Bernards Township Charter 250th Anniversary Events

Residents should be marking their calendars now for what promises to be an exciting array of activities this year to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Charter of Bernards Township. Signed in May of 1760, 16 years before the Declaration of Independence, the Royal Charter established Bernardston Township, which today includes Basking Ridge, Liberty Corner, Lyons and West Millington.

The programs are designed to include all residents whether actively or as spectators. Some of the highlights include a Bernards Township 250th Anniversary Tea, Charter Day, a free concert presented by the U.S Navy Band Northeast's Wind Ensemble, an evening devoted to "Memories of Bernards," and a time capusle creation and burial ceremony. A full listing of the planned activities, complete with details, is available at www.bernards.org/250th_Anniversary. The 250th Anniversary Task Force also publishes a newsletter; readers can subscribe to at www.bernards.org/signup. Basking Ridge Patch will also continue to have coverage of the 250th anniversary plans and events.

The 250th anniversary offers local residents a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history of the town as well as contribute to what will become part of the township's history in the future. An example of this is the time capsule project. Throughout the year, materials will be gathered which will be placed in a time capsule and buried for 100 years. The ceremony will take place in November at the Bernards Town Hall where the time capsule will be buried and marked with a plaque next to the new Liberty Tree.

The Task Force will be working with all local schools for student involvement. Already High School students have created "Bernards Bucks." This artfully designed faux currency will be sold as commemorative keepsakes and as a fund raiser. Purchasers of $20 denominations will be able to contribute to a message for inclusion in the Time Capusle. 

The Task Force is also planning an essay contest for all students K-12.  They have selected various themes, geared appropriately for different grade groupings and will be announcing the contest via the 250th website. The winning essays, one from each grade grouping (there will be five), will be added to the time capsule.

Further creative input from talented students in the township will come under the guidance of Bruce Morozko, the ceramics teacher at Ridge High School. The Task Force recently added the project to the 250th anniversary sponsored events and will be selecting potential themes, which art students will then translate into three different tile projects. The tile projects will then be showcased at locations throughout the township, including possibly Town Hall, the library and Ridge.

For those just wishing to enjoy the activities as a spectator, residents can go to the U.S. Navy Band concert. The concert is scheduled for May 25 at Ridge High School. It will be free with open seating, however the Task Force will be disseminating admission tickets in order to manage capacity issues. There will be limited reserved seating for dignitaries and seniors. Further information regarding ticket availability will be in the 250th newsletter.

While many of the events are scheduled for later in the year, the closest one, Bernards Township 250th Anniversary Tea, will occur on Feb. 28 at St. Mark's Church Hall. Tickets will be on sale this Saturday, January 9 and Sunday, January 10,  from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Brick Academy, 15 West Oak St.  Adults only, limit two tickets per person. The event is sponsored by the Bonafides and the AAUW.