The American Revolution came back to the shores of the Delaware River on August 6 as the Trenton Thunder and Crossroads of the American Revolution hosted American Revolution Night at Arm & Hammer Ballpark in Trenton.
Baseball fans were welcomed to the Thunder v. Bowie Baysox game with Revolutionary spirit as soon as they approached the ballpark. In addition to encampments of Continental Army, 2nd NJ Regiment, British Army and the 1st Battalion of NJ Volunteers, Glover’s Marblehead Regiment shared army life with visitors, as the Washington Crossing Historic Park Cannon Crew demonstrated the workings of a replica 18th century cannon.
Visitors also enjoyed authentic period music by the Washington Crossing Fife and Drums and the Liberty Tree, and watching an 18th century doctor historical interpreter Douglas Aumack manipulate his medical tools. Foodies enjoyed chatting with camp followers of NJ History Alive as they demonstrate mock hearth cooking, and taste 18th century ice cream with Heart to Hearth Cookery.
Once inside, fans could meet Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by Mike Kochan) and General George Washington (portrayed by John Godzieba). Pregame spectacles included the onfield firing of the cannon by the Washington Crossing Historic Park Cannon Crew, presentation of the colors by the Sons of the Revolution Color Guard and Washington throwing the first pitch.
During the game, Crossroads and several Heritage Partners shared information about their sites and activities on the ballpark concourse. They included:
Daughters of the American Revolution
Sons of the American Revolution
Princeton Battlefield Society
Sons of the Revolution
Old Barracks Museum
Miller-Cory Museum
Washington Crossing Historic Park
NJ State Parks Historic Sites
Many thanks to the Trenton Thunder for hosting American Revolution night, and to our Grand Slam sponsor, East Jersey Old Town Village and the Cornelius Low House Middlesex County Museum.
We also thank our sponsors, the Washington Crossing Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, Princeton Cranbury Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and New Jersey Sons of the Revolution for their generous support.