Totowa. My kids were also thrilled to grab ice cream—also $2—which was a welcome treat on a warm day. Having food on site made things especially convenient around lunchtime. After their treats, the kids enjoyed petting the horses brought by some of the reenactors.

    Final Thoughts

    Overall, it was a fantastic day at the Dey Mansion. The Dey Mansion, the Museum of the American Revolution, the 2nd New Jersey Regiment, and all the reenactors and site staff did a wonderful job creating a truly immersive historical experience. It was also great to connect with reenactors I’ve met at previous events. It’s always a pleasure to meet people who are so enthusiastic about sharing their love of history and committed to making it engaging for all ages.

    Please stay tuned to my Instagram and Facebook accounts as I will be posting videos of the event.

    If you’d like to read about our tour inside the Dey Mansion from this past February 2025, check it out [HERE].

    Learn more about the organizations involved in this event:

    Dey Mansion

    See Passaic County

    Museum of the American Revolution

    First Oval Office Project

    NJ Helm’s Company

    Passaic County Arts Center

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  • Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Return To Morristown, NJ

    My family and I made it out to the Morristown Green in New Jersey on July 13th to celebrate the bicentennial of General Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Morristown. In July 1825, Lafayette—the beloved French hero of the American Revolution—visited Morristown as part of his grand farewell tour of the United States. The tour, which came nearly 50 years after the country declared independence, brought Lafayette to towns and cities across the nation where he had once fought or held connections. In 1825, Morristown welcomed him with great fanfare, recalling his crucial role during the harsh winter encampments of the Revolutionary War. Crowds gathered in the town square, and a grand reception was held at Arnold’s Tavern—long a landmark of Morristown and closely tied to George Washington’s wartime presence in the area.

    Lafayette’s visit was not only a moment of celebration but also a reminder of the deep bond between the United States and its French ally. For the citizens of Morristown, many of whom had family ties to the Revolution, his presence brought history to life. The general, then nearly 68 years old, was greeted by veterans and descendants of patriots who had served under him or alongside him decades earlier. His return to Morristown symbolized the enduring gratitude of a young nation and reinforced the town’s reputation as a cornerstone of Revolutionary heritage.

    Lafayette in 1790
    Lafayette in 1823

    The event my family and I attended was organized by the American Friends of Lafayette in collaboration with the town of Morristown. When we arrived, we saw tents set up by local historical groups, including the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, the Morristown National Historical Park, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, and others. The event also featured exhibits, reenactors, and activities for families.

    A welcome ceremony at 12:45 p.m. kicked off the program, with remarks from the mayor of Morristown, a representative of the American Friends of Lafayette, and other local historical organizers.

    After the speeches, a cannon blast signaled the start of a reenactment of the 1825 parade, during which Lafayette was escorted around the Morristown Green. Crowds lined the Green to watch the procession of soldiers and catch a glimpse of the French hero.

    Following the parade, Lafayette was escorted to the stage for proclamations, speeches, toasts, and several hearty rounds of “HUZZAH!”

    One highlight of the day was the world premiere of the Lafayette Suite, a new composition by Maestro Robert W. Butts. Members of the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey (BONJ) performed the piece for the first time.

    It was great to see so many people come out to Morristown for this event. Lafayette was truly a remarkable figure, often referred to as the “Hero of Two Worlds” for his role in both the American and French Revolutions. Lafayette first fought for the United States at the Battle of Brandywine in 1777. He endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge, led troops effectively at the Battle of Monmouth, played a crucial role in securing French reinforcements, held a leadership position in Virginia late in the war, and was instrumental at the Siege of Yorktown. George Washington considered Lafayette like a son and his impact on the American Revolution was profound.

    Given all this, it’s easy to see why Lafayette was so widely celebrated during his return to the United States in 1824–1825. Having served in the Revolution at such a young age, it’s remarkable that he was able to return nearly 50 years later to revisit the nation he helped to shape.

    Please stay tuned to my Instagram and Facebook accounts as I will be posting Reels of the event.

    For more information on the American Friends of Lafayette, check out their website [HERE].  You can also check out other upcoming events celebrating Lafayette’s final tour of the United States [HERE]

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  • March To Yorktown: Panel Discussion and Exhibit

    On July 6th, I had the privilege of attending “March to Yorktown: Panel Discussion & Exhibit,” an event hosted by the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills at the Brick Academy in Basking Ridge, NJ. This was my first time attending one of the Society’s events, and it proved to be both informative and engaging. The panel discussion highlighted the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Trail and its lasting impact on the local community.  You can read my earlier blog post on the importance of the trail [HERE]. Notably, the French branch of the route passed directly through Basking Ridge, making it a key “route town” on the March To Yorktown. In addition to exploring the Trail, the panel emphasized the broader significance of the 1778 American-French alliance during the Revolutionary War.

