Monmouth County Historical Association's 114th Annual Meeting, January 22, 2013

“Philip Freneau: Poet of the American Revolution” to speak at

 Monmouth County Historical Association’s Annual Meeting January 22

Monmouth County Historical Association will hold its 114th Annual Meeting on Tuesday evening, January 22nd at the Thompson Park Visitor Center, 805 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft.  Members of the Association and the general public are invited to arrive between 6:30 – 7:00pm.  At 7:00pm a brief business meeting will be conducted and followed by a program, “Philip Freneau, Poet of the American Revolution.”  Admission is free.

Philip Freneau will be portrayed by Joseph Smith, who is a performing artist of living history.  He has been acting in New York City since 1995 and his mission is to “create excitement and curiosity about living history by giving voice to stories that celebrate the human spirit.” 

The poet Freneau was born in New York City and lived in Matawan in Monmouth County.  Well versed in the classics under the tutelage of William Tennent, Philip entered Princeton University as a sophomore in 1768 and was a close friend of James Madison.  Though he was a serious student of theology, Freneau found his true calling in literature and soon became the unrivaled “poet of the Revolution” and is still widely regarded as the “Father of American Literature.”

Following the program, Mr. Freneau will make himself available for questions.  Refreshments will be served at that time.  Please call 732-462-1466 for further information or to let us know that you wish to attend.

Currently on view through March at the Museum and Library in Freehold is Marching Away:  Monmouth County in the Civil War, an exhibition that explores the experiences of Monmouth County’s Civil War veterans.  From May – September 2013, the Micah Williams: Portrait Artist exhibition will delight visitors with over 65 pastel and oil portraits on display. 

Monmouth County Historical Association is a private non-profit organization that has been working to preserve history and provide educational opportunities since its founding in 1898.  The Historical Association’s Museum and Library is located at 70 Court Street, Freehold, New Jersey.  Museum hours are: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The Library is open Wednesday through Saturday.  For membership or admission fees and further information, please call (732) 462-1466 or visit our web site at www.monmouthhistory.org. 

Monmouth County Historical Association received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.