Where-To-Go Wednesday - Caldwell Parsonage

What: Caldwell Parsonage 

Where: 909 Caldwell Ave. 

             Union, NJ

Who: Ages 7 and Up

The Reverend James Caldwell was a preacher during the Revolutionary War period who spoke out against King George III's policies and championed independence. Hannah Ogden Caldwell was his wife. She was shot and killed through her bedroom window by a British soldier retreating from the Battle of Connecticut Farms which took place in what is now Union County New Jersey. Her death provided a rallying cry for the Patriots and strengthened their resolve to continue their fight. 

These events remain so significant to the County of Union that even today the county seal features the death of Hannah Caldwell (although not in a gory way, it just pictures a woman with her hands up facing a British soldier even though in actuality Hannah was shot while she was inside her house). Accordingly, even though the house that the Caldwells lived in was burned down by the British in 1780, the current home, which was built in 1782, has been listed on both the National and New Jersey State Registers of Historic Places. It houses a museum dedicated to the Caldwells and their contribution to the fight for independence. Here you can find clothing, furnishing, and other items related not only to the Caldwells but to other families in the area during that time as well, and you can learn more about the Caldwells and the Battle of Connecticut Farms.  There is also a carriage house that dates back to the 1800s in the backyard which has been turned into a tool museum. The museum contains numerous farm tools as well as old typewriters, TVs, radios, and more including an old animal treadmill. 

Free private self-guided tours of Caldwell Parsonage are available. However, they must be arranged in advance as only one individual, couple, or family is allowed on the property at a time during the current Covid crisis. Masks must be worn at all times while on the premises. For more information or to arrange a visit, go to www.unionnjhistory.com.

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.