Memorial Day Community Picnic 2023

Hosted by Friends of Ramsaysburg, the annual Memorial Day Community Picnic will take place on Monday, May 29th, 2023. All are welcome to attend from the community and surrounding region. The event begins at 12:00 noon, rain or shine. The event is FREE with on-site parking available. The event will be held rain or shine. Pets are welcome on a leash.

2023 Memorial Day activities will include: a flag raising ceremony, self-guided scenic walks along the Delaware River; and music by Don Elliker. An open table pot-luck picnic will include a dish and drink of your choices well as a grill available for burgers, dogs and other assorted BBQ delicacies.

Don Elliker  is a songwriter focusing on what is typically called Americana, however other styles get in the mix.

Don has performed at The MusikFest in Bethlehem PA, The Blues Bash / Centenary College in Hackettstown NJ. The Black Potatoe Festival in Clinton NJ, the WNTI Music Festival in Delaware, NJ and Roy’s Hall in Blairstown, playing in support of such artists as Bill Payne, David Bromberg and Chris Smither and sharing the stage with many others. Don is also a past winner of the MTV Beach House Band Search competition, a nation-wide original music and performance competition. Learn more about Don at Reverbnation.

If not by automobile access at 140 Route 46, all are invited to arrive by canoe or kayak. Take a self-guided kayak and canoe journey by floating down the Delaware River from the Columbia, NJ boat launch to the landing at the Ramsaysburg site. The distance between the two points is approximately three miles down-river. River travelers should look for the large brown sign stating “Ramsaysburg – Landing” at marker 204.0 along the left bank (NJ side).

Don Elliker – October 1

Don Elliker and his band “Me & My Big Ideas” has been cancelled. Don is a songwriter focusing on what is typically called Americana, however other styles get in the mix.

The songwriter / singer performs his own music as a solo artist or with his band, “Me and My Big Ideas”. Don has performed at The MusikFest in Bethlehem PA, The Blues Bash / Centenary College in Hackettstown NJ. The Black Potatoe Festival in Clinton NJ, the WNTI Music Festival in Delaware, NJ and Roy’s Hall in Blairstown, playing in support of such artists as Bill Payne, David Bromberg and Chris Smither and sharing the stage with many others. Don is also a past winner of the MTV Beach House Band Search competition, a nation-wide original music and performance competition. Learn more about