Rockingham Historic Site

03/01/2026

Walk-In Tours for March . Dates extended to include March 13th and 15th. Stop by!

Send a message to learn more

02/25/2026

"Walk in Tours in March" at ROCKINGHAM - Stop by!
New Dates: March 13th and 15th!

02/25/2026

🚨UPDATE (2/21): This event will be postponed. Please stay tuned for a new date.

Explore history like never before! 🚌📜

The Middlebrook Five Generals Bus Tour is BACK and happening THIS WEEKEND! Join the Heritage Trail Association to discover & tour 5 historically important Somerset County, NJ homes, Military headquarters and more!

Learn more: https://visitsomersetnj.org/event/middlebrook-five-generals-bus-tour-2/

02/25/2026

We're excited to be at the New Jersey Library Association Conference!
Stop by Booth 311 to learn more about our library architecture and historic preservation projects.

10/16/2025

HAPPY 250Th BIRTHDAY TO THE U.S. Navy

A Legacy of Service and Strength

On October 13, 2025, the United States Navy will celebrate its 250th anniversary, marking a quarter-millennium of defending the nation’s interests, projecting power, and upholding maritime freedom. Established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on October 13, 1775, the Navy’s origins trace back to the American Revolutionary War, when a fledgling nation sought to challenge British naval dominance with “a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men.” Since then, the Navy has evolved into a global force, shaping history through courage, innovation, and sacrifice.

The Navy’s 250th birthday is not just a milestone but a moment to reflect on its storied past. From the daring exploits of the Continental Navy’s USS Providence to the steel-hulled might of the USS Olympia during the Spanish-American War, the Navy has been a cornerstone of American resilience. Its sailors have fought in every major conflict, from the Barbary Wars to World War II, and continue to serve in modern operations, from counterpiracy to humanitarian missions. The Department of the Navy, formally established by Congress on April 30, 1798, has grown to include cutting-edge technologies and a global presence, embodying the motto “Semper Fortis”—Always Courageous.

This semiquincentennial will be celebrated with grandeur, particularly in Philadelphia, the Navy’s birthplace. Homecoming 250, a weeklong series of events from October 9–16, 2025, will feature a parade of Navy ships along the Delaware River, flyovers by the iconic Blue Angels, and a Navy 250 Gala on October 11. Historic ships like a replica of the USS Providence and the USS Olympia will be on display, alongside exhibits at museums such as the Independence Seaport Museum. A commemoration at Independence Hall will honor naval leadership and veterans, reinforcing the Navy’s role in securing 250 years of independence.

The Navy’s 250th birthday also highlights its enduring commitment to professionalism and pride, a tradition formalized in 1972 when Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt designated October 13 as the Navy’s official birthday. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the sailors, past and present, who have upheld the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment. As the Navy looks to the future, it continues to innovate, with advancements in naval aviation, cybersecurity, and unmanned systems ensuring its readiness for the next 250 years.

Join the celebration in Philadelphia or follow along as the Navy honors its legacy, salutes its service members, and charts the course ahead.

10/16/2025

09/09/2025

Rockingham, now a NJ State Historic Site, was the home of the Berriens, a prominent NJ family, when it served as General George Washington's final Revolutionary War headquarters in later 1783. But that is only a part of the site’s long history.

In addition to our regular house tour, which focuses on Washington's occupancy in 1783, we now have two new tours which explore other aspects related to the house's history.

First, we have: "The Evolution of Rockingham, or, the Owners' Tour," that focuses on the history of the owners and the house itself. For this tour, we tell the story or Rockingham from its origins early in the 18th century, to its expansions and changes in the later 18th and into the 19th century, as well as its three moves. The tour also sheds light on the property’s owners including the Higgins, Berriens, Crusers, and others! Please join us on Fridays at 11:30 am for the "Evolution" tour featuring unique items from our collections!

