
WEBINAR – The Mysteries of the 1777 Battle of Navesink
April 9 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Accounts of the history of the Revolutionary War often overlook the Battle of Navesink. The war was less than a year old when the First Regiment of the Monmouth Militia occupied a hillside lookout station in February 1777. Surprised by British regulars during a cold winter’s night, 25 militiamen were killed, while 72 were captured and sent to the notorious Sugar House Prison where many perished. Although 40 men escaped, some of these died during their flight. It was a disaster for the Monmouth Militia. Please join us for this illustrated talk where Rick Geffken reveals the actual battle site, then and now; the combatants who took part, and the impact on both sides due to this crucial early engagement.
Rick Geffken has authored numerous articles on New Jersey history and presented historical papers at the New Jersey History & Historic Preservation, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey Library Association, and the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton). His latest published book is Stories of Slavery in New Jersey (2021). He is part of a project called the New Jersey Slavery Records Index under the auspices of Rutgers University, (New Brunswick). He joined the New Jersey Social Justice Reconciliation Committee to commemorate the only recorded lynching of a Black man in New Jersey. In 2023, Rick was recognized for historical contributions by The Monmouth County Historical Association, and the Monmouth County Clerk for his efforts in the preservation and knowledge of Monmouth County history.