    The session opened with introductory remarks by Julia Diddell, who serves as the Chair of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route – New Jersey. She gave an overview of the trail and reflected on its enduring influence on the surrounding communities. Julia also introduced the panelists: Dr. Robb Haberman and Dr. Robert A. Selig.

    Dr. Robb Haberman
    Dr. Robert Selig

    Dr. Robb Haberman

    Dr. Robb Haberman is a historian specializing in early American history. He earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Connecticut and currently teaches as an adjunct assistant professor at Fordham University. Over the years, he has also held visiting lecturer positions at both Trinity College and Colby College. Dr. Haberman’s research focuses on politics, media, and public memory in Revolutionary-era New York, and his work has been featured in both print and digital publications, including New York History, Early American Studies, and American Periodicals. He also spent seven years at Columbia University as an associate editor for the John Jay Papers, where he contributed to volumes four through seven of The Selected Papers of John Jay, published by the University of Virginia Press and now accessible through Founders Online, a public database maintained by the National Archives. In 2023, he was awarded the New York State Society of the Cincinnati Fellowship to research Sgt. James Selkirk, a Revolutionary War figure, and his memoirs. Dr. Haberman is currently writing a book on Selkirk and his wartime experiences.

    During his presentation, Dr. Haberman drew on his research into James Selkirk to offer a vivid glimpse of life along the Washington-Rochambeau Trail. Selkirk, a Continental soldier, left behind unpublished memoirs reflecting on his wartime experiences, including his marches along the trail. One particularly compelling part of the talk focused on the dangerous journey taken by Sgt. Selkirk and the Second New York Regiment in September 1781, as they made their way to Yorktown. While sailing from Baltimore to Williamsburg, their transport schooner became separated from the fleet and ran aground. Drawing directly from Selkirk’s personal writings, Dr. Haberman explored this harrowing episode, shedding light on both the hardships and resilience of the Continental Army during the Yorktown campaign.

    Dr. Robert A. Selig

    In my blog posts about “The Inclusive History of the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Trail: Phase II”, I introduced Dr. Robert A. Selig and the important work he’s been doing as part of that research project. At the panel event in Basking Ridge, Dr. Selig once again demonstrated his deep expertise on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Trail.

    Dr. Selig is a distinguished historian who earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of Würzburg in 1988. Since then, he has devoted his career to historical research, writing, and consulting. He serves as the project historian and consultant to the National Park Service for the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary National Historic Trail, playing a key role in preserving and interpreting this critical piece of American history. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, most notably his appointment as a chevalier of the French National Order of Merit—the highest recognition granted to non-citizens by the President of the French Republic for exceptional civil or military service. This award acknowledges Dr. Selig’s leadership as one of the foremost American historians of France’s role in the American War of Independence. His ongoing research spans the United States, France, and Germany.

    At the March to Yorktown event in Basking Ridge, Dr. Selig focused on the portion of the trail where the French Army passed through the local area. Drawing from firsthand accounts, he offered the audience a vivid picture of what soldiers would have experienced on their journey to Yorktown. His engaging presentation covered the hardships the troops endured, what they ate, and the unique challenges posed by the language barrier between the French and Americans. Through his storytelling, Dr. Selig brought to life the human side of the historic march and helped the audience imagine what life on the trail would have been like.

    Q&A

    During the Q&A portion of the discussion, audience members posed several intriguing questions—including how the American and French forces managed to communicate with the French Navy in the Chesapeake Bay in the lead-up to the Siege of Yorktown. Both Dr. Haberman and Dr. Selig spoke to the challenges of coordinating among the allied forces. Dr. Haberman, referencing James Selkirk’s account, noted that even the soldiers themselves were often unaware of their final destination—they simply followed orders without knowing the broader strategy. Dr. Selig emphasized that for the March to Yorktown to succeed, everything had to align perfectly for the American and French forces—and everything had to go wrong for the British. Fortunately for the American cause, that’s exactly what happened. The victory at Yorktown sealed American independence.

    Dr. Haberman and Dr. Selig did a remarkable job of bringing history to life. They gave voice to the experiences of Continental soldiers and highlighted just how extraordinary the March to Yorktown truly was.  

