Schedule of Events
March 25
10:00am - 4:00pm
Spring Work Party
Ever wondered how reenacting happens? Each unit does things a little differently - the 2nd NJ gets together for a members-only day each season to focus on preparing for our upcoming events. We clean, inventory, and repair our equipment. We make the black-powder cartridges that we will be using during drills and battles. We make items to add to our kits. We discuss the upcoming season and brainstorm new ways to share history with visitors. Sometimes we practice our drill or try out a new 18th century recipe…but mostly we just hang out, have fun, and catch up.
April 1 & 2
10:00am - 4:00pm on Saturday and Sunday
British Occupation and Garrison Weekend
East Jersey Old Town
1050 River Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
At this event commemorating the British Occupation of the area of New Brunswick and Raritan Landing, NJ from December 1776 through June 1777, members of the 2nd NJ will be portraying local civilian residents. The Village will come to life with museum staff interpreting trades such as blacksmithing, tailoring, and stonemasonry. Reenactors portraying occupying British Regulars, German Auxiliaries, and Loyalists/Provincials will carry out various military activities - firing demonstrations, guard duty, signing of loyalty oaths, - perhaps even a regimental court martial. 2NJ members are excited about this rare chance to showcase our civilian interpretations - we are keeping our activities a surprise for now, but you will get to see step-by-step how some everyday items in the 18th century were made.
April 22 & 23
Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-3:30pm
Jockey Hollow Spring Encampment
Jockey Hollow Visitor Center
586 Tempe Wick Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
During the 1779-1780 winter of the Revolutionary War, the countryside in and around Morristown, New Jersey, sheltered the main encampments of the American Continental Army and served as the headquarters of its commander-in-chief, General George Washington. General Washington chose Morristown due to its strategic location, including proximity to New York City, defensible terrain, important communication routes, access to critical resources, and a supportive community.
On April 22 and 23, 2023, the hills and valleys west of Morristown will once again be filled with the sounds of the Continental Army. Come out for an action-packed weekend and let the officers, soldiers, and followers of the Army bring history to life. Want to be part of the action? Stop by the 2nd New Jersey camp to find out!
Reenactors only - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
May 20 & 21
Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm
Patriots Along the Perkionmen / Pennypacker Mills
Pennypacker Mills Historic Site
5 Haldeman Road
Schwenksville, PA 19473
George Washington and his army were encamped at Pennypacker Mills and the surrounding property on September 26-29 and on October 5-8, 1777. Washington's army came from Pottsgrove to Pennypacker Mills, heading to Germantown via the Skippack Pike. On their arrival in the Schwenksville area, they learned of Burgoyne's defeat at the Battle of Saratoga. To celebrate, Washington issued a 13 gun salute and a gill of rum to each soldier. After the Battle at Germantown on October 4, 1777, Washington's defeated army retreated to Pennypacker Mills and then went on to Towamencin before wintering at Valley Forge. They brought wounded soldiers to Pennypacker Mills - some of whom died on the property. There are three known grave sites on the property from Washington's encampment in 1777.
Hosted by Spencer's Additional Continental Regiment, the focus of this event will be a Continental forces portrayal of the actual history that took place on the grounds. Highlights include intensive troop drills, recreation of one of the courts martial held at Pennypacker Mills in 1777, and visits to the graves of the Continental soldiers who fell during the Philadelphia campaign with appropriate memorial services for them.
Visitors will have a lot to see - programming includes military and civilian reenactors, artillery demonstrations, guest speakers, hands-on activities for kids, exhibitions, guided walking tours of the property, mansion tours, and much more!
June 17 & 18
2NJ is honored to host this Continental Line National Event!
Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm, 2:00pm Battle Reenactment
Sunday 10:00am-3:00pm, 1:30pm Battle Reenactment
Battle of Monmouth 245th Anniversary
The original battle took place on Sunday, June 28, 1778 in and around Freehold, NJ (known then as Monmouth Court House).
First, let’s set the scene: It was a hot and humid day where temperatures reached over 90*F.
The British Army numbered approximately 21,000, including Hessians and Loyalists. About half of this force fought against the 14,500 man American Army.
The British had been occupying Philadelphia since the fall of 1777, but in early 1778 they learned that the French were coming to the aid of the Americans. They decided to withdraw from Philadelphia, march across to New Jersey, and return to British-occupied New York City. Leaving Philadelphia on June 18, they reached Monmouth Court House (now Freehold, NJ) on June 27 and stopped to rest for a day. Meanwhile, the American Army marched out from Valley Forge on June 19 and were encamped near Englishtown, NJ by June 27.
On the morning of June 28, the British were leaving Monmouth Court House when the Americans attacked their rear guard. The British sent a division to fight off the Americans, and soon forced them to retreat. American Major General Charles Lee’s troops retreated until they met up with George Washington and the Army’s main force. Around noon, these combined troops halted the British advance. The fight continued throughout the afternoon and evening, including a long cannonade, with no clear victory for either side. During the night, the British withdrew and continued making their way back to New York City.
So… where was the 2nd New Jersey Regiment in all this?
The 2nd NJ was part of Maxwell’s Brigade, which formed a part of Gen. Lee’s advanced force in the early part of the battle. “Under confused orders and heavy pressure from the British, Lee’s troops retreated in disorder until they were met by the main army under Washington.”. The 2nd NJ covered the retreat of Lee’s forces, then fell back as reserves for the remainder of the battle.
The biggest event of the year is sure to have something for everyone!
CLICK HERE for the event website - including daily schedules and participant registration.
June 24
Revolutionary Revelry Night - Somerset Patriots Ballpark
TD Bank Ballpark
1 Patriots Park
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Join us for an evening of history, baseball, and fireworks. 2NJ will be escorting General Washington as he throws the ceremonial first pitch and kicking off festivities with volleys of musket fire. Expect a fun time packed with kid-friendly activities!
July 4
Festivities in Morristown, NJ
We're working on the details. Check back soon for updates.
July 8 & 9
Ford Mansion Interpretive Weekend
30 Washington Pl.
Morristown, NJ 07960
A reproduction of George Washington’s tent will be on display.
July 8
Glenbrook Brewery
95 Morris St.
Morristown, NJ
After our day at Ford Mansion, we invite you to join us for some history, beer, and songs.
July 15
Mid-Year Member Meeting
A Zoom meeting to review the season and vote on the rest of our 2023 schedule.
August 26 & 27
Simcoe’s Raid - Revolutionary War Encampment
East Jersey Old Town
1050 River Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Check back for details!
September 10
Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm
Shippen and the Revolution
Shippen Manor
8 Belvidere Ave.
Oxford, NJ 07863
2nd NJ will be taking over this beautiful site for a day of interactive activities for young and old(er) history lovers.
Who built the house? What was daily home life like during the Revolutionary War?
What ties did the Shippen family have to events of the day?
How were George Washington's soldiers trained?
What else did the men - and women followers - do in the Continental Army?
Especially fun for children...we have some special activities in the works for young visitors.
October 21 & 22
Dey Mansion
Dey Mansion
199 Totowa Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470
Dey Mansion served as Washington’s Headquarters on several occasions.
This weekend, it will become a hive of activity for 2nd New Jersey and our reenacting friends.