- Do you have an interest in the American Revolution?

- Would you like to learn more about this period and educate spectators at these events?

- Would you like to travel to battlefields, forts, museums and other historic sites?

 

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions you ought to read on.

 

History

 

The 2nd New Jersey Regiment, Helms’ Company was recreated in 1975 in order to help celebrate the Bicentennial of the American Revolution. Forty years later our organization remains very active by participating in encampments, battle recreations, and town festivals in and out of New Jersey.  Our events range from small demonstrations at local historic sites to huge battle reenactments which may feature more than two thousand participants. We’ve traveled as far north as Quebec City and as far south as Savannah, Ga.

 

Our Impression

 

As one can imagine, the appearance and composition of the New Jersey Continental regiments varied greatly from campaign to campaign. The recreated 2nd NJ’s main goal is to portray the regiment as it appeared during the Monmouth campaign (May-June, 1778).  Regardless, we do alter our impression from time to time to conform to the guidelines set forth by event organizers.

 

We have put a lot of effort into our impression,  and new members are expected to adhere to the unit’s authenticity guidelines. Members of the unit will work with any new member to make sure they get what they need in order for them to attend events.

 

There are three impressions in our unit:

 

- Soldier

- Campfollower (women and children who followed the army)

- Musician (talented fifers and drummers who communicate orders from the commanders to the soldiers)

 

Location

 

Though many of our members live in western New Jersey (where most of the 2nd NJ Regiment’s original soldiers were from), we have members who live all over NJ, PA, NY and some who are even farther away. We come from many different backgrounds though we’re bound together by our common love of history.

 

Requirements

 

• Be prepared to have some fun! While we do operate in the field as a military unit with officers and NCOs, we function a whole lot more like a group of close friends while away from events.
   

• You must be willing to adhere to the unit’s authenticity guidelines. Every single detail counts and we all must be working toward our authenticity goals.  A member of the unit will work with any new member to make sure they get what they need in order for them to attend events.
   

• You must be at least 18 years of age. If you’re younger and would like to join you must come with a guardian. Only those 16 and older can fire muskets.
   

• While we aren’t physically exerting ourselves on a regular basis you must be able to march at least a mile at a time and be able to live outdoors for the weekend.
   

• We are all amateur historians, who enjoy continuing to develop our knowledge regarding the American Revolution so that we’re able to be good educators. We hope you are, too. See our SUGGESTED READING (link) or talk to us for some places to start learning more.