My family and I made it out to the historic Dey Mansion’s Independence Day Picnic on July 11th, celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The event was originally planned for the Fourth of July but was postponed to the following weekend because of the scorching heat. This was a wonderful event for the whole family, and if you’ve been following my blog, you’ve seen that my family and I have made it out to the Dey Mansion for other events over the past few years.

History

Located in Wayne, New Jersey, the Dey Mansion is a historic home with an important connection to the American Revolution. Built in 1770, the home belonged to Colonel Theunis Dey and his family. Today, the mansion is preserved as a historic site where visitors can learn more about life during the Revolutionary era and New Jersey’s role in the war.

The Dey Mansion is best known for serving as General George Washington’s headquarters during two separate periods in 1780. Washington stayed at the mansion during the summer and again in the fall while the Continental Army was stationed in northern New Jersey. From here, Washington conducted military business and helped direct the Continental Army. Today, visitors can tour the mansion and walk through the same rooms once used by Washington and members of his staff.

Our Day

The Independence Day Picnic kicked off at 11:00 AM, and my family arrived around 11:15. One great aspect of the event was that there were complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks, and beverages. Nobody can turn down a free lunch, and it was quite generous of the organizers to provide this to visitors. We ate shortly after we arrived.

There was also a great band called MPack playing live music. They performed many well-known cover songs, which created a nice atmosphere for the picnic.  Check out their Facebook page here.

The Dey Mansion

My family and I walked inside the Dey Mansion and toured the different rooms throughout the home. It is quite remarkable to think that General George Washington himself stayed here during the Revolution. We were informed that many members of Washington’s entourage stayed at the Dey Mansion and that there were constantly people coming and going while he was headquartered here.

Walking the Grounds

My family and I then made our way back outside. We observed the cooking demonstrations taking place in the Summer Kitchen, checked out the blacksmith demonstrations in the Forge, and made our way through the Herb Garden. We also visited the encampment with Heard’s Brigade, where I was able to speak with a couple of reenactors who are becoming familiar faces at history events throughout New Jersey. My children also enjoyed playing colonial games.

The Declaration of Independence

At 12:30 PM, there was a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration is always a powerful document to hear read aloud, especially when you consider its meaning and just how revolutionary and radical its ideas were in 1776. The crowd reacted with boos to the many abuses and usurpations committed by the king, and with shouts of “Huzza!” when hearing the rights and freedoms of the new nation declared. Check into my social media pages in the coming days for videos of the reading.

Following the reading of the Declaration, my children worked on a colonial craft while I made another round across the grounds. I was able to watch the 35th Regiment of Foot conduct military drills. A little while later, my family and I wrapped up our time at the Dey Mansion and headed home.

Final Thoughts

Events at the Dey Mansion never disappoint. Despite the heat on the Fourth of July, I’m happy that the Dey Mansion was able to reschedule the event. It was truly an immersive experience walking the grounds of the Dey Mansion and getting a glimpse of life in the 18th century. As our country celebrates its 250th birthday, events like this are a great way to connect with the history of the American Revolution and the people and places that helped shape our nation.

Make sure to check out my Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube pages in the coming days for videos of the event!

Check out my previous blog posts about the Dey Mansion: HERE

Visit the Dey Mansion’s website for upcoming events. Also, make sure to check out their Instagram and Facebook pages.

Visit the sites of the Heard’s Brigade and the 35th Regiment of Foot, who are dedicated to participating in local historical events and helping bring history to life.