Union County Historical Society Newsletter – May–June 2024, Issue No. 176
Annual Luncheon: Research on the 1780 Battles
More than 45 members and friends gathered on Sunday, April 14, for UCHS’s annual luncheon featuring a presentation on research at the Connecticut Farms and Springfield battlegrounds of June 1780. Dr. Richard Veit and Dr. Jonathan Mercantini summarized ongoing findings using cartography, archaeology, and historical sources, noting continued opportunities to interpret artifacts and troop movements as the 250th approaches.
Kenilworth Program with Dr. Walter E. Boright
On Thursday, June 20, UCHS member and Kenilworth historian Dr. Walter E. Boright presents “A postcard journey thru Kenilworth history,” with rare postcards from 1899 to modern times, plus a mini-workshop on “Hints to dating old photos and postcards.” Sponsored by the Kenilworth Historical Society at the barrier-free Senior Citizens Center (526 Blvd.), 6:30 p.m. start; admission, parking, and light refreshments are free.
Student Scholarship Awards
UCHS will present its Student Scholarship Awards on Sunday, May 19, 2:00 p.m., at Hanson House, 38 Springfield Avenue, Cranford. All are invited; refreshments to follow.
Historic County Cards
More than 60 commemorative history trading cards, initiated by the Union County Board of County Commissioners, highlight notable people and historic places. Cards are available at local historical sites and via the county website.
FAQs
What new insights emerged from the luncheon research update?
The team is refining maps of the 1780 Connecticut Farms and Springfield actions, with ongoing archaeology and document study revealing artifact locations and possible troop movements.
What are Union County Historic County Cards?
A county initiative offering >60 trading cards on local figures and places, distributed at historic sites and online for public education and engagement.
Related Newsletters
Issue 178 highlights the restored Caldwell Obelisk, hands-on gravestone cleaning, and Union County Historic County Cards featuring NJ suffrage leaders.
Issue 177 features a Revolutionary War fort talk, the Caldwell Obelisk restoration, and Union County “Across the Centuries” history cards.
Our longtime friend and Society Treasurer, Bill Frolich, sadly passed away on September 30th 2021. He was 101 years old, a 45-year member of UCHS, and the writer/editor of our Newsletter. Bill and his extraordinary knowledge of Union County history will be greatly missed.