Bouman-Stickney Farmstead

Readington, NJ - Readington Museums Presents: Spy Ring Secrets of the Revolution
Join the Readington Museums on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead for a compelling talk on the Mersereau Spy Ring, whose intelligence helped set the stage for George Washington’s surprise attack on Trenton.
Operating from Long Island, the Mersereau network gathered critical information on British plans to pursue the Continental Army across the Delaware River. The brothers not only reported these movements but also sabotaged British boats along the New Jersey shore, buying valuable time for Washington’s forces. The program will also explore the ring’s role in exposing Benedict Arnold’s plot to surrender West Point, leading to the capture of British officer John André.
Guest lecturer and historical interpreter Michael Carver, known for his engaging first-person portrayals of early American life, will bring this fascinating story to life. His impressions include an 18th-century surveyor and scientist (often portrayed as David Rittenhouse), as well as a blacksmith, whitesmith, cordwainer, and spymaster. Carver has reenacted at Washington Crossing, Historic Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park, Fort Mifflin, the Joseph Priestley House, Historic Rittenhouse Town, and many other historic sites throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Discover the vital role of espionage in the fight for American independence.
The Bouman-Stickney Farmstead is located in the Stanton section of Readington. For GPS purposes, use 114 Dreahook Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833. A $5 suggested donation is appreciated, and refreshments will be served. In the event of inclement weather, please call the Museums for the latest program updates.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.readington.gov/community/museum" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.readington.gov/community/museum</a>, email <a href="mailto:Museums@readington.gov">Museums@readington.gov</a>, or call 908-236-2327.
Made possible with funds from the Hunterdon County Cultural &amp; Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Local Event: Spy Ring Secrets of the Revolution

Hunterdon County

Flemington

New Jersey

Spy Ring Secrets of the Revolution

Readington, NJ - Readington Museums Presents: Spy Ring Secrets of the Revolution
Join the Readington Museums on Wednesday,...

America 250 at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead: Rug Hooking Exhibit &amp; a Visit with Soldier Deborah Sampson
READINGTON, NJ -&nbsp; What did it take to fight for American independence? Find out through art, storytelling, and living history at Readington Museums’ Open House on Sunday, September 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead.
This special America 250 Open House offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary while exploring the Revolutionary era through the artistry of hooked rugs and the firsthand perspective of a woman who defied convention to serve her country.
At 1:00 p.m., Sharon Goodman will give a short talk while portraying Deborah Sampson, a Revolutionary War soldier who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Continental Army.
At 2:00 p.m., fiber artist Lucy Walsh will speak about the rugs on display, the historic images that inspired them, and the stories behind their designs.
Following the presentations, Goodman will remain in character as Sampson and circulate among visitors, allowing guests to ask questions and hear more about her remarkable experiences. Walsh will also be on hand to demonstrate the hooking process and provide a practice frame for guests to try their hand at hooking.
The afternoon will feature a special exhibit by the Hunterdon County Rug Artisans Guild, showcasing hooked rugs inspired by the people, places, events, and slogans of 1776. Created in anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary, the project brings history and art together through dozens of handcrafted rugs and scaled models of Revolutionary-era regimental flags. Each rug tells a story in wool and offers a unique artistic perspective on American history.
The guild’s members completed 70 rugs as part of a yearlong project that began in January 2026. The exhibit has been displayed at 18 venues throughout Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bucks counties, including historic homes, community events, reenactments, encampments, fairs, and a winery. The project has also been featured in two rug-crafting magazines and will be presented virtually at Sauder Village in Ohio.
The Bouman-Stickney Farmstead is located in the Stanton section of Readington. For GPS purposes, use 114 Dreahook Road, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Although there is no fee, donations are
gladly accepted. In the event of inclement weather, please call Readington Museums for the latest program updates.
For more information, visit <a href="https://www.readington.gov/community/museum" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.readington.gov/community/museum</a>, email <a href="mailto:Museums@readington.gov">Museums@readington.gov</a>, or call 908-236-2327.
Made possible with funds from the Hunterdon County Cultural &amp; Heritage Commission, a partner of the New Jersey Historical Commission.

Local Event: America 250 at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead: Rug Hooking Exhibit & a Visit with Soldier Deborah Sam

America 250 at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead:...

America 250 at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead: Rug Hooking Exhibit & a Visit with Soldier Deborah Sampson
READINGTON, NJ -  What...

America 250 at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead: Rug Hooking Exhibit & a Visit with Soldier Deborah Sam

Readington Museums

New York City Metropolitan Area

Somerset County

Alexis Tarrazi

Hillsborough

Bucks County

Jeff Werner

Philadelphia Metropolitan Area

New Hope-Lambertville

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Mercer County

Hopewell-Pennington

Bridgewater

Manville

Sarah Salvadore

Princeton

Bernardsville-Bedminster

Lawrenceville

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Dino Ciliberti

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Primrose School of Hillsborough

Join us for summer fun at our annual Ice Cream Social &amp;&nbsp;Foam Party! This event is open to the community!Date: Friday, August 21, 2026Time: 5:30pm - 7pmAddress: Primrose School of Hillsborough, 32 Falcon Road, Hillsborough, NJ&nbsp;08844Parent/guardian must be present at all times. Bring a towel, change of clothes, chairs and picnic blankets!

Local Event: Ice Cream Social & Foam Party at the Primrose School of Hillsborough

Ice Cream Social & Foam Party at the Primrose...

Join us for summer fun at our annual Ice Cream Social & Foam Party! This event is open to the community!Date: Friday, August...

Ice Cream Social & Foam Party at the Primrose School of Hillsborough

East Amwell Historical Society Museum and Gallery

This weekend, escape the heat and step inside Hidden History of the Revolution — our immersive exhibit revealing the vast Revolutionary world that once covered what are now Mercer, Hunterdon, Sussex, and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey, and even Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Enjoy chocolates and bubbly in the cool comfort of the historic Clawson House as you discover that the very ground beneath your feet — your towns, your roads, your neighborhoods — carried General George Washington, his scouts, the Continental army and Militia during the most pivotal moments of America’s fight for independence.
📅 Saturday &amp; Sunday, August 22–23
⏰ 2 PM – 4 PM
📍 East Amwell Historical Society Museum &amp; Gallery at the 🏛️ Historic Clawson House, 1053 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ
💛 Free — donations appreciated
🍫🥂 Chocolates &amp; bubbly while you explore
Stroll the very roads Washington’s scouts once marched, rode and rested — by exploring the exhibit’s illustrated paths that trace their movements across the 200‑square‑mile Revolutionary landscape that became today’s Hunterdon, Mercer, Sussex, and Monmouth Counties… and even Bucks County, PA.
After exploring the Exhibit, settle into our parlor room for a 16‑minute film that follows Washington’s footsteps through the 10 Crucial Days and onward to Yorktown — complete with fresh popcorn from our vintage popper machine.
These were not quiet backroads. They were considered by George Washington to be the safest passageways during the Revolution — used by courier riders, spies, tavern keepers, farmers, and militia scouts who carried intelligence through Old Amwell during the 10 Crucial Days and beyond.
From the Delaware River crossings from McKonkey’s Ferry to Coryell’s Ferry… to Trenton and Princeton… to Washington’s march toward Monmouth CourtHouse in June 1778… these hills, ridges, and crossroads were the hidden stage on which the Revolution turned.
And now — for the first time — you can follow those routes inside the gallery, illustrated and brought to life through maps, Revolutionary artifacts, and history long forgotten.
Come wander the Clawson House with chocolates and bubbly in hand, and step back into 1776 — into the secret world of scouts, spies, and safe passageways that helped shape a nation.
History didn’t happen far away. It happened on the roads you travel today.
We hope to see you this weekend!
The East Amwell Historical Society Museum and Gallery

Local Event: This Weekend Cool Off inside the EAHS Museum & Gallery!

This Weekend Cool Off inside the EAHS Museum &...

This weekend, escape the heat and step inside Hidden History of the Revolution — our immersive exhibit revealing the vast...

This Weekend Cool Off inside the EAHS Museum & Gallery!

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Spy Ring Secrets of the Revolution

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26

7:00 PM

Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, 114 Dreahook Rd, Readington Township, NJ

America 250 at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead: Rug Hooking Exhibit & a Visit with Soldier Deborah Sam

SEP

13

1:00 PM

Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, 114 Dreahook Rd, Readington Township, NJ

Ice Cream Social & Foam Party at the Primrose School of Hillsborough

This Weekend Cool Off inside the EAHS Museum & Gallery!