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by Joel Wilson
This July we celebrate our nation’s 223rd
birthday with festivities much removed from the hardships that our ancestors endured
fighting for our country’s freedom. Fortunately there is a group of individuals that
are dedicated to preserving the memory of this struggle for independence by authentically
reenacting aspects of the way of life during the American Revolution. This group is the 2nd
New Jersey Regiment, Helms’ Company.
The group was started during the country’s bicentennial celebration back in 1776, and since then has participated in numerous parades, festivals, school events, and other opportunities where they share their appreciation for American history with the general public. Through generous public support the group has been able to obtain tents and other furnishings necessary to recreate war encampments and other vignettes of American colonial life. Authenticity is certainly a paramount concern, with the group constantly striving for historic accuracy in its interpretation of everything from clothing to food.
The group travels to many historic sites in the Mid-Atlantic states, establishing their encampment and participating in simulated battles with the Brits. Local places on the agenda this summer include Wicke Orchard in Morristown (October 2, 3), Waterloo Village in Stanhope (July 4th), a parade in Randolph on July 3rd, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence that same day in Morristown. The 2nd NJ also visit and participate in events at nationally known sites such as Mount Vernon in Virginia, the Monmouth battlefield in Freehold, Brandywine in Pennsylvania, and Fort Frederick in Maryland.
Why would a person participate in such an activity? I asked that question of a regiment member of my acquaintance, Rob Wickham of Montague. Rob explained his affinity for history and the pleasure he experienced camping while growing up. Revolutionary War reenactment satisfies both of these interests for him and he also seems to enjoy the black powder weaponry that keep the events exciting.
One of Rob's enjoyable stories involved a celebration held by the group in a historic pub building run by the park service in Washington's Crossing. The pub is not normally open to the public but the group was invited to enjoy a keg of Sam Adams there to celebrate a successful park event they were involved in. With lanterns lighting the room and fine ale lighting the crowd, it wasn't long before a undeniable sensation of a tangible connection with the past overcame the revelers. "It was spooky," Rob claimed.
Members like Rob are also very knowledgeable about the finer points of the historical elements of battle and other concepts very foreign to modern day Americans. Rob explained to me the role of a brigade's drummer in communicating strategy to the troops over the din of the discharges of weaponry. He also put to rest my notion that the colonial armies all practiced guerilla warfare. They mostly did this early on in the war before they were organized enough to create effective formations and fight like the well trained British did.
These and many other stories and insights may be gained by paying a visit to a reenactment event sometime this summer. The 2nd's web site includes a calendar of events for the year as well as many other interesting pages, pictures, and links. I especially enjoyed their Lilliputian pictures in the Photo Gallery -- it shows that they certainly have a sense of humor. One other notable page details the history of the actual 2nd Jersey Brigade and its activities during the war.
After visiting the group, either online or in person, be sure to consider making a donation, becoming a member, or in some other way supporting the group as they spread the message of what gaining independence was all about.
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