 |
|
|
Archaeology - Historic Preservation - Public Education
|
|
|
Welcome to BRAVO, a nonprofit organization whose members are interested in the preservation
and correct interpretation of New Jersey's historical past. BRAVO volunteers gain lots of archaeological experience throughout
New Jersey, but our main focus is battlefield archaeology. Through
the use of metal detectors, surface penetrating radar units, and standard archaeological work, we are uncovering clues to
the state's past and correcting many misconceptions in written history. Our ongoing project is an archaeological investigation
into the Battle of Monmouth in Freehold, NJ, one of the most important
battles of the Revolutionary War. A very large, lengthy and bloody battle, it was at Monmouth that General
George Washington relieved Major General Charles Lee of his command. Letters
sent between the two officers clearly illustrate the tension caused by Lee's poor judgement in that fateful battle on June
28, 1778. Monmouth is also the battle at which Mary Hays ("Molly Pitcher")
gained fame by carrying ammunition to the loader at the muzzle of a cannon. Monmouth Battlefield State Park's 1,818
acres contain an extremely diverse archaeological history. Besides the Battle of Monmouth, the park is also home to Camp
Vredenberg (a Civil War training camp), the 18th century parsonage
farmstead, and 17 major Native American camps dating back to the paleolithic period. In addition to working at Monmouth
Battlefield, BRAVO is also involved in contract archaeology, giving us many unique opportunities to get a first-hand look
into the past.
Tour our site to witness some of the exciting discoveries we've made at Monmouth Battlefield and other interesting sites in
New Jersey. Take a look at how our finds are continuing to rewrite the history of this famous Revolutionary War battle - step
back in time to a more accurate account of the Battle of Monmouth.
Want to know more? History buffs will enjoy
our list of Related Links to other history and archaeology sites, and our Great Read section gives you a list of books that
will make you an expert!
|
|
|
|
|
BRAVO members excavating squares at Monmouth Battlefield.
At BRAVO, there's always something new going on! Check back for regular updates with
new pictures, information on our latest digs and discoveries, additional links, and the latest rewrites of history.
|
|
|
|
What's New?
CHECK OUR PAGE, "ARTIFAKE HUNT", TO VIEW PICTURES FROM WASHINGTON CROSSING STATE
PARK. Visitors to the Centennial Fair had an opportunity to work with Bravo members, using their metal detectors
to find "artifakes" (reproduction musket balls), plot their finds on a map, and keep their found treasure. The resulting map
shows the would-be battle lines.
BRAVO members were asked to conduct a metal detecting survey of Solitude House in High Bridge,
NJ. During the Revolutionary War, colonial governor John Penn, grandson of William Penn, was imprisoned in this house due
to his loyalist predisposition. The grounds of this circa 1725 mansion yielded many discoveries, including 18th and 19th century
coins, sterling silver fob with initials, pocket watch plate, ceramics, musket balls, and much more. In total, 90 artifacts
were excavated in one day. We will be conducting further surveys here in the future.
Members of the Molly Reid Chapter of the NSDAR in Derry, New Hampshire generously donated to
BRAVO an original oil painting of Molly Pitcher at the Battle of Monmouth. BRAVO then donated the 19th century framed
painting by Dexter to the State Park Service, and it can now be seen hanging in the Monmouth Battlefield Visitors' Center.
BRAVO members participated in the filming of the Discovery Channel's program, "Moments in Time",
an upcoming series that will take viewers back to significant moments in the history of America. The filming included
BRAVO members conducting metal detecting surveys of Monmouth Battlefield and the resulting finds, as well as an informational
segment with historian Dr. Garry Stone, BRAVO president Dan Sivilich, and two of our younger members, Mark Mahasky and Christie
Stratos. The Battle of Monmouth segment of "Moments in Time" was shown in July of 2003.
St. Mary's City (settled in 1634), MD - Several BRAVO members helped Ron LaBarca, president of
US Radar, conduct a surface penetrating radar survey of the historic "Triangle" area for evidence of subsurface anomalies.
The group recorded over 1400 radar hits, which can be anything from building foundations and buried pathways to artifacts.
Initial shovel tests revealed artifacts ranging from prehistoric Native Americans to 17th century colonists. The site will
now be excavated by archaeologists and archaeology students.
Old Scots Burial Grounds, Marlboro - BRAVO members are
currently helping archaeologist Gerard Scharfenberger locate and excavate the foundation of the original Old Scots Meeting
House (circa 1705) as well as any unmarked graves on the property.
African-American Civil War Soldier Cemetery - BRAVO
conducted metal detecting and surface penetrating radar surveys along with surface archaeological work to locate 65 "lost"
graves, among which were several African-American Civil War solidiers.
Battle of Springfield - BRAVO members
conducted a metal detecting survey for Richard Grubb Associates, Inc. of an area of land suspected to be associated with the
June 23, 1780 Battle of Springfield. One impacted musket ball was found near that area, which was only the second provenienced
artifact from that battle. The musket ball was presented to the Springfield Historical Society and added to their artifact
collection.
|
|
