Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America’s Founding at the Lord Stirling 1770s Festival

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – The Somerset County Park Commission invites residents to travel back in time and celebrate our nation’s semiquincentennial at the Lord Stirling 1770s Festival. Somerset County has a rich history during colonial times, including George Washington’s troops encamping here for two winters, the Battle of Bound Brook, and Basking Ridge’s own Major General William Alexander, who was known as Lord Stirling and lived in a manor in what is now Lord Stirling Park.

“The Lord Stirling 1770s Festival is a fantastic way to connect with our nation’s history, especially this year during America’s 250th Anniversary,” said Somerset County Park Commission Director Dan Hayes. “If you want to get a feeling for what it was like during America’s youth, come join us at Lord Stirling Manor on October 4th and experience it for yourself.”

For the 250th Anniversary, the 1770s Festival will be larger than ever with more than forty exhibits and interactive activities. The event will feature Colonial craftspeople plying their trades, a Town Crier announcing the local news, and militias conducting maneuvers in preparation for battle against the British.

Festival visitors will also have a chance to experience firsthand what it was like to live in Revolutionary times. They’ll be able to sample fresh apple cider right out of the manual cider presses, enjoy performers presenting 18th-century entertainment, and enjoy musicians playing colonial music on period-appropriate instruments.

When: Sunday, October 4 from 11:30-4:00 p.m.
Where: 96 Lord Stirling Road, Basking Ridge, NJ
Cost: Suggested donation: $5

Restrictions: Dogs are not permitted with the exception of service animals

Rain Contingency: In the event of inclement weather, the 1770s Festival will be held at 190 Stirling Road

The Park Commission thanks the Somerset County Cultural and Heritage Foundation for helping to fund and coordinate the Lord Stirling 1770s Festival.

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