Celebrate Women’s History Month with American Revolution Speaker

Nicole Skalenko will be the featured speaker at the Sunday, March 15th meeting of the Union County Historical Society at the Hanson House, 38 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, at 2 p.m. Her topic will be “Contributions of Patriot Women during the American Revolution.”

Using pension records and other historical documents, Ms. Skalenko will detail the financial and other contributions women in the Connecticut Farms and Springfield areas made during the Revolution.

Ms. Skalenko holds a Master of Arts in American History from Rutgers University, Camden, with a specialization in eighteenth-century military history and print culture. She has served as a historical researcher for the Battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield Research, Mapping and Arch project.

Additionally, Ms. Skalenko has worked on digital humanities projects including William Livingston’s World at Kean University and The Revolutionary City at the American Philosophical Society. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Honors History from Kean University.

“We invite our members and the public,” Society President Joanne Rajoppi said, “to this special program spotlighting the contributions of the women patriots of the Revolution as we begin the 250th anniversary celebration of our country.”

This program is made possible in part by a 2026 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

HEART Grant Recipient

The Union County Historical Society was a successful applicant for a 2026 HEART Grant to assist with its programming for the year 2026.

“We are thrilled to be included in this grant program,” President Joanne Rajoppi said, “which will provide our members with robust and educational lectures.”

Society to Participate in Liberty Hall First Oval Office Project

The Union County Historical Society will be a participant in Liberty Hall’s Museum of the American Revolution First Oval Office Project, held on April 17, 18, and 19 at Liberty Hall in Union.

According to Rachael Goldberg, Executive Director of Liberty Hall, a replica of General George Washington’s Revolutionary War handsewn tent—the marquee office and sleeping quarter used as the command center of the Continental Army—will be on display. The original tent was likely made in Reading, Pennsylvania, in early 1778 while Washington’s army was at Valley Forge.

The tent set-up will take place on April 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. with free admission. On April 18 and 19, admission is $5 per person.

The Society will participate with a table and historical artifacts from the surrounding areas of Union County during the Revolutionary period. Society members will be on hand to answer questions.

Re-enactors and other hands-on activities for history lovers of all ages will also be available, including crafts, lectures, games, and more. Reservations are suggested via Liberty Hall’s website or by calling 908-527-0400.

Society Presents New Updated Website

The Union County Historical Society is proud to announce a new, user-friendly website for its members and the public. The redesigned website is located at UCHistoricalSocNJ.org and includes an events calendar, a photo gallery, and an archive of the organization’s publications. It also features contact information and a messaging format.

“We are thrilled to unveil this revised website,” Society President Joanne Rajoppi said, “to assist those interested in history to better access the treasury of records and information the Society is a repository for. It is our hope that by visiting the website people will have a better understanding of the history of the county and the people who lived here.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic of UCHS Newsletter Issue 184?

Issue 184 highlights a March 2026 lecture by historian Nicole Skalenko on the contributions of patriot women during the American Revolution, along with updates on grants, events, and the UCHS website.

Who is Nicole Skalenko?

Nicole Skalenko is a historian trained in American history whose work includes Revolutionary-era research, digital humanities projects, and New Jersey public history initiatives.

What is the HEART Grant mentioned in this newsletter?

The HEART Grant is funding from the Union County Board of County Commissioners that supports Union County Historical Society educational programming in 2026.

What is the First Oval Office Project at Liberty Hall?

It is a public history program centered on a replica of George Washington’s Revolutionary War tent, presented with additional interpretive activities and historical programming.