Presidential Comments

There is little that is more important for an American citizen to know than the history and traditions of his country. Without such knowledge, he stands uncertain and defenseless before the world, knowing neither where he has come from nor where he is going. With such knowledge, he is no longer alone but draws a strength far greater than his own from the cumulative experience of the past and accumulative vision of the future.
Excerpt from John Kennedy's (1962) essay "On History"



I cannot but remember the place that New Jersey holds in our early history. In the early Revolutionary struggle, few of the States among the old Thirteen had more of the battlefields of the country within their limits than old New Jersey.… Away back in my childhood, the earliest days of my being able to read, I got hold of a small book…Weem’s "Life of Washington". I remember all the accounts there given on the battle fields and struggles for the liberties of the country, and none fixed themselves upon my imagination so deeply as the struggle here at Trenton, New Jersey. The crossing of the river, the contest with the Hessians, the great hardhips endured at that time, all fixed themselves on my memory more than any single revolutionary event; and you all know, for you all have been boys, how these early impressions last longer than any others. I recollect thinking then, boy even though I was, that there must have been something more than common that those men struggled for; that something even more than National Independence; that something that held out a great promise to all people of the world to all time to come.... Excerpt from Abraham Lincoln's speech to the NJ State Senate, February 21, 1861

Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Association Membership Information

Please visit our new website, www.wallacehouseassociation.com to learn more about our organization. Events and news about the sites will be posted there as well as on the blog. Thank you to all our local friends and supporters for your contributions and loyal support over the years!






Monday, December 20, 2010

Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday with "the cup that cheers".

The Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Association present on Saturday February 19th, Stacey Roth’s unusual costumed presentation of tea lore, history, songs, poetry, "REVOLUTIONARY TEA"-- one part living history demonstration, and one part tea party. Stacy F. Roth of History on the Hoof brews an engaging program on the role of tea in the lives of 18th century people, and its importance in the colonies on the eve of the War for American Independence (http://www.historyonthehoof.com/programs.htm#Stacy)

Roth is an author, museum educator, historian, and information specialist who performs for museums, libraries, schools, civic organizations, and festivals throughout the Delaware Valley and is a popular speaker with the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. Ms Roth holds an MA in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MLS from Rutgers University.

Revolutionary Tea will be held in the hall of the Reformed Church at Finderne, Wharton Ave, Bridgewater on Saturday February 19th at 4 pm.

Reservations and a teacup and saucer are necessary. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. Make checks payable to the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Association, P. O. Box 225 Somerville, NJ 08876. Include email or phone contact information so that we may confirm your reservation.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Upcoming Holiday Events


Two 18th Century Candlelight Concerts
at The Old Dutch Parsonage ~
Featuring Linda Russell
~ Sunday, Nov. 7 & Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 ~ 7:30 p.m. ~


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These Evening Concerts with Linda Russell feature Music of the 18th century performed in the Authentic Candlelit Atmosphere of the Old Dutch Parsonage.
Ms. Russell sings Popular Songs and Ballads
and Plays Instruments of the Period, including
Hammered Dulcimer, Guitar and Tin Whistle.
Seating begins at 7 pm. Call 908-725-1015 to reserve.


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"Six Days Before Christmas"
Colonial Christmas Tours
at the Wallace House
Sunday, Dec. 19, 5-8 pm
A special Christmas event featuring candlelight tours through the Wallace House. Guides in period clothing explain how Christmas was celebrated in the American colonies. Enjoy the holiday atmosphere of this Colonial-era home, decorated authentically in the 18th century manner to celebrate the season. Refreshments will be served.
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All Events: $10 per person. Reservations: in advance. Contact Jim Kurzenberger:
Phone: 908-725-1015 Email: whouse3@verizon.net
Parking for events: 71 Somerset Street, Somerville (Lot across from Circle Floors. There is a short walk to the houses.)
About the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage historic site:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/historic/olddutch-wallace/odwh-home.htm
Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Historic Site
71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Office: 908-725-1015 Fax: 908-526-6187
State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
For more about Linda Russell: http://www.lindarussellmusic.com/

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING


The 2010 Annual Meeting of the Wallace House and the Old Dutch Parsonage Association
convenes on:

Sunday afternoon, November 7th
2:00 pm

At: The Old Dutch Parsonage
Parking at 71 Somerset Street
Somerville, N J.

Current, Former, and New Members Welcome
Brief Business Meeting

Presentation by:
Donald J. Peck, Author of
"A Spirited War: George Washington and the Ghosts of the Revolution in Central New Jersey"

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Five Generals Bus Tour - Free Family Fun on Sunday February 14.

The Heritage Trail Association in conjunction with the cooperating historic sites that comprise our Middlebrook Consortium, is holding its annual narrated bus tours of five historic houses in Somerset County. The houses each served as a headquarters for George Washington (the Wallace House) and his general staff during second Middlebrook encampment - 1778-1789.

The tours, which start from the Van Horne House, 941 East Main Street, Bridgewater (across from Patriots Ballpark) are FREE, but space is limited and reservations are required. The five bus tours are scheduled to start on the hour: 10 am, 11 am, noon, 1 pm, and 2 pm. Call (732) 356-8856 for reservations or sign up online.

This is a perfect opportunity for a weekend family outing. A visit to these historic sites offers a unique educational experience, for young and old, to learn more about the history of Somerset County.

The five houses are: the Van Horne House in Bridgewater, the Wallace House in Somerville, the Van Veghten House in Finderne, the Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook, and the Vanderveer House in Bedminster. The village of Middlebrook was located just east of the Van Horne House in an area that is now the west end of Bound Brook. During the encampment, General Washington dated all of his dispatches from Middlebrook even though his headquarters was in the Wallace House, five miles away.

Sunday, 14 February, 2010
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Cost:FREE
Location:
Van Horne House
941 Main StreetBridgewater, NJ USA 08805
Email:

Phone: 732-356-8856
732-356-8856


Sunday, January 10, 2010

18th century Tea and Music

An afternoon tea featuring 18th century music will be held on Feburary 28th at St. Mark's Episcopal Church Hall, 140 South Finley Ave. in Basking Ridge 2-4pm. The tea marks the kick off of 250th Anniversary of Berndards township, which received its charter from our last king (George II). In addition to displays of the township's history, attendees will receive a copy of the book, "Notable 18th Century Women of Bernards Township. Tickets ($20) went on sale this weekend and may be limited. Call 908-647-6029 to confirm availability.