Jockey Hollow Chapter Dedicates New Jersey’s First Officially Sanctioned Liberty Tree

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Jockey Hollow Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) dedicated a new Liberty Tree at Burnham Park in Morristown, marking the first officially sanctioned Liberty Tree dedication by the New Jersey Society SAR (NJSSAR).

In Revolutionary America, Liberty Trees were prominent community gathering places where Patriots rallied against British oppression, posted declarations, held public meetings, and organized resistance—becoming enduring symbols of the fight for freedom.

The SAR America 250 Liberty Tree Program, launched nationally to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, invites SAR chapters to plant new Liberty Trees at significant public sites to honor these historic symbols and inspire patriotic education for future generations.

The ceremony drew strong community support and featured distinguished speakers, patriotic pageantry, and collaboration across numerous organizations. Guest speakers included:

Chris Sands, President, New Jersey Society SAR
Kristin Ace, Chair, Morristown Shade Tree Commission
Siva Jonnada, Morris Township Committeeman and Burnham Park Association member
Sarah Neibart, Chair, Morris County America 250 Committee and Mayor of Mendham Township
New Jersey State Senator Anthony M. Bucco (District 25)
Morristown Councilman Chris Russo, representing Mayor Tim Dougherty

Patriotic pageantry was provided by the NJSSAR Color Guard and the Colonial Musketeers Senior Fife and Drum Corps. Pat Sanftner, Chair of the New Jersey State Society Daughters of the American Revolution America 250 Committee, performed “God Bless America.”

The Jockey Hollow Chapter also received a Legislative Citation from New Jersey’s 21st Legislative District, signed by Senator Jon Bramnick and Assemblywomen Nancy Munoz and Michele Matsikoudis.

Representatives in Attendance

Sons of the American Revolution: New Jersey State Society, SAR; Colonel John Rosenkrans Chapter, SAR; Monmouth Chapter, SAR; and West Fields Chapter, SAR
Daughters of the American Revolution: New Jersey State Society DAR (with multiple state officers present); Continental Chapter, DAR; Ferro Monte Chapter, DAR; General Frelinghuysen–Colonel Lowry Chapter, DAR; and the Morristown Chapter, DAR
Organizations with Member Representation: New Jersey Community Forestry Council (to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection), Morris County Historical Society, Morristown Partnership, and the Washington Association of New Jersey

“This Liberty Tree will stand as a living link between Morristown’s Revolutionary past and our future generations,” said Jeff La Marca, President of the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR.

This broad participation highlighted the shared commitment of these civic, veterans, patriotic, and community organizations to preserving America’s Revolutionary heritage as the nation approaches its semiquincentennial. The new Liberty Tree will serve as a lasting symbol of unity and remembrance in Morristown.

Additional information about our Liberty Tree Dedication (along with pictures) have been reported elsewhere; these include an article on MorristownGreen.com, “Morristown commemorates Revolutionary sacrifice with new liberty tree in Burnham Park,” as well as a very gracious post on social media by New Jersey State Senator, Anthony M. Bucco.

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, is a nonprofit lineage organization, covering Morris, Somerset, and parts of Hunterdon Counties, dedicated to preserving the memory of the American Revolution through education, historic preservation, and patriotic outreach.

The new Liberty Tree in Burnham Park, Morristown, immediately following the November 15, 2025 ceremony.

Important! Latest Chapter News!

So much has occurred over the past few months and our Chapter continues to grow (we are the largest in the state of New Jersey and we currently have more than 120 members) that the only way to keep our members informed about our latest events, occurring over the next few weeks, is through a newsletter. All chapter members, along with guests, visitors, and members of the public who wish to find out about our activities are urged to read through this so that you don’t miss out on our latest happenings!

Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR to be First in NJ to Dedicate a Liberty Tree!

For Immediate Release
October 23, 2025

Jockey Hollow Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Sponsors Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony at Burnham Park

The Jockey Hollow Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), in partnership with the Burnham Park Association, the Town of Morristown, and the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, will be the first in the state to host a Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Burnham Park (Washington Street side, in front of the pond).

MORRISTOWN, NJ – The Jockey Hollow Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), in partnership with the Burnham Park Association, the Town of Morristown, and the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, will be the first in the state to host a Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Burnham Park (Washington Street side, in front of the pond).

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, the largest of New Jersey’s thirteen SAR chapters, funded the tree. With the support of the Morristown Shade Tree Commission, this dedication will serve as a living tribute to veterans and a reminder of the principles upon which our nation was founded.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to attend and take part in this special event celebrating both local and national history.

Liberty Tree Dedication

Thanks to the generosity of Jockey Hollow Chapter members, who have personally donated funds, we will be dedicating the first Liberty Tree in our community as part of the America 250 Celebration. The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has set a nationwide goal of 250 trees, while our state organization, the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American, has set of goal of one tree in each of our counties. As shown on the map, Jockey Hollow Chapter’s region covers Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset Counties. Our first Liberty Tree Dedication will take place in Morris County at the historic Burnham Park in Morristown, NJ on November 15, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. next to the statute of the great American Patriot, Thomas Paine. The statute is one of only two in the Nation that displays the full figure of this great American Patriot.

About this Event

Thanks to generous compatriot donations, the chapter will be dedicating our first Liberty Tree, in accordance with the National SAR program. Please note that the Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR is non-profit 501(c)(3) apolitical, philanthropical lineage society and will we gladly accept additional donations to help fund at least two more Liberty Trees which will need to be planted at dedicated at Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, respectively. Please contact us if you wish to contribute.

A Princeton Elm will be planted in Burnham Park in Morristown, next to the statute of Thomas Paine at the historic site of Brig. Gen. Henry Knox’s Artillery Encampment (1779-1780) and home to one of only two statues in the U.S. of Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense and The American Crisis during the Revolution.

The statute of Thomas Paine is one of only two in the Nation that displays his full figure.

Planting is expected mid-October and the ceremony is currently scheduled for 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. Future notification and more details will be sent to all chapter members. Area dignitaries and other lineage organization members are being invited.

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this important event honoring the foundation of our county.

This plaque will be placed on the site as part of the Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony

Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR: Sept. 20, 2025 Meeting

The Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR held its first meeting for the 2025 – 2026 year. Although we have been the largest chapter in the state of New Jersey, we have begun our new year as the largest yet – with 121 compatriots and growing!

Additionally, we have many upcoming events on our calendar including, but not limited to a Liberty Tree Dedication Ceremony, Wreaths Across America, educational opportunities for students, and more!

Jockey Hollow Chapter President, Dr. Jeff La Marca, presided over the meeting.

Our newest compatriot — Our newest member, Compatriot Brewster Miner receiving his membership rosette from President La Marca.

Compatriot Rich Perry receiving the Bronze Henry Knox Medal for placing American Flags on monuments from Trenton to Jockey Hollow along the Washington Trail.

Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR Secretary George Link receiving the Bronze Henry Knox Award for his outstanding service as the Jockey Hollow Chapter’s Sargeant-at-Arms.

Compatriots James Naisby, Paul Frits, Georg Robb, and Ellis Bailey received Certificates of Appreciation for their contributions to the Liberty Tree Dedication (to be held on November 15. 2025) — Compatriots James Naisby, Paul Frits, Georg Robb, and Ellis Bailey received Certificates of Appreciation for their contributions to the chapter’s Liberty Tree Dedication Project (to be held on November 15. 2025).

Our Meeting's Featured Speaker — Tim Crist, Ph.D. was our featured speaker. Dr. Crist provided a fascinating lecture on “Newark’s Bitter Divide: Patriots and Loyalists during the American Revolution.”

September 20, 2025 Chapter meeting. — Jockey Hollow Chapter, SAR September 20, 2025 Meeting

Jockey Hollow Chapter Plans Our First Liberty Tree Dedication!

Thanks to generous compatriot donations and the wonderful support of the Shade Tree Commission of Morristown, the Jockey Hollow Chapter will be dedicating our first Liberty Tree. A Princeton Elm will be planted in Burnham Park on Washington Street in Morristown, at the historic site of Brig. Gen. Henry Knox’s Artillery encampment (1779-1780) and home to one of only two statues in the U.S. of Thomas Paine, author of “Common Sense” during the Revolution.

The 250th SAR Liberty Tree Program was rolled out in 2023 by the NSSAR with the goal of planting 250 Liberty Trees for the 250th Anniversary of the United States and an objective to dedicate at least one tree in each state on or before July 4, 2026. It is hoped that planting a Liberty Tree will help enhance the public’s awareness and knowledge of the importance of the American Revolution and the sacrifices that were made to become our nation. To date, the SAR Liberty Tree Program has dedicated 160 trees in 26 states.

The first noted Liberty Tree (1646–1775) was a famous elm tree that stood in Boston near Boston Common, in the years before the American Revolution. In 1765, colonists in Boston staged the first act of defiance against the British government at the tree. The tree became a rallying point for the growing resistance to the rule of Britain over the American colonies, and the ground surrounding it became known as Liberty Hall. In 1775 the British had enough of these rebellious rallies at the Liberty Tree and had it cut down. Over time, many Liberty Trees were designated in towns across the colonies to serve as rallying points for the revolutionary cause. (Thanks to the NSSAR “Liberty Tree Project” web site for this information. Please visit their site for updates and additional information.)

Planting of our Liberty Tree in Morristown is expected mid-October, and the ceremony is currently targeted for Saturday, November 15, 2025. Future notification and more details will be sent to all chapter members. Area dignitaries and other lineage organization members will also be invited.

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.

Thomas Paine Statue at Burnham Park, Morristown, New Jersey — Thomas Paine Statue at Burnham Park, Morristown, NJ.

Liberty Tree Plaque — The Liberty Tree plaque to be installed by our chapter.

Members Attend Lafayette Ball At The Historic Sansay House.

After the wonderful events on The Morristown Green on Sunday, July 13, 2025, two members attended the Lafayette Ball at the historic Sansay House in Morristown. The event was a re-enactment of the ball held 200 years ago to celebrate Lafayette’s return visit to Morristown.

The Sansay House was the actual venue for the original ball, and the hosts, Dillard and Adrienne Kirby, of the contemporary party truly went all out to make this celebration memorable. The house entry was adorned with blue, white and red flowers in the gardens, in honor of the the Marquis’s home country. The “dining” room was set as though the Marquis and his hosts and guests had just finished a grand meal, while around the room were originals of correspondence from, and to, the Marquis owned by the Gilder-Lehrman Institute for American History – what a treat. Proceeding to the back yard, guests were treated with French champagne cocktails upon entry. The passed foods were delicious, French-themed wonders.

President Jeff La Marca and compatriot Ellis Bailey joined the approximate 130 guests in enjoying the festivities of toasts from the re-enactors, specially composed music from an ensemble from the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, and an exhibition of period dances by professional dancers from NYC and CT, in costume.

This was a wonderful event held by those that support the history and triumphs of America, and Morristown’s contributions.

The splendid Sansay House decorated for the Ball.

The Ensemble from the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey.

The “Sansay’s” escorting their esteemed guest, “The Marquis de Lafayette.”

Jockey Hollow Members Host Table On The Morristown Green To Welcome Lafayette’s Return

Five compatriots staffed a table on The Morristown Green on Sunday, July 13, 2025 to celebrate the bicentennial of the Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour of America. The wonderful event brought more than an estimated 1000+ people out to visit the displays, watch and march in the parade, listen to the guest speakers and enjoy the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey’s rendition of the specially composed music for the event.

President Jeff La Marca, in full uniform, along with Vice President Michael Smilek, Sergeant-at-Arms George Link, and compatriots David Paretti and Ellis Bailey were visited by many of the attendees, answering questions about the SAR, our chapter, and our projects. Numerous men completed forms to allow follow up for possibly joining the chapter.

The parade saw the arrival of the Marquis in horse drawn carriage, escorted by a fife and drum corps, dragoons from the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons, re-enactors from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, cannon fire, church bells, other period re-enactors and townsfolk. Numerous town officials and re-enactors participated in the event. The Marquis circulated through the crowd, being welcomed by all, much like the event 200 years ago.

It was a wonderful day of camaraderie, enlightenment and celebration.

and at: https://morristowngreen.com/2025/07/14/lafayette-conquers-morristown-once-more/

Re-enactor Julie Diddell (Westfield Chapter, DAR)

Sargent-at-Arms George Link and President Jeff La Marca ready for visitors.

The Marquis de Lafayette (Michael Halbert), his escort Ned Hector (Noah Lewis) and event co-chair Carol Barkin.

Compatriots Enjoy the Symposium “The Marquis de Lafayette: Human Rights Champion.”

Two chapter compatriots enjoyed the symposium “The Marquis de Lafayette: Human Rights Champion” held on July 14, 2025 at the Morris County Library in Morristown. Over 120 people attended.

Prior to lunch, Alan Hoffman, President of the American Friends of Lafayette, presented “Lafayette and the Anti-Slavery Cause” and Diane Windham Shaw, Curator Emerita, Lafayette Collections of Lafayette College, presented “Lafayette and Human Rights”. Both presentations were excellent and provided great insight to the hero’s beliefs and actions.

After lunch, a panel, moderated by Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of the American Friends of Lafayette, included the two presenters in addition to John Becica (author and historian), Pat Sanftner (DAR past state historian re-enacting a Quaker woman), and Leslie Bramlett (owner of “From the Grey Fortress” educational consultancy re-enacting Hannah Till, Washington’s cook who served Lafayette). The panel discussed various topics and questions about Lafayette and his role as human rights champion.

Compatriots David Paretti and Ellis Bailey enjoyed the presentations and discussions about the great leader.

Panel discussion and Q&A. Diane Windham Shaw, John Becca, Leslie Bramlett, Pat Sanftner, Alan Hoffman and moderator Chuck Schwam.

Jockey Hollow Members Attend “Father Anonymous” Play to Celebrate America 250

Four chapter members attended the June 21, 2025 presentation of the off-Broadway play “Father Anonymous” to celebrate America 250. The play “tells the story of America’s forgotten founder Dr. Joseph Warren and his more famous friends, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Opening on the day of the Boston Massacre (1770), it closes with Joseph’s martyrdom at Bunker Hill (1775)” – https://fatheranonymousplay.com

The story of Joseph Warren is truly inspiring – the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have the opportunity to celebrate 250 years as a democracy.

President Jeff La Marca, Vice President Michael Smilek, and Compatriots George Robb and Ellis Bailey attended the wonderful play. Vice President Smilek is the Producer of the play and facilitated the event for the members. Everyone had a wonderful time at the outing.