rk Highlights County’s Role in America’s Founding
Hundreds gathered earlier this month at the historic Ford Mansion in Morristown — where General George Washington twice established his headquarters during the Revolutionary War — for the Morris County Patriots Ball to honor the county’s Revolutionary legacy and raise funds for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Held at Morristown National Historical Park, the Patriots Ball was hosted by the Morris County 250th Gala Committee in partnership with the Morris County Tourism Bureau. It brought together residents, historians and supporters, along with state, county and local leaders, for an immersive celebration of Morris County’s Revolutionary heritage featuring historical tributes, live music, period-inspired programming, dinner and dancing.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill delivered keynote remarks after being introduced by Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, who welcomed guests by reflecting on Morristown’s place in the fight for independence and the enduring spirit forged during the brutal winter encampment at Jockey Hollow.
“General George Washington chose this place not once, but twice during the most perilous moments of the Revolution,” Director Shaw said. “Right here, decisions were made, strategies formed and a nation’s fate debated.”
View More Photos from the Morris County Patriots Ball
In recognition of the original 13 colonies, Commissioner Christine Myers and 12 other distinguished guests offered ceremonial toasts throughout the evening. Sheriff James Gannon attended in period attire portraying Thomas Millidge, sheriff of Morris County in 1776, while George Washington himself — portrayed by John Koopman III — greeted guests throughout the evening.
One of the evening’s featured attractions was a commissioned replica of George Washington’s inaugural ball suit. The original suit, preserved within the collections of Morristown National Historical Park, was worn by Washington during celebrations following his inauguration as the nation’s first president in 1789. Guests were invited to view the replica inside the Ford Mansion as part of the event experience.
The evening also featured a performance by the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey under the direction of Maestro Robert W. Butts, with selections inspired by Revolutionary-era composers familiar to Washington and his contemporaries.
“What made the evening so meaningful was seeing so many people from across Morris County come together to create something meaningful, memorable and bigger than any one person or organization could accomplish alone,” said Sarah Neibart, mayor of Mendham Township and executive director of the Morris County 250th Celebrations Committee. “Morris County played such a significant role during the Revolution, and there was something incredibly meaningful about honoring that history in the exact place where so much of it happened.”
The Patriots Ball is part of Morris County’s broader semiquincentennial initiatives, which include yearlong events, educational programming, historical commemorations and community partnerships recognizing the county’s unique role in the founding of the United States
The fundraising event was made possible through ticket sales and the generous support of sponsors, community partners, philanthropic organizations and individuals committed to preserving and celebrating Revolutionary history during America’s 250th anniversary year.
Major sponsors and supporters included David Mitchel Fine Event Design; Mr. and Mrs. J. Peter Simon; Mr. and Mrs. Gerald C. Crotty; Kim and Finn Wentworth; S. Dillard and Adrienne Kirby Family Philanthropic Fund; Crum & Forster; Sanofi; Richard and Catherine Herbst; Marta Hallowell Black and David Black; Healey Family Foundation; Washington Association of New Jersey; IAV Event Solutions; Sol and Meri Barer; Brian and Lisa Thebault; Ken Rent; Alstede Farms; HQ Plaza Morristown; Atlantic Health; Joshua Barer and Sarah Neibart; Ilene and Bruce Jacobs; Virginia and Rodney Frelinghuysen; Eileen K. Cameron; Elizabeth W. Holdsworth, Vice-Regent Emerita Mount Vernon Ladies ‘ Association; Laird & Company; Caswell-Massey; Edward and Susanne von der Linde; Morris Museum; County College of Morris Foundation; Michael K. Mullen, Esq.; Walsh Company; The Schlosser Family; Ido and Jennifer Zairi; Colonel John Rosenkrans Chapter of the NJSSAR; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Barkin; Gretchen Wilcox; Mayo Performing Arts Center; Ann W. Talcott, President National Society of the Colonial Dames in America in the State of New Jersey;; Rosemary Becchi; Jersey 1st; and Kraus Marketing.
For all things 250 in Morris County, visit MorrisCounty250.com.
