Union Muster

Celebrating New Jersey Soldiers who took part in the Civil War, EJOT will host Union Soldier Historical Interpreters, Historical Weapons demonstrations, 19th century music demonstrations, crafts, and food trucks, including Beastro food truck, will be on site, serving savory BBQ meals and tasty treats!   FEATURED GUESTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Historical Weapons Demonstrations – Witness historical musket fire demonstrations. Songs and Stories of the Civil War – Dressed in period soldiers’ clothing, Matthew Dodd takes listeners back in time to feel what it was like to be a soldier, a civilian, a loved one at home, or an escaped enslaved person in the Civil War Era. Through period songs, excerpts from actual letters, and anecdotes (humorous and poignant), Matthew evokes the feelings and passions of that pivotal era of American history.  Matthew bypasses the generals’ stories and the battle movements. He concentrates on the feelings and stories of the individual soldier (North and South), the mother, father, or sweetheart left at home, and of the men and women who “followed the drinking gourd” to freedom.  Matthew sings and plays acoustic guitar, harmonica, banjo, and mandolin in an informal campfire or story circle setting. Hurdy-Gurdy and Dancers on A String – Robert Mouland will be playing popular music of the 18th century on period instruments (replicas of baroque violin, baroque flute, flageolet, and hurdy-gurdy). As an added treat, he will be accompanied by small marionettes dancing on a board that is a tradition going back to at least the 17th century! Ulysses S. Grant – A living history storyteller, Kenneth appears in first-person as Ulysses S Grant. Entertaining and educational, allowing people to talk to history and interact with US Grant, in Living History. Libby Prison Band – The band will present popular songs from the American Civil War. Each of these tunes reflects a particular story or sentiment connected to the war. These were sung around the soldiers’ camps and performed in their homes before and during this terrible conflict. Tracy Coon Art (Sat. & Sun.) – Plein Air (French for open air) Painting Artist. Tracy Coon will be painting live during the Union Muster Weekend at East Jersey Old Town Village, capturing the historic grounds, buildings, and Civil War-era atmosphere as the event unfolds. Kate Eggleston: Quilt Maker (Saturday)- Civil War-era quilt craft where kids can use markers to color their own quilt from a coloring page. Civil War quilts were made with whatever materials were available and were sent with soldiers on their journeys. Charely Paulino (Sunday) – Make your own binoculars! Children can join in on this simple, engaging, and easy-to-follow activity while learning about how the military uses these instruments. Wandering Interpretive Historical Soldiers – Speak with interpreters around the village to understand what it was like in 18th-century medicine, farm life, military, stone carving, and more.   For your convenience, RIDE, the County’s shuttle service, will provide FREE, accessible, on-demand transportation between East Jersey Old Town Village and The Cornelius Low House. Park in one spot and experience multiple historic sites. 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The turmoil of the war happened right here, on the doorstep of those living in Middlesex County. What unfolded was an account of politics, divided loyalties, battles, destruction, and ultimately, rebuilding. This led to a new nation founded on July 4, 1776, with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, shaping the communities we enjoy today. In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, Middlesex County is proud to celebrate this milestone as one community, embracing our rich history, taking pride in our fight for independence, and continuing our legacy of welcoming new cultures and traditions worldwide. Visit middlesexcountynj.gov/250 for detailed information and events in honor of this significant period.