The story of a New Jersey farming community in the crossroads of war is set to come to life when Howell Living History Farm presents Pleasant Valley in the Revolution.
Three days of events are scheduled for the farm’s Revolutionary War Weekend.
Historian and award-winning author Larry Kidder, of Ewing, is set to open the program with a talk based on his new book, A People Harassed and Exhausted: The Story of New Jersey Militia Regiment in the American Revolution, 7 p.m. May 2.
The illustrated lecture tells the story of the American Revolution from the point of view of the people of Pleasant Valley, part of the New Jersey population described by George Washington as “a people harassed and exhausted.” Kidder plans to sign copies of the book after the program with proceeds benefiting the farm’s educational programs. There is a suggested donation of $3 for the program.
Revolutionary War Weekend is set to continue with a reenactment by members of Lamb’s Artillery Company and Daniel Morgan’s Rifle Company on May 3 and 4.
Company members are set to reenact times when the farmers of Pleasant Valley belonged to the patriot militia fighting for America’s independence from England.
The story of the Phillips family, who owned what is now Howell Living History Farm, as well as stories of other Pleasant Valley residents, will be told through militia drills, musket and cannon firings, cooking demonstrations and a reenactment of soldiers mustering at the Justice John Phillips House.
From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday,
The public can visit the encampment and talk with soldiers about their equipment, the types of duties they performed, and the many ways they served the patriot cause 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 3 and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 4. A 2 p.m. cannon firing is scheduled for both days.
Visitors can also get a glimpse of later times in Pleasant Valley by visiting the Henry Phillips barn, where farmers will be shearing sheep and processing wool. Food, a children’s craft program and horse drawn hayrides will be available for on May 3.
Howell Farm is a facility of the Mercer County Park Commission. It is located on Valley Road, just off Route 29 two miles south of Lambertville — GPS location: 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville 08530.
More information is online at howellfarm.org and mercercountyparks.org.
