FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ~ October 1, 2024
To kick off the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, D&R Greenway Land Trust is hosting a reenactment party on Sunday, October 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at historic Hillside Farm in Hopewell, NJ, the location of the Continental Army’s three-day encampment.
In the hot summer months of 1778, over 10,000 Continental Soldiers encamped in Hopewell, NJ for three days in June, on the road to what would be known as the Battle of Monmouth. There, General George Washington would prove the professionalism that the Continental Army gained during their winter training at Valley Forge. But for those three days, thousands of American patriots would rest and rejuvenate in beautiful Hopewell Valley from fighting for the independence of our country.
D&R Greenway has received funding from the Mercer County Cultural & Heritage Division to develop a short video with the help of dedicated Revolutionary War reenactors — the 3rd New Jersey Regiment, Jersey Greys! With the participation of archeologist and historian Dr. Richard Veit, of Monmouth University, and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Zachary Smith, this video will help commemorate the 250th anniversary of our country.
Once completed, the video will be shared with the public through D&R Greenway and with local public television stations. Guests are encouraged to dress for the time period to be featured in the video or come as they are to enjoy the celebration. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
D&R Greenway preserved the 800-acre Hillside Farm after it was donated to the land preservation organization in December, 2021, by the family of Betty Wold Johnson. The preserve was once multiple properties that Mrs. Johnson merged in order to preserve the history, ecology, and character of the Hopewell Valley. She loved this region, and the preservation of Hillside Farm is immeasurably important to her legacy.
“We’re the Garden State, where’s the garden going to be one day if we don’t take care of some of the land?” Betty told us in a prior video created to support D&R Greenway’s preservation work. “So, let’s try to save as much as we can.”
By attending D&R Greenway’s reenactment party, not only will you be taking part in a historic event, but you will be reinforcing D&R Greenway’s mission to protect open space and farmland throughout Central New Jersey. For inspiration and ideas on dressing like an Extra to be included in the video, please visit drgreenway.org/Extra. If you are interested in sponsoring this patriotic event, reach out to Deb Kilmer at (609) 924-4646, or Nancy Faherty at (609) 462-4057. Tickets for the public are on sale for $177.80 per person or $250 per couple. Sponsorships and tickets are also available online HERE.
Reserve your place in history by joining D&R Greenway at this historic event.
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About D&R Greenway Land Trust: D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations.
D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life.
Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and www.drgreenway.org to learn about the organization’s latest news and in-person and virtual programs. D&R Greenway Land Trust, One Preservation Place, Princeton NJ 08540. The best way to reach D&R Greenway staff is by sending an e-mail to info@drgreenway.org or by calling 609-924-4646.