Second, we have: "Meeting Lady Washington," a tour that illuminates the life of Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, the General's "agreeable Consort for Life." This tour highlights her steadfast support at Washington's side through many ventures and changing locales but also shows her as a capable and strong individual in her own right, forging a path through her first marriage and widowhood, to matron of Mount Vernon, helpmate and morale booster at the many wartime headquarters and, finally, doing her part in the foundation of the US Presidency, where she shaped the role that was the first of its kind. Please join us Sundays at 1:30 pm to learn more about Martha, including her time at Rockingham in 1783.

The only way to guarantee a spot on any of Rockingham's three tours is by reservation, which must be made at least 24 hours before tour time. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rockingham-state-historic-site-33770225339 and pick your tour(s) to register!

08/01/2025

On Saturday, August 23, 2025, between 1:30 and 3:30 pm, Rockingham will be holding a small reception in the blue parlor to officially celebrate our new Martha Washington mannequin.

Over twenty years ago, our mannequin of George Washington was unveiled at Rockingham. The life-size figure wore an exact replication of Washington’s uniform which is on display at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in DC (the breeches and waistcoat of that uniform are from the Revolutionary War, and the coat is a 1789 replica that Washington wore several times while President). Our 2003 version was hand-sewn by Dawn Fairchild, who received permission to directly access the Smithsonian uniform pieces to create a pattern, and then to find the appropriate materials to reproduce it in exacting detail. The General can be seen on tour in the upstairs military office.

General Washington travelled to Rockingham in August 1783 at the invitation of Congress, who had been meeting in nearby Princeton since June, and his wife Martha accompanied him. She had been with him in Newburgh, NY, (and every winter encampment of the Revolutionary War) where they had been staying for over a year, awaiting word of a finalized peace treaty between Great Britain and the United States. It is only fitting that FINALLY Martha joins the general in mannequin form in the historic house. And, once again, Dawn Fairchild has provided her exemplary talents to create the clothing that the mannequin wears.

While Martha has been on display in the blue parlor since June, seen by those who have taken the house tour, we wanted to “welcome” her more formally with a small reception. All are welcome to drop by for a visit on the afternoon of the 23rd and see her in the blue parlor, which will be the only room open at that time, to learn more about her life and time at Rockingham from our staff and to meet and celebrate the seamstress who crafted her detailed clothing!

There will be light refreshments offered in the kitchen upon departure and, although the event is free, donations are always welcome! The event is sponsored by The Rockingham Association and NJ State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. For further information, please call the site, 609-683-7132 or visit our website www.rockingham.net.

07/16/2025

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!!

“That very healthy & fine situated farm Rockingham . . .” is how Margaret Berrien described the property in a listing for sale in 1783. At that time the oldest portion of the house was over 70 years old and had been doubled in size 20 years before. It would see more renovations and additions in the early 19th century to bring it close to its present size and appearance.

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., Rockingham State Historic Site will host a concert by Practitioners of Musick at the Kingston Presbyterian Church on Rte. 27 in Kingston, NJ. This concert will celebrate Rockingham and the evolution of the historic house through local and international music reflecting the period of its 18th- & early 19th-century owners, the Higgins, the Berriens & the Crusers. Musicians performing will be John Burkhalter on English and Small Flutes, Donovan Klotzbeacher on harpsichord, and Rebecca Mariman, soprano.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for attendance at this program by emailing [email protected], with your last name, # who wish to attend and a phone number. Your reservation will be complete when you receive a return confirmation email from us. Capacity for this program is higher than past on-site programming due to the larger venue!

The event is open to ages 12 and up and there is a suggested donation of $10/person at the door. The event is sponsored by The Rockingham Association and NJ State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. For further information, please call the site, 609-683-7132.
The Kingston Presbyterian Church is located at 4565 Main St./Rte. 27, Kingston, NJ 08528.

07/12/2025

What might Martha be doing when she isn't entertaining at Rockingham or socializing outside the home with the General? Like many ladies of her social standing in the 18th-century, she was known for her fine needlework.

She and the General are currently receiving visitors to the house, Wednesdays through Sundays, (a guided tour can be reserved at rockingham1783.eventbrite.com & the link to this can also be accessed from our website, rockingham.net, on the "Visitor Information" page).

A little more formal welcome to Rockingham will be held for Martha Washington in later August. We hope you can join us!