Welcome to the Col. Richard Somers Chapter of the NJ Society, Sons of the American Revolution.

November’s meeting will be on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Tim Hart will bring us up to date on Ocean County’s America 250  Project.
RSVP to: secretary@colrichardsomers.com

Presentation of Colors
Presentation of Golors
On a beautiful Fall Saturday, we joined with our Sisters of the General Lafayette Chapter , NSDAR, to remember the heroes of the Battle of Chestnut Neck.  This was a State Color Guard Event and included presentations by Port Republic Mayor Nikki Giberson, and Committeeman John Risley.  Additionally, past president Norman Goos, provided historical insight to those events of almost 250 years ago.
All event photos may be found here.
Presentation Video Follows

Michael O’Brien Presenting the Veterans Oral History Project

At our October meeting Michael O’Brien of the Atlantic County Historical Society gave a presentation highlighting the Society’s effort in support of the Library of Congress Veterans Oral History Project.   Though open to all veterans it is becoming more important to capture the memories of those that fought in WWII as their numbers are rapidly declining.

Compatriot Stephen McBrearty brought along two swords owned by his patriot ancestor John Polhemus.

 

Steve with John Polhemus sword
Steve McBreaty showing off one of his ancestor's swords.
Love and Unity Sale

At our September meeting we recognized the years of Outstanding Service provided by Fred and Ethel’s in hosting our meetings.

 

Compatriot Russ Dutcher gave an informative presentation on How NJ Taxed and Supported the Revolution.

Schooner Sly Sale

Stepping in at the 11th hour after an emergency caused our scheduled speaker to postpone, Julia Rose Driscoll Violante of the Ocean County Cultural and Historical Commission gave an engaging presentation on the important roles played by the Camp Followers of the American Revolution.  

 

Our June speaker was Julia Rose Driscoll Violante of the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission. Julia Rose gave a presentation on “Cranberrying at Double Trouble“.  The presentation discussed the impacts of the cranberry industry from pre-colonial times to the 1960’s.  JuliaRose has shared the presentation slides here.

 

On Saturday, May 25th, 2024, we joined with our Sisters of the General Lafayette Chapter, NSDAR to pay homage to those patriots who gave their all for our freedom.  The full event gallery may be seen here.

At the General Lafayette Chapter DAR Spring Luncheon, Chapter President Mike Mangum was awarded the Hannah White Arnett Medal by Chapter Regent Shea Pease. The Hannah White Arnett Medal is one of DAR’s newest recognitions. It may be awarded to a member in good standing of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) or Sons of the Revolution (S.R.) for unselfish devotion, tireless efforts, and assistance to the DAR; and who has dedicated his time, energy, talents, and/or resources to the organization in support and furtherance of the DAR mission of historic preservation, education and patriotism. 
Hannah White Arnett Medals
Shea Pease, Mike Mangum
Hannah Whit Arnett Certificate

The Atlantic County Historical Society has digitized its collection of Yearbooks of Historical and Genealogical Information dated from 1947 to the present.  They have provided us with a searchable copy of the Tables of Contents of all 76 Volumes.