    Check out The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills

    Check out the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Revolutionary Route- New Jersey (W3R-NJ)

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  • Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth- 2025

    On June 28th, my family and I returned to the annual reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth, held in honor of the historic battle that took place on the same date in 1778. This marked our second year attending, and once again, the event did not disappoint. Among Revolutionary War reenactments, this is the largest I’ve experienced—both in terms of visitor turnout and the impressive number of dedicated reenactors who attend. If you have any interest in the American Revolution, this event is not to be missed. You can read about our experience from last year in 2024 [HERE].

    While the Battle of Monmouth did not yield a major strategic advantage for the Continental Army, it was a significant engagement in terms of scale and symbolism. As one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War in terms of manpower, it demonstrated that the Patriot forces could stand toe-to-toe with the British in open combat. It featured the largest artillery duel of the war and marked a turning point in the professionalism of the Continental Army. After the grueling winter at Valley Forge, where relentless drilling under the Prussian officer Friedrich von Steuben transformed the army into a disciplined fighting force, the Continentals finally had the chance to prove their strength on the battlefield. The results were evident at Monmouth.

    The battle is also remembered for its extreme heat, with temperatures reportedly reaching 100 degrees. Despite the intensity of the fighting, the British continued their retreat from Philadelphia to New York the following night as originally planned, allowing General George Washington to claim the battle as a moral victory for the American cause.

    Monmouth is also famous for the legendary heroics of Molly Pitcher, who is honored at the battlefield park for her bravery in the thick of combat.

    My family and I arrived at the park around 11:30 a.m., planning to have an early lunch before attending a 12:15 p.m. program about Molly Pitcher. One of the great things about this event is the variety of food trucks on site, which makes it easy to feed the kids without needing to stop along the way. There are several different food options available—we opted for empanadas from Latin Bites.

    After lunch, we made our way to the auditorium for a program entitled “Over Here, Molly Pitcher.” Historian Stacy Roth portrayed Molly Pitcher, speaking in character as the famed Revolutionary War figure reflecting back on her life in the 1820s. Her performance focused primarily on Molly’s experiences during the war, with special emphasis on the events of the June 1778 Battle of Monmouth. The program lasted about an hour and offered an engaging and informative look into this legendary figure’s story.

    Next, my family and I explored the many encampments set up across the grounds. The experience is truly immersive—designed to make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into a Revolutionary War encampment. Bonfires crackled, soldiers prepared for battle, and women carried out daily chores like cooking. The reenactors did an excellent job bringing the scene to life and were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly when we asked questions.

    We then made our way over to the tables hosted by various historical groups and organizations. I had the chance to speak with members of RevNJ, a group I’m a Proud Partner with. Among the other participants were representatives from Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA), who brought along fascinating displays—including authentic examples of Continental currency used during the Revolutionary War. Also present were the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, the Daughters of the American Revolution – Middletown Chapter, and other groups.

    At 1:30, a children’s musket drill drew a large crowd. The reenactor leading the session did an excellent job explaining the process of loading and reloading a musket, presenting the information in a way that was both informative and engaging for the kids.

    Afterward, I made another round through the encampments, where I watched fife and drum demonstrations and spoke with reenactors who were teaching about the artillery used at the Battle of Monmouth. They gave a thorough explanation of how canister shot was deployed in combat.

    Between 2:30 and 3:00, I observed the soldiers preparing for the reenactment battle—listening to their orders, forming ranks, and taking part in a pre-battle prayer. At 3:00 they marched onto the battlefield.

    The reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth is truly a sight to see. As far as I know, it’s the only place in New Jersey where you can witness such an accurate recreation of a Revolutionary War battle (someone correct me if I’m wrong). When I’m watching the battle, what always strikes me is the strategy used in 18th-century warfare: lines of soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder, loading and firing in unison. It must have been terrifying to be so vulnerable, and yet this formation was the most practical method of combat at the time. Muskets were so inaccurate, that massed volleys from a line were the most effective way to have any chance of hitting the enemy.

    The battle reenactment lasted about 30 minutes. Once it wrapped up around 3:30, my family and I began making our way back to the car. On the way, we stopped by some of the tent shops, browsed around, and made a couple of purchases before heading home.

    For anyone interested in the American Revolution, this is a must-attend event. The encampments are immersive, the reenactments are fantastic, and the entire experience offers something for all ages. I highly recommend it.

    Be sure to check out my Instagram and Facebook pages, where I’ll be uploading Reels from the event. These short videos give a great glimpse into what the day is like for anyone considering attending in the future.

    Also, make sure to visit the websites for the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield and Monmouth Battlefield State Park to learn more about this historic site and future events.

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