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!






Tuesday, November 29, 2016




Enjoy Candle Light Tours and Music at the
Wallace House & 
Old Dutch Parsonage

Friday, December 9, 2016
6 pm – 9 pm
Hourly group tours by candle light,
featuring costumed interpreters,
cooking demonstrations & period music.

Join Mrs. Mary Wallace when she steps out of her portrait frame to guide visitors around her home and share personalized insights on the memorable winter of 1778, when she and her husband John Wallace shared their home with General George Washington and his entourage.    

In the Wallace House kitchen wing, re-enactor Kathy Ormosi will be presenting hearthside cooking, and discussing the foods of the season.

The tour will adjourn to the nearby Old Dutch Parsonage, to listen to Robert Mouland   perform period music on antique instruments and to enjoy light refreshments.


Fee: $10 per-person. 

All visitors must register for this program in advance. Visitors may register for the 6pm, 7pm or 8pm tour. Each hourly tour will be limited to ten visitors per group. Call 908-725-1015 to register. Please register early.
71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876


908-725-1015        ab whouse3@verizon.net


Monday, February 15, 2016

In celebration of George Washington's birthday, Jim Kurzenberger, Historic Preservation Specialist of the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage, will conduct a Headquarters Theme tour of the Wallace House.  Visitors will be presented with an experience that emphasizes the details of General Washington's stay at Hope Farm, the country seat of John Wallace.  The tour will last one hour.

Date:  Sunday, February 21, 2016
Time:  2 PM
Reservations required.  Call 908-725-1015 to reserve.