The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House invite visitors of all ages to experience Christmas past and present when the circa 1772 Dutch Colonial museum opens its wreath-clad doors for the 16th Annual Colonial Christmas, Saturday and Sunday, November 24-25 and Saturday and Sunday, December 1-2. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. $10 admission per adult. $5 children 6-12. Free to Museum members and children 5 and under. The museum is located at 3055 River Road, River Road Park, Bedminster.
Visitors will enjoy tours of the museum, which will be decorated for the holidays by Gail Whiting of Design Consultants, Bedminster; Lynn and Jessica Angelone of Angelone’s Florist, Raritan; Flowers on the Ridge, Basking Ridge; and Camelot Construction; holiday shopping with boutique merchants and artisans; Colonial musicians, re-enactors and crafters; pony rides provided by Dapple Hill Farm; military demonstrations by Lambs Artillery Company; Santa visits; gingerbread house workshops for children; and a special exhibit from the Knox Museum in Thomaston, Maine. Support for the popular fundraiser is provided by Glenmede; Bevan, Mosca & Giuditta, P.C.; Investors Bank; Meeker Sharkey & Hurley; Maplecrest Auto Group; Union Paving & Construction; Mr. & Mrs. Darrick Anderson; Yolanda A. Cillo, M.D.; and Mr. & Mrs. Craig Sutherland.
A tree lighting, sponsored by Investor’s Bank, will kick off this year’s two weekend-long event on Friday, November 23 at 7 p.m. The tree lighting is free to the community and features caroling with the Harmonium Choral Society, hot pretzels and hot chocolate (courtesy of Starbucks, Bedminster).
“Colonial Christmas has grown to be one of Central New Jersey’s signature holiday events, attracting 2,000 visitors of all ages, cultures, and interests in a festive atmosphere of hospitality, history and friendship,” commented Craig Sutherland, President of The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House Board of Trustees. “Proceeds benefit exhibit development, historical interpretations, educational events, and leadership programs offered throughout the year. This fundraiser is a vital means of preserving this extraordinary piece of Revolutionary War history for future generations.”
“Whether you come to shop, get decorating tips for the holidays, listen to musical performances, visit Santa, make a gingerbread house with your child, or learn more about Dutch Colonial life during the American Revolution, there’s something for everyone at Colonial Christmas,” added Sutherland.
For a complete schedule of Colonial Christmas activities, visit www.jvanderveerhouse.org or call 908-396-6053.
About The Jacobus Vanderveer House
The Jacobus Vanderveer House served as headquarters for General Henry Knox during the winter of 1778-79 and is the only surviving building associated with the Pluckemin Artillery Cantonment, now recognized as America’s first military training academy and the precursor to The United States Military Academy at West Point. The Jacobus Vanderveer House & Museum interprets Dutch colonial life in America as well as the stay by General Knox and his family during the 1778-79 encampment. A National and New Jersey Historic Site, the Jacobus Vanderveer House is a true landmark that offers a vivid look into the history of our country and the lives of those who made it.
Operated by the nonprofit Friends of The Jacobus Vanderveer House (a 501(c)(3) organization) for the past 20 years, the museum is located at 3055 River Road and can be accessed via River Road Park. The Friends sponsor public events throughout the year; for directions and more information, visit www.jvanderveerhouse.org.
The Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.
