Jacobus Vanderveer House

08/24/2026

It has been almost 25 years since 9/11. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to commemorate that horrible day, consider joining Peapack-Gladstone’s blood drive. You could save a life.

🚨 COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE – IN GIVING, WE REMEMBER 🇺🇸🩸

The Peapack & Gladstone Police Department is proud to help spread the word about an upcoming New Jersey Blood Services Blood Drive being held in our community.

This year’s blood drive holds special meaning as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. In the days and weeks following the attacks, Americans came together in an extraordinary way to help one another. We invite our residents, first responders, and community members to honor that spirit of unity and service by donating blood.

📅 Thursday, September 10, 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Borough of Peapack & Gladstone
1 School Street, Peapack, NJ

🩸 Appointments are preferred; walk-ins are welcome.
📱 Scan the QR code on the flyer to schedule your appointment.

Blood banks across the country are facing a critical need for donations. One donation can make a lasting difference.

Please consider donating and help us spread the word by sharing this post with your family, friends, neighbors, and fellow first responders.

Honor. Give. Remember. 🇺🇸

08/17/2026

By now, if you have been paying close attention, you are probably aware that the first institution in the United States to train military officers was here in Bedminster. And that the commanding general, Henry Knox, lived at the Jacobus Vanderveer House. Though the physical site has been lost to history, it has been reborn in animation! Take look, fly through the site, and see what life was like in 1778 and 1779.

During the winter of of 1778-1779, General Henry Knox commanded Ame...

08/16/2026

Yesterday in history (1824).

15 August 1824 The Marquis de Lafayette, the last surviving French general of the American Revolutionary War, arrives in New York and begins a tour of 24 states.

08/14/2026

Join us tomorrow for a special presentation by historian Michael Gabriele about historic taverns in New Jersey!

More than just places to get a drink, taverns were places to get a meal or rest on a multi-day journey (remember, it took 2 days to get to Philadelphia and about a week to get to Boston). They were places were people talked about politics and events of the day. In a very real sense, colonial taverns were the backbone of the American Revolution.

Michael will speak at 1, and we are open from 12-4. We hope to see you there!

08/09/2026

Have you seen this little guy? Help him get back home!

Male pup found near Old Dutch, electric fence collar. Please reach out to Animal Control Solutions L.L.C.

07/30/2026

Join us at our next open house event, about Colonial-era taverns of New Jersey! We'll be open from 12-4 on August 15, and at 1, we'll hear from author Michael Gabriele as he reveals the crucial role played by taverns in 18th-century revolutionary America. His book, “Colonial Taverns of NJ: Libations, Liberty & Revolution” explores taverns as the seedbeds of the Revolution, the internet of the time, where people met, debated new ideas and, in many cases, joined militias to take up arms. Gabriele takes a deeper look at the significance of these local establishments and how in between brew and conversation, American history was shaped.

07/24/2026

This Saturday, join us as we share the story of the Pluckemin Cantonment, the first institution in the United States to train military officers!

At 1, join us at Bedminster Town Hall (1 Miller Lane) for a lecture from Dr John Seidel and Barry Thomson, who will will take you back in time to the 1770’s in Pluckemin and surrounding areas as they discuss the legacy of the Pluckemin Artillery Training Academy and the Continental Army’s journey through Somerset County. This lecture is $25, with tickets available at https://register.communitypass.net/Bedminster

Afterwards, join us at the Jacobus Vanderveer House for house tours and a behind the scenes look.
Visit Somerset NJ Somerset County, NJ New Jersey Historical Commission - NJHC

07/23/2026

Did you know this is the oldest depiction of the American flag flying over land? And that it was found here in Bedminster, at the Pluckemin Cantonment?

During the winter of 1778-1779, General Henry Knox commanded the Continental Army Artillery Division, which trained here. General Knox himself lived in our house for several months.

Officers in the artillery division wore these belt tips as part of their uniforms. They depict a cannon, and the US flag in a 5-3-5 arrangement of 6-pointed stars. That's the inspiration for our flag here at the museum.

Want to learn more? Join us Saturday at 1 at Bedminster Town Hall (1 Miller Lane) for a special lecture featuring Dr John Seidel and Barry Thomson. Dr Seidel discovered this belt tip as part of the archaeological excavations at the site. Come hear directly from him about the history of what has been called the greatest untold story of the American Revolution. Admission to the lecture is $25 per person and pre-registration is required at https://register.communitypass.net/Bedminster

After the lecture, the events continue at the Jacobus Vanderveer House itself, for hours tours and a behind the scenes look.

07/20/2026

Did you know that America's first military academy was in Bedminster, New Jersey? Come to our special lecture and cannon unveiling Saturday at 1 PM (at Bedminster town hall, 1 Miller Ln) to learn more! You'll hear from noted archaeologist Dr John Seidel and historian Barry Thomson about the fascinating history behind the Pluckemin Cantonment.

And what was it? Well, watch our video to learn more!

During the winter of of 1778-1779, General Henry Knox commanded Ame...