New Jersey Revolutionary Road Trip Part II Episode: Travels with Darley

Take a Revolutionary Road Trip in New Jersey, exploring history, culture, food, and drinks related to our nation’s founding in New Jersey’s Crossroads of the American Revolution, where George Washington spent one-quarter of his time as commander-in-chief. Step back to Colonial Times with untold stories through interactive history with local experts. Hear about the longest one-day battle at Monmouth Battlefield and the coldest winter in Morristown. From Applejack to following in the footsteps of George Washington, join Darley Newman to learn more about the American Revolution at sites where history takes center stage.

While you’re visiting njpbs.org, you can watch episodes from my other local series, Look Up with Darley, that literally looks up -and all around- to discover the historic architecture of New Jersey, from Newark to Asbury Park. It’s part of an amazing line-up of Jersey-centric programming from NJ PBS.

The journey begins at Ford Mansion in Morristown, where General George Washington had his headquarters during the winter of 1779-80. Ranger Eric Olsen guides Darley through the mansion, explaining its history and significance. Darley then explores the home of Henry Wick in Jockey Hollow, followed by a visit to Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Next, Darley takes a look at the Schuyler Hamilton House, where curator Pat Sanftner shares about the love story between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. 

After County Commissioner John Krickus introduces Darley to the Morristown Green, a historic park in the center of Morristown. Darley enjoys a beer at Glenbrook Brewery with co-owner Darren Cregen, who has created beers named after Morristown’s historic places and parks. The Grain House Restaurant is another “revolutionary” stop on this revolutionary road trip, located in the place where George Washington stored grains for his troops. 

The journey continues to Monmouth Battlefield State Park, where Darley learns about a significant battle from Mike Timpanaro. Not far from the battlefield, Darley checks out a family business dating back to Revolutionary War times, Laird and Company, America’s oldest family of distillers. Lisa Laird Dunn talks about her family’s long tradition of creating apple-based spirits and gives Darley some Applejack to try. 

Next, Darley travels to a building along the Washington Rochambeau Route, The William Trent House. Inside, Algernon Ward educates Darley on a regiment from Revolutionary War Times. He shares information about 1st Rhode Island Regiment, the first Black battalion in U.S. military history. Darley heads back to Morristown to experience their annual Morristown Festival on the Green, taking a walk with Executive Director of the Morris County Historical Society, Amy Curry. 

Darley explores Morristown with members of The Seeing Eye, which trains guide dogs and people. Trainer Lauren Christie teaches Darley about some of the training that happens in the Morristown facility and on the streets. After taking the stage at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, Darley visits the Morris Museum, where Executive Director Tom Loughman guides Darley through the art and natural history collections. Another well-preserved house Darley visits is Macculloch Hall, where Darley is guided by Tricia Pongracz. The episode concludes with a toast at The Black Horse Pub and Tavern in Mendham.

Learn more about this episode at darley-newman.com and watch it on PBS and streaming. Follow and subscribe to the new “Travels with Darley” podcast on iHeart, Spotify, Audible, Amazon, Google, Apple, and wherever you listen to your favorite podcast.