The former Princeton home of Declaration of Independence signer John Witherspoon was the site of a March 18 gathering to honor and recognize Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, Sen. James Beach and Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman for their contributions to preserve and protect Revolutionary New Jersey history.
About 50 government and business leaders, educators and history enthusiasts assembled at the evening reception to honor the legislators and learn more about MacLean House and its connection to Revolutionary New Jersey from Princeton University Historian Bob Durkee. New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) Chair Dr. Maxine Lurie also shared impressions of the deep divisions within the state’s 18th century population, as New Jerseyans were split between supporting independence, remaining loyal to the British Crown, or declaring neutrality.
The group also learned about the importance of history education from U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), who was recently named to the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, a federally appointed body tasked with planning the 250th anniversary of American independence. NJHC Executive Director Sara Cureton echoed gratitude for the support and leadership of the dignitaries present.
Watch a brief video of the events and speakers’ remarks on the Crossroads YouTube channel.
Many thanks to our event sponsors: PSE&G, CWA District 1, New Jersey Resources, NJM Insurance, Ann & Bernie Flynn, Ira & Hilary Jersey.
