Step into the unofficial kickoff to Summer 2026 with Mr. Local History for a fun, fast-moving journey through New Jersey’s past and America 250. Inside this issue: meet New Jersey’s 5 signers of the Declaration of Independence, revisit Memorial Day memories, and explore what July 4, 2026, might look like 250 years later. Discover New Jersey’s ultimate America 250 experience in Bridgewater and dive into the NJ250 Events Calendar, promoted as the largest list anywhere.
Cover: Mr Local History Magazine Vol 8 Issue 2
Our cover honors summer’s unofficial kickoff, America’s 250th celebrations, and history across New Jersey. The cover features the 5 New Jersey signers of the Declaration of Independence in order as listed on the document, were Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, and Abraham Clark), as well as the first American flag approved by Congress, signed by Francis Hopkinson, which was first flown in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
This issue also spotlights Bernardsville’s Old Stone Tavern and Freddy’s, counts down 10 Jersey Shore historic icons, explores New Jersey’s best America 250 exhibits, and delivers Revolutionary War history made just for New Jersey readers. And because this is Jersey history, expect a few surprises too, including Liberty Corner’s unexpected “nudist colony” story. History, road trips, local legends, and America 250 excitement all packed into 1 issue. The only question is: where will you get out there?
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Volume 8 – Issue 2 – We’re Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with So Much History and So Much to Do.
America’s Grandest Estate in Basking Ridge Archaeological Dig Continues
Views: 51 As New Jersey commemorates the 250th anniversary of the American experience, the archaeological work at Lord Stirling Manor represents one of Somerset County’s most significant contributions to the America 250 effort. By uncovering the physical remains of William…
Memorial Day Tribute
Views: 5,657 Honoring those we’ve lost and those veterans who have served. Soldiers showcased in the video who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country: More Mr. Local History Our Readers’ Top 10 MLH Posts this Week
Independence Day – Kudos to New Jersey Signers #jersey5
Views: 20,539 The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment, and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it. Jefferson drafted the statement between June 11 and 28, submitted drafts to…
Somerville Bike Race – The Oldest Race in America & a Jersey Memorial Day Staple
Views: 6,215 It’s the oldest cycling race in America – right in Somerville, New Jersey, every Memorial Day for 85 years! It’s the “Kentucky Derby of Cycling.” I laid on the ground at turn two and thought all would be…
America’s Oldest Nudist Colony is in Liberty Corner, New Jersey
Views: 40,863 The Sky Farm Music & Arts festival is going to be one of the largest events Sky Farm has ever held. Several bands and performers will be on hand to provide live music throughout the day. A variety…
New Jersey’s Gift to America’s 250th – A July 4th Celebration You Must Experience
Views: 4,581 RAIN or SHINE – EVERY July 4th at 10:30 am – Join friends and family on Independence Day as the Washington Camp Ground Association honors the American flag, the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, and the reading…
Bernardsville’s Historic Old Stone Tavern & Hotel – Destination Brings a Whole Bunch of History
Views: 1,299 It’s really fun when you get the chance to document an establishment’s transformation over 250 years, but we’ve found another one in what was once known in the Vealtown area of Bernards Township. With all the ups and…
What America at 250 Means To Jerseyians
Views: 3,027 Moments like this do not define themselves. They are shaped by the voices that choose to engage with them. Nowhere is that more true than in New Jersey, long known as the Cockpit of the American Revolution, where…
Jersey’s Iconic Biggest Food Challenges
Views: 410 New Jersey does not just have great food; it has a habit of turning everyday favorites into something bigger, messier, and more over-the-top than anyone expects. From stacked deli sandwiches and grease-truck creations to loaded cheesesteaks, Italian subs,…
Take 2 Minutes and 18 Seconds to Celebrate America
Views: 1,282 It takes around two minutes and eighteen seconds to sing God Bless America. Mr. Local History took a trip to the “Field of Honor,” an annual tradition at the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster, New Jersey. Sit back,…
Documenting America’s 250th Across New Jersey
Views: 176 We’re going to try to do our best to get out there and experience America’s 250th across New Jersey by attending what we can. The most fun has to be not only learning more about the history but…
Morristown and America’s History – A Critical Piece to Our Nations History Puzzle
Views: 481 In New Jersey, any serious study of the Revolutionary War inevitably leads to Morristown. More than just a waypoint, Morristown became the strategic and symbolic heart of the Continental Army during its darkest and most decisive years. Twice…
New Jersey’s Most Extensive America 250 Events Calendar
Views: 7,134 “It’s the most extensive America 250 Events Calendar for New Jersey 250. BOOKMARK this Site and Come Back Often – Updated Daily This free statewide calendar is open to all New Jersey organizers to share America’s Semiquincentennial 250th…
New Jersey and America’s 250th Exhibits
Views: 1,226 “It’s the most extensive 250th Exhibit List we’ve seen for New Jersey.“ This free statewide exhibit list is open to all New Jersey organizers to share America’s 250th-related exhibits happening across the Garden State. From local History displays…
New Jersey’s Oldest Yacht Club is RYC – But is it Riverton or Raritan?
Views: 1,784 Although both the Raritan Yacht Club in Perth Amboy and the Riverton Yacht Club on the opposite side of New Jersey seem to have been founded in 1865, published sources currently give the Riverton Yacht Club the bragging…
Sailing New Jersey- Yacht Clubs-Trophies- History
Views: 875 From early shore and lake recreation to organized racing, the culture of sailboats in New Jersey grew out of everyday life on the water. While formal club racing began with the New York Yacht Club in Hoboken with…
The New York Yacht Club Actually Started in New Jersey
Views: 1,142 If you asked most American sailors to name the single most recognized burgee in the country, the answer is almost always the burgee of the New York Yacht Club. That recognition comes straight out of history. Founded in…
Millington’s Garden State Fireworks Lighting America’s Nights Since 1890
Views: 5,335 Long Hill Township, in Morris County, is made up of the villages of Stirling, Millington, Gillette, Meyersville, and Homestead Park. Each village has its own unique character, with Stirling serving as the central hub, Millington and Gillette being…
Collectible: Preserving Jersey Music History – Asbury Park’s Stone Pony
Views: 5,855 UPDATE:It’s HERE! The Cat’s Meow Village and Mr. Local History honors Asbury Park’s Stone Pony, joining the New Jersey Historic Village collection, now over forty keepsakes. Join the Party! Our Assumptions Were Correct…. Our assumptions were correct, and…
