(13/P58) TRENTON – A New Jersey unit loyal to the British Army will clash this Saturday, June 1, with soldiers from the Continental Army as part of a day-long Revolutionary War re-enactment in Haddonfield, Camden County, coordinated by the New Jersey State Park Service and its partners.

The skirmish will be part of a commemoration of the 235th anniversary of the British occupation at Haddonfield, featuring re-enactors dressed in period uniforms and using period weapons.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for those interested in the Revolutionary War or families who want to hear the rattle of musket fire and feel what it was like to live during this important chapter in American history,” said State Park Service Director Mark Texel. “Located strategically between New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey was at the crossroads of the Revolution and experienced many battles both large and small.”

The event is consistent with the Christie Administration’s commitment to making parks more accessible and vibrant through the Governor’s parks sustainability plan.

It is also one of hundreds of events to be held throughout New Jersey in June as part of the national celebration of Get Outdoors Month. The administration is encouraging visitors to make a special effort to connect with parks and forests during the month as the state moves forward after Superstorm Sandy.

The Haddonfield encampment was along the route of the British Army’s June 1778 march from Philadelphia to New York. Less than two weeks after the encampment and skirmish at Haddonfield, one of the largest battles of the American Revolution was fought near Monmouth Courthouse, now Freehold.

The battle demonstrated that George Washington’s Army could hold its own against the British Army. On June 15-16, some 1,000 re-enactors will commemorate the battle at Monmouth Battlefield State Park.

The Haddonfield skirmish will take place this Saturday at 1 p.m. on Kings Highway between Haddon Avenue and Grove Street. It will last about a half hour.

Visitors are invited to view the re-enactment and learn about the Revolutionary War first-hand by checking out units from the rival armies that will be occupying Haddonfield from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment will be encamped at the Gill Farm, now the headquarters of the Historical Society of Haddonfield at 343 Kings Highway East.  The 1st New Jersey Volunteers—re-enactors portraying a Loyalist unit of the British Army—will occupy the Indian King Tavern State Historic Site, 233 Kings Highway East.

Before and after the skirmish, visitors to the Historical Society and the Indian King Tavern will be able to talk to re-enactors, watch them cook over wood fires, and take turns standing guard. Children will also have opportunities to train with wooden muskets with the 1st New Jersey Volunteers.

Kings Highway will be closed to parking from Haddon Avenue to Grove Street from 7 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday.  This same area will be closed to traffic from about 12:50 p.m. until 1:40 p.m.

Food and shopping are available in downtown Haddonfield, known for its well-preserved Colonial-era architecture.

The event is being sponsored by the Friends of the Indian King Tavern, the Historical Society of Haddonfield, and the Borough of Haddonfield.  The costs of the day’s events are being generously underwritten by Remington and Vernick Engineers.

Toy soldiers, part of the collection of Remington and Vernick Vice President Craig Remington, will be on display at the firm’s offices at 232 Kings Highway East.

For more information, call the Indian King Tavern (856) 429-6792 or Monmouth Battlefield State Park (732) 462-9616, or visit www.monmouthbattlefield.nj.gov

Media note: The on-scene media contact will be historian Garry Stone, who can be reached at (856) 429-6792.