Union County - Westfield - Westfield Historical Society’s December First Wednesday Luncheon – Washington’s Crossing for the 21st Century

Wednesday, December 5 – Union County Westfield Historical Society’s December First Wednesday Luncheon – Washington’s Crossing for the 21st Century      As part of the the Westfield Historical Society’s First Wednesday Luncheon series, Dr. Jonathan Mercantini, Acting Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Associate Professor of the Department of History at Kean University, will speak on the topic Washington’s Crossing for the 21st Century on December 5, 2018. The event will begin with check-in at 11:45 am at the Echo Lake Country Club, located at 515 Springfield Avenue, Westfield.     Dr. Mercantini will present a re-telling of Washington’s Crossing for the 21st-century. Considering that triumph as an origin story will enable the audience to better understand the legacies of New Jersey’s history and prompt a discussion on how that history can better inform the present and influence the future.     New Jersey was the “Crossroads of the American Revolution,” the site of more fighting than any other state, including the war’s most important victory: Washington Crossing the Delaware and the ensuing Battle of Trenton. While justly celebrated, this seminal event in the history of the state and the nation has entered the realm of mythology. As a result, much of the received wisdom about that battle and its meanings is wrong. In particular, it is important to note that New Jersey was divided along many fault lines in 1776. New Jersey’s residents were both patriots and Tories while many, perhaps a majority, sought to remain neutral and stay out of the fray. Today, as its residents confront new but no less serious challenges, it is both appropriate and crucial to use the state’s vibrant history to help shape our shared future.     As Acting Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Associate Professor in Kean University’s Department of History, Jonathan Mercantini has taught there since 2007. He teaches a wide variety of courses: Colonial and Revolutionary America, The New Nation, Pirates in the Atlantic World, New Jersey History, and the Civil War and Reconstruction to name just a few. Prior to his appointment at Kean he taught at the University of Miami and Canisius College.     Those wishing to attend the luncheon may make a reservation by email to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com; or, by calling 908-654-1794, before 11:00 am on Friday, November 30. Please advise if there are special dietary needs. The luncheon fee of $35 (WHS members) or $40 (non-members) includes a three-course meal, coffee/tea, and gratuity. The luncheon fee should be paid in advance (check payable to Westfield Historical Society) by mailing to Westfield Historical Society, P.O. Box 613, Westfield, NJ 07091; or, online at www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org/registration/. Payments should be received by Friday prior to the luncheon. Westfield Historical Society memberships will also be available at the luncheon.     Echo Lake Country Club is at 515 Springfield Ave, Westfield, NJ. For Echo Lake County Club dress code information, check out the Guest Information at:www.echolakecc.org/club.