East Amwell Historical Society

10/25/2026

10/25/2026

If you've seen the exhibit, you already know: the story is too big for a single visit. Return and let the rest of 1776 reveal itself to you.

10/24/2026

If you've seen the exhibit, you already know: the story is too big for a single visit. Return and let the rest of 1776 reveal itself to you.

Check out the latest community post from one of your neighbors. (The views expressed in this post are the author’s own.)

10/12/2026

09/22/2026

Step Out of the House — Step Into 1776

Hidden History of the Revolution Exhibit • This Sat & Sun • 2–4 PM
East Amwell Historical Society Museum
& Gallery at the Historic Clawson House, 1053 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ • Free Admission (Donations Appreciated)

If you live anywhere in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, Sussex, Monmouth Counties and surrounding communities you’re standing on land that once belonged to — the original 200‑square‑mile Revolutionary region that carried Washington, his scouts, his spies, the intelligence networks and the women who helped win the war.

Most people have no idea their modern towns were once part of this vast Revolutionary world.
This weekend, you can walk straight into it.

The Hidden History You’ll Finally Learn (lost to time, never taught in school):
Old Amwell’s 200‑Square‑Mile Story — how your modern county was once part of a single Revolutionary township

Washington’s Real Routes — the exact roads he rode, marched and rested through Ringoes, Hopewell, Lambertville, Flemington, Clinton, Pennington, Trenton, The Brunswicks, Princeton, Hillsborough, Monmouth and Bucks County and beyond

Local Spy Rings — families running covert operations from farmhouses and taverns

Courier Riders — 60‑mile‑a‑day messengers carrying coded orders through your towns

Taverns of Rebellion for Independence from Britain's Rule— where intelligence, courage, and strategy were exchanged

1776-1807 Women and Free Black Men Voters of NJ — decades before the other colonies had the right

Safe Houses & Farmsteads — the quiet places that kept the army alive

Artifacts That Survived — everyday objects, Continental and NJ Militia Weaponry that witnessed the war right here

Cool off in our museum and gallery, enjoy fresh cookies, chocolates, bubbly, and wander through events that will have you saying:

“I had no idea this happened where I live.”

And the best part?
You’ll want to come back — because the more you learn, the more you’ll want to know.

📅 This Weekend
⏰ 2–4 PM
📍 East Amwell Museum & Gallery

09/18/2026

This Saturday at 11 AM — you are invited to join on Patriot ground and feel the Revolution beneath your feet.

During 1766-1776 LIBERTY POLES once rose as powerful symbols of courage — proof that ordinary people were ready to stand for freedom, independence, and the future of a nation. Within that 200 square mile revolutionary region 60+ men joined forces to form the Sons of Liberty.

On September 19th, for America’s 250th, we raise one again.

Take this once-in-a-lifetime powerful hour to experience how the Revolution moved through our neighborhoods across Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, Sussex, Morris, and Bucks County and surrounding areas, all connected by the historic Old York Road. This is where the courage of everyday people helped change the course of history.

You’ll witness:

• Colonial soldiers raising the Liberty Pole
• Live colonial music
• Scouts supporting the ceremony
• Colonial time municipalities speaking the praises of Liberty
• Cake for all in celebration of Liberty
• A tribute to the NJ & PA militia and the Continental Army who stood their ground for liberty

🪑Feel free to bring a folding chair for comfort — and cake will be served to you as part of our shared Revolutionary camaraderie.

Come for the spirit and pride.
Come for the meaning.
Come because freedom began right here.

📍 Location: Marion F. Clawson Memorial Park, 1055 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ, plenty of parking and handicap spaces

🕰️ Time: Saturday, September 19 • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

🌦️ Rain or shine
🎟️ Free & Adults & family friendly
🍰 Cake for everyone

📜Step into the story of independence. Stand where courage once stood.

Warm regards,
East Amwell Historical Society Museum and Gallery

09/07/2026

Step inside the Revolution this Friday night. For one evening only, the Historic Clawson House opens after dark for an exclusive tour — 1700s foundations, 1800s rooms, and the hidden stories beneath the NJ and PA roads you travel every day.

Explore the acclaimed Hidden History of the Revolution exhibit featuring Continental Army weaponry, Washington’s pistol from Lafayette, Patriot women, John Hart’s cave, espionage networks, and the safest Patriot passageways rode, marched and rested by Washington and the Continental and Militia armies through our region.

Enjoy bubbly, artisan hors d’oeuvres, and chocolates as you wander this iconic home by night.

🕰️ Exclusive Night Tour — Friday, Sept 11 • 6–8 PM 📍 Historic Clawson House Museum & Gallery, 1053 Old York Rd, Ringoes NJ RSVP — space is limited: [email protected] or text 609‑591‑4661

✨ Also happening Friday evening: Friday Night in the Park (5:30–7:30 PM) — live music & food trucks.

✨ Weekend Hours: The East Amwell Historical Society Museum & Gallery at the historic Clawson House will also be open Saturday & Sunday, 2–4 PM for daytime tours.

Make a night of it — or stop by this weekend. History is waiting for you.

07/24/2026

The True Meaning of This Image:

Molly Pitcher (likely Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley) is the legendary heroine of the American Revolution. She is famous for bringing water to parched troops and swabbing cannons during the sweltering Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778) in New Jersey.

The Scene & Her Story

During the intense Battle of Monmouth, Hays carried pitchers of water to exhausted soldiers and to cool the hot cannons. When her husband, artilleryman William Hays, collapsed from severe heatstroke or wounds, she stepped up. Refusing to let the gun go silent, she took his ramrod and helped load and fire the cannon.

Key Facts at a Glance

Location: The Battle of Monmouth Court House in Freehold, New Jersey.

The Nickname: "Molly" was a common nickname for Mary; she got "Pitcher" for dodging enemy fire to bring cool water to the artillerymen.

The George Washington Connection: Legend states General George Washington personally witnessed her bravery and gave her the honorary title of "Sergeant Molly".