Ewing 250

Ewing 250’s mission is to honor and celebrate Ewing Township’s enduring place in American history by exploring the “Power of Place” through the lens of our “Revolution Roots.” From the crossing of Washington’s troops to the everyday lives shaped by freedom’s promise, we will commemorate our past, engage our present, and inspire our future through inclusive community events and storytelling.

We will achieve this by the following:

• Celebrate our rich heritage and the enduring contributions of generations past;
• Coordinate with our state and county historical and tourism organizations;
• Collaborate with schools, community organizations, faith-based organizations;
• Educate and empower the public through inclusive, engaging programs that highlight key events and individuals in our history;
• Unite the community through diverse events that foster pride and belonging; and
• Inspire future generations to carry forward our legacy with integrity, innovation and service.

Committee Members

• Bert Steinmann, Mayor, Ewing Township
• Jennifer Keyes-Maloney, Council President, Ewing Township
  
  
• Aaron Watson, Business Administrator, Ewing Township
• Abe Conesa, Tax Collector, Ewing Township
• Albert Rhodes, Chief of Police, Ewing Township
• Brigadier General Robert S. Dutko, Sr. - Ewing Patriotic Committee, President
• Helen Kull, Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society advisor, and Ewing Observer columnist
• Joanne Durham, Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society, President
• Joanne Mullowney, Webmaster, Ewing Township / Chair, Ewing Green Team
• Joseph Schmeltz, Ewing Patriotic Committee
• Julie Willmot, Communications Director, Ewing Township
• Linda Brown, Historic Preservation Commission
• Mary Lou Byer, Ewing Arts Commission
• Raj Manimaran, Government and Community Relations Director, The College of New Jersey
• Raquel Ince, Director, Hollowbrook Community Center, Ewing Township
• Rick Mabes, Supervisor, Trees, Public Works
• Robert Green, Director Information Technology, Ewing Township
• Ryan Rollero, Director, Public Works
• Ted Forst, Director, Recreation and Community Affairs, Ewing Township

A Resolution  Of The  Township  Of Ewing,  New  Jersey,  Supporting RevolutionNJ

Resolution #25R-34

WHEREAS, Governor Philip Murphy and the New Jersey State Legislature created RevolutionNJ in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, New Jersey's pivotal role in the American Revolution, and the contributions of its diverse peoples to the nation's past, present, and future; and

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Historical Commission, under the leadership of Secretary of State Tahesha Way, with its non-profit partner Crossroads of the American Revolution established RevolutionNJ to advance the role that history plays in public discourse, community engagement, education, tourism, and scholarship in New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, RevolutionNJ will engage New Jerseyans in all 21 counties and 564 municipalities through its officially recognized programs, initiatives, and events over the next 10 years; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and desirable that we commemorate the beginning of the Nation, and.the role New Jersey played over the past 250 years as well as its present and future role as part of the United States, with particular focus on the individuals, ideas, and events that shaped our Country, State, and Ewing Township and

WHEREAS, RevolutionNJ will consider the role New Jersey played during the American Revolution when it saw more battles and skirmishes than any other state and was truly the Crossroads of the American Revolution; and

WHEREAS, RevolutionNJ will highlight the role New Jerseyans played beyond the battlefield during the American Revolution when people of diverse backgrounds contributed to the development of the State and the Nation in various ways and fought for the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and

WHEREAS, preserving, studying, and enjoying state history strengthens communities and builds bonds between New Jersey residents as we work together toward the goals of justice and equality embedded in the United States Constitution;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Ewing hereby endorses RevolutionNJ and its mission to advance the role that history plays in public discourse, community engagement, education, tourism and scholarship in New Jersey.

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that: The Ewing Township Council commemorates the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States as an independent Nation.

1. The Mayor and Council authorizes the subcommittee of the Patriotic Committee, working in concert with the Historic Preservation Commission, to develop a plan for this commemoration that will promote the maximum involvement of our residents, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, civic organizations, and institutions in the commemorations.

2. The Mayor and Council further urges all its residents to reflect upon the significance of this event and the role that our State and its diverse people have played in the history and development of our Nation and to participate in this important commemoration, endeavoring to include the stories of all those whose lives are part of the history of what we now know as New Jersey, and understanding that the revolution continues today as we uphold the revolutionary ideals articulated in our founding

IT IS SO RESOLVED.

Resolution 25R-34, Passed on January 14, 2025

All across the country, communities are planning notable and stirring ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. In New Jersey we are fortunate to live in one of the original colonies that fought for our independence. All around our state, communities and organizations are planning celebrations of New Jersey's unique contributions to the Revolution. We too can celebrate the significant role areas in current day Ewing Township played in that fight.

Stay informed and learn how our community will commemorate the historic events from our past.

The Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society is a local nonprofit that is headquartered in the Benjamin Temple House (pictured above) at Drake Farm Park. The site serves as a museum of Ewing’s past.  They serve as our point organization in organizing our celebration of Ewing's Revolutionary past.

The Ewing Township Historic Preservation Commission was formed in 1986 in response to the addition of historic preservation zoning authority to the NJ Municipal Land Use Law, which governs land use and development in the state. It exists to help promote and encourage the preservation of Ewing’s rich and varied historic and cultural heritage for Ewing’s future residents. Together with the Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society, they serve as our point organizations for organizing our celebration of Ewing's Revolutionary past.

The Ewing Patriotic Committee is a nonpolitical group of volunteers who are called upon to organize and facilitate civic celebratory events designed to bring a sense of unity, community appreciation and pride to the residents of the Township of Ewing. They honor those who served in our township at numerous events during the year. They have installed our township's Purple Hear Walk, established the Ewing Honor Roll, and created the Hometown Heroes Banner program.

The Ewing Township Recreation / Community Affairs Department offers a wide variety of programs for youth, adults and seniors, special events, recreation centers, parks and other facilities open to residents. Their goal is to help residents get their families active in the community and share quality family time.

The Ewing Township Sustainable Green Team is composed of a group of concerned Ewing residents dedicated to building a sustainable community in Ewing Township. They are engaged in tree plantings, water conservation efforts, sustainability outreach, the annual Ewing Bike Ride, the Ewing Fall Spin, and education and community building. The Green Team will focus on adding to this celebration with events featuring a '250' theme.

The Arts Commission is a community vehicle for the expansion of the arts and related community activities within Ewing. It is constituted as a non-profit organization with a focus of supporting, developing and expanding the Arts. The goal is to foster freedom in expression of artistic growth and enjoyment within the community of Ewing Township through commitment and dedication.

The Ewing Township Health Department works with Mayor Steinmann and Council to help our residents achieve healthier lifestyles, as well as to improve the overall health and wellness of our community. Through our Ewing 250 Virtual Challenge, a virtual walk/run wellness adventure, we will strive to become a champion of community health and wellness while celebrating 250 years of American life.   Walk or run 250 miles with us - anytime, anywhere - during 2026 and celebrate the Semi quincentennial in the most energizing way possible.

Learn more at Ewing New Jersey - Virtual Challenge.  Sign Up (beginning Dec 21st) The Virtual Challenge lasts between Jan 1, 2026 and Dec 31, 2026.

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) is a top-ranked institution known for its strong reputation for academic excellence. Ewing Township has been home to the College campus since the 1930's, and TCNJ continues to be committed to, not just being an institution of learning, but a vital neighbor invested in the well-being of our region.  As host to a number of township initiatives including, Ewing's Independence Day Fireworks, Community Fest, and Trunk or Treat, the College looks forward to commemorating and integrating this historic anniversary into existing and upcoming events.  

Mercer County boasts numerous locations that were at the very heart of the American Revolution. Battlefields and monuments can be found in every corner of Mercer, including Washington Crossing Park, that marks the place where General George Washington led his troops to victory on that fateful Christmas night in 1776.  Check their website in the coming months as they will serve as a clearing house of events commemorating our founding happening in the county.

RevolutionNJ is a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC), a division of the New Jersey Department of State, and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution Association to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in New Jersey. Ewing is a proud municipal community contributing to RevolutionNJ's commemoration of the Revolutionary War in NJ

As we approach America's Semiquincentennial, we are excited to invite local corporations and organizations to join us in commemorating this historic landmark in our nation's story. With your support we can ensure that the unique stories and contributions from our community are highlighted and recognized thru thoughtful and innovative programming within Ewing and the Mercer County environs. Learn more about the multiple ways that you can contribute. Sponsorships are offered for a twelve-month period, and multi-year pledges are accepted through 2026.

We are grateful to the local corporations and organizations that are giving generously to support programming in honor of this historic celebration. Thank you!

Click here for our Sponsorship Information!

RevolutionNJ.org

New Jersey Historical Commission

Crossroads of the American Revolution

American Association for State and Local History

The 250th Anniversary Program Handbook

Additional information is available through New Jersey’s Revolutionary-era sites, historical societies, and lineage groups below.

• 120 East State
  The First Presbyterian Church of Trenton was founded in 1712 and the current site was established in 1727. Its cemetery contains many colonial settlers, but also the grave of Colonel Johann Rall, the Hessian commander killed in the First Battle of Trenton. The first U.S. chaplain to be killed in battle, Rev. John Rosbrugh, is also buried here, killed by British and Hessian troops during the Second Battle of Trenton. It is currently being transformed into a multi-use gathering place for the whole community, including a community cafe, cultural/performing arts venue, and events/program space.
• William Trent House
  The William Trent House Museum is a National Historic Landmark. It was built in 1719 by William Trent and the city of Trenton take its name from "Trent's Town." In the early years of the War for Independence, the Trent House was owned by Dr. William Bryant, a loyalist physician. It was occupied by Hessian troops, prior to the Battle of Trenton. In late August 1781, General Rochambeau's army stationed cannon there before being ferried across the Delaware to continue the march to Yorktown and the defeat of Cornwallis, effectively ending the War.
• Brearley House/Lawrence Historical Society
  The Brearley House was built in 1761 on the Great Meadow, a farming and grazing land of the first residents of Lawrence by James and Joh Brearley II. It is a handsome Georgian brick house typical of other 18th century colonists' homes. It is currently managed by the Lawrence Historical Society.
• Ewing Township Historic Preservation Society
  Housed in the Temple-Ryan Farmhouse on the National, State, and Local Historic Registers. The Temple House was built circa 1750 by Benjamin Temple, a prosperous farmer and son of one of the early settlers of the Ewing area. He was a friend and brother-in-law of John Hart, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Temple was an ardent supporter of the Revolutionary cause. Two of his nephews, John and Nathaniel, fought in the War of Independence. The house was originally built on the old Hopewell-Trenton Road (Route 31), but was threatened with demolition during the construction of I-95. The house was moved in May 1973 to its present location on Federal City Road in Ewing Township.

• Isaac Watson House/NJDAR
  Built by Isaac Watson in 1708 and recognized as the oldest house in Mercer County, this historic landmark is located at 151 Wescott Avenue, Hamilton. The property is owned and serves as the New Jersey State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NJSSDAR) headquarters.
• Morven Museum and Garden
  New Jersey’s first official Governor’s Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, is located on Stockton Street in Princeton. It was home to Richard Stockton, one of the five New Jersey signers of the Declaration of Independence. It was built in the 1750s. It was ransacked by the British in late 1776 and Stockton was captured and imprisoned. Morven served as the state’s first Governor’s Mansion (1945–1981). Today, the site is operated as a museum and garden.
• Old Barracks Museum
  Originally constructed by the colony of New Jersey during the French and Indian War, it is most known for the Battle of Trenton when Washington and his troops marched into the city. Afterwards, the Americans returned to Trenton in January 1777 and used the empty Barracks primarily as a hospital.  Today, it brings the world of colonial America to life through interpretive programs, exhibits, and preservation.
• Experience Princeton
  A website established to celebrate the Semiquincentennial and the privotal role Princeton played in the early history of our country. It will serve as a resource that highlights the many planned Princeton events honoring that anniversary.

• Princeton Battlefield State Park
  The end cap to the "Ten Crucial Days" which began with Washington's Crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night, the Battle(s) of Trenton, took place in Princeton, now commemorated as Princeton Battlefield State Park, on Jan 3, 1777. Washington and his troops surprised and defeated a force of British Regulars , leading to the first field victory over British troops.
• Princeton Battlefield Society
  Works to keep the legacy of the Princeton Battlefield alive through community engagement, educational programs, and preservation efforts. Their "Battle of Princeton" highlights this turning point in American Revolutionary history.
• Washington Crossing State Park
  The site of George Washington’s historic 1776 Christmas night crossing of the icy Delaware River. Park improvement projects are underway in preparation for the celebration of the Semiquincentennial, as well as numerous events marking the various historical events before and after the July, 4 1776 signing. These will begin as early as 2024 and continue through 2033.
• Washington Crossing Park Association
  This 501(c)(3) national non profit organization strives to preserve and support the park with a strong focus on education. Check out their Driving Tour of the Continental Army's March to the Battle of Trenton
• Washington Crossing American Revolution Round Table
  Dedicated to discussion about the period of the American Revolution. The group has met quarterly since 2004. As of 2025, their speakers have covered over 70 different topics related to the Revolution. It is sponsored by the Swan Historical Foundation, Inc. Membership is free of charge. There are currently 20 videos on Revolutionary War themed topics. To be notified of upcoming events, please send an email to: wcroundtable@gmail.com