The Skirmish! Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Read below to learn more about other upcoming Skirmish talks, reenactments, and more!
Delve into colonial history and learn about the complexities that forged our nation! A variety of Revolutionary events and activities throughout April and May lead up to the annual Haddonfield Skirmish on Saturday, June 3!
- “Unheard Voices of the American Revolution” is a free, seven-part lecture series telling the stories of Quaker pacifists, African Americans, Loyalists, Jewish people, Freemasons and women, as well as the role of disease during wartime; Wednesdays from April 12 – May 31.
- President vs. “Mrs. President” will be a spirited “debate” between John and Abigail Adams on May 25 at 7 p.m. at The Haddon Fortnightly. John was a brilliant lawyer and the founding father others “loved to hate.” One person who boldly challenged him was his wife, Abigail. Remembered for warning John to “remember the ladies,” her influence led critics to call her “Mrs. President.” (Limited tickets!)
- Meet Abigail and John Adams at the Indian King Tavern on May 25 before the debate. (Time to be announced; Free to all!)
- Haddonfield’s treasure – the Indian King Tavern – will highlight colonial history all spring and on June 3. In 1777, the New Jersey Assembly, fleeing from the British, met in session at the tavern and declared that the “colony” of New Jersey was now a state. In 1903, the Indian King Tavern became the first historic site purchased by the State of New Jersey.
- Look for other events – including author talks and family-friendly activities – on com.
- On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the British will invade Haddonfield and Continental troops will challenge them – just as they did 245 years ago – in June 1778. “Redcoats” on horseback will charge, muskets will be fired, and the Continentals will try to stop the Redcoats before they head off to the battle at Monmouth. This reenactment event is free and open to the public. The Haddonfield Skirmish and related events will take place on and around Kings Highway. A day filled with colonial-era activities begins at 9 a.m.; The skirmish is at 2 p.m. Free tours of the historic Indian King Tavern will be offered all day. The day’s events include a yelling contest, colonial dancing, pillory prisoners, privateers, caricature and silhouette artists, and character reenactors throughout town. Soldier reenactors will be available to meet visitors and field questions before and after the skirmish. (You can even join the Haddonfield Lions Club’s “Breakfast with the Troops.”) There will be plenty of sidewalk space for viewing and cheering along Kings Highway – or protesting since Haddonfield was a Quaker town!
Haddonfield’s History: A Community Affair
The Haddonfield Skirmish and all the lead-up events are a community effort organized by the Friends of the Indian King Tavern Museum, a non-profit supporting Haddonfield’s historic treasure. Over 40 local and regional organizations collaborate to host a series of educational and interactive events to incorporate the history, civics and politics of the revolutionary era.
