celebrating America's 250th

Town’s Rich Revolutionary War and Colonial History to be Celebrated

Bernards Township is pleased to announce the formation of a committee tasked with spearheading the community’s participation in state and nationwide efforts to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, occurring in 2026. Additionally, the committee will make recommendations on ways the town can celebrate its 265th anniversary in May of this year.

Mayor Janice Fields is “excited to be leading our community at a time that coincides with our Township and Nation’s anniversaries.  The Anniversary committee is working hard to bring forward of programs for our community and I deeply appreciate all of their contributions toward this effort.”

The committee’s primary goal will be raising community awareness of the Township’s rich colonial and Revolutionary War history through planned events from local historical and cultural organizations, popular town-wide events like Charter Day, and new 250th-specific events. The committee is comprised of local civic, residential and school representatives, plus the Basking Ridge Business Alliance and local historical organizations, including Farmstead Arts and Ross Farm, among others, and is chaired by Friends of Boudinot-Southard-Ross Estate President David Becker. Ana Duarte McCarthy is the Township Committee liaison, and Christine Kieffer, Municipal Clerk, & Jennifer Gander, P&R Director as the township staff leads.

“We are convening people in Bernards that have passion for the American Revolution who generally do not have an opportunity to work together. The ideas and collaboration flowing among the committee is inspiring,” says Duarte McCarthy.

The committee will kick off its work at Charter Day 2025 with the opening of a contest to design the Township’s 250th celebration logo. The logo contest will be open to all Bernards Township residents of high school age and above, and the winning logo will be selected by a panel of local judges.

In December 2024, Bernards Township became a RevNJ (www.revnj.org) municipality partner, a designation that will enable Bernards Township to have its Revolutionary programs promoted on county and statewide calendars and social media and position the town for county grant money. The logo will be used in all Township communications and events relating to the 250th celebration.

Founded in 1760, Bernards Township was an important community during the Revolutionary War (1776-1781). While Basking Ridge Revolutionary events like the capture of Patriot General Charles Lee at Widow White’s tavern (once located at what is now the corner of Colonial Drive and South Finley) and Rochambeau’s march through Liberty Corner are more widely known, less fanfare has been given to the town’s reputation as a Patriot safe haven for important military leaders such as General Lord Stirling, Elias Boudinot and Colonel Ephraim Martin. Additionally, Maple Ave was a crucial corridor for troop movement and military messengers heading to General Washington’s headquarters in Morristown, as well as the location of a military hospital uniquely designed to slow the spread of disease from patient to patient – a truly ground-breaking idea at the time.

“I believe that many people cherish Bernards as a center of cultural heritage yet are not familiar with our township’s history,” adds Duarte McCarthy. “I’m hopeful that we will develop greater civic pride as residents participate in the Anniversary programs and learn about the Township’s active role in the American Revolution.”

In addition to commemorating the town’s role in military matters, the committee hopes to shed light on the lives of everyday colonial residents who worked, lived and raised families across our community.

“Learning about Revolutionary times is a very helpful reminder of how fortunate we are in America today,” says committee chair Becker. “It’s easy to assume advances in food production, medicine and all the comforts we expect at home have been around for a long time. Exploring the Colonial Era reminds us of how hard simple everyday life was back then. Having compassion and helping others was essential to their success and is just as important in our world today.”

Information on the logo contest can be found https://www.bernards.org/resident/250. Additionally, all inquiries about the committee or the logo contest can be directed to Municipal Clerk at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.