ONLINE NEWSLETTER Winter Issue 2 2/08/07

Tory Jack Day Historian Joe Becton will speak on the topic "African Soldiers in the American Revolution" at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the historic Abraham Staats House, 17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook. The event, part of the "Tory Jack Day" program celebrating Black History Month, is sponsored by South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission in conjunction with The Friends of the Abraham Staats House, Inc. and the Women's Guild of South Bound Brook. Becton, a National Park Service Interpretive Park Ranger, has been recognized with the Community Service award for setting a standard of excellence in interpretation and for his role in connecting Americans to national parks through wonderful stories and varied media. Members of the First Rhode Island Regiment will act as Honor Guard, providing a musket firing demonstration and will be on hand to answer questions and interact with the public. This living history reenactment unit portrays members of the First Rhode Island, an American Revolutionary War military unit comprised largely of African American slaves and free blacks, which served from 1778 to 1783. The unit was commended for its valor during the war. Following Becton's presentation, the public is invited to tour the historic Abraham Staats House and view an exhibit on slavery and the contributions of blacks to the national heritage, presented by local historian and Women's Guild member, Joyce Smith. Tours will end at 4 p.m. Suggested donation for Becton's presentation is $3 per adult (over age 12). For information and directions, visit: http://www.staatshouse.com or call (732) 356-4789 (original text by Gina Vergel, Home News Tribune Online 01/18/07) post - Pvt. Leon Brooks

Presentation: Camp William Penn's Warriors for Freedom, United States Colored Troops, at the African American Museum
Saturday, February 17 ~ 1 to 2 p.m.

Members of the 3rd U.S. Colored Infantry perform an interactive living history presentation of the United States Colored Troops. Learn about Infantry and other black soldiers who volunteered to serve in the Civil War, and see a display of Civil War equipment, weapons, uniforms and personal items used by soldiers.
Free with Museum Admission