Revolutionary Monmouth: Celebrate New Jersey’s 350th
at the Monmouth County Library
MANALAPAN -- For the past 350 years, New Jersey has played a pivotal role in the shaping of American life and culture. Come learn about history-making events in your own back yard at the Monmouth County Library, as we celebrate New Jersey’s 350th anniversary! 
Chat with Gen. George Washington and heroine Molly Pitcher, see a cannon named “Thundering Barbara,” and listen to period music and great authors at a special New Jersey 350th Anniversary weekend of programming Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive in Manalapan 07726.
“We invite residents from all over the state to help us celebrate New Jersey’s unique heritage at the Library’s New Jersey 350th Weekend,” said Renee B. Swartz, chair of the Monmouth County Library Commission. “New Jersey was truly at the crossroads of the American Revolution, and our weekend programs will inform, entertain and amaze you about New Jersey’s exceptional place in history.“
On Saturday, June 7 at 1 p.m., meet children’s author Trinka Hakes Noble, who has written The Scarlet Stockings Spy, a story about young heroes in the early days of the American Revolution. Noble will also read from her newest picture book, The Legend of the Jersey Devil. There will be a birthday cake for New Jersey, along with some special guests – Pumpkin the horse and her foal, Dusty, will be on hand to represent the state animal.
Then on Sunday, June 8, join us for Revolutionary Monmouth, an afternoon of history and music. This free and family-friendly program will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Library Headquarters, in Manalapan.
“Monmouth County played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War with the critical Battle of Monmouth, and was home to patriots like Captain Joshua Huddy and poet Philip Freneau,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Monmouth County Library. “We invite you to discover your local history at this Library event!”
Keynote speaker Michael Adelberg, author of the award-winning history, The American Revolution in Monmouth County: The Theatre of Spoil and Destruction, will discuss how in Monmouth County, the Revolution deeply divided residents in a regional civil war that continued long after the Revolution was over. Adelberg’s book was named one of the 101 Great Books of New Jersey by New Jersey 350.
Monmouth County Historian Randall Gabrielan will provide opening remarks for the event.
Other highlights of Revolutionary Monmouth include:
n The West Jersey Artillery! The actual West Jersey Artillery fought in the crucial Battle of Monmouth, just a few miles away from Library Headquarters. The Artillery consists of 15 living historians in period costume and their authentic replica cannon, “Thundering Barbara.” The unit has been featured on The History Channel.
n Musical guests! The Early Music Players, musicians in period dress playing period instruments, will perform songs dating from the Revolutionary War period.
n Living historians! Meet Gen. George Washington, Molly Pitcher (the heroine of the Battle of Monmouth) and Ned Hector, an African American Revolutionary hero and artilleryman. Listen to their stories and take a photo with a Revolutionary star!
n History fair! Browse through exhibits offered by Shrewsbury Towne-Monmouth County DAR, The Monmouth County Historical Society, the Navesink Maritime Heritage Association, the Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County, the Archeological Society of New Jersey and the Monmouth County Archives.
For more information on the Revolutionary Monmouth weekend, please call Library Headquarters at 732-431-7220 x7222.
The Monmouth County Library will be celebrating the 350th Anniversary of New Jersey all year, with programs for all ages! Check the Library’s webpage at www.monmouthcountylib.org for more information on upcoming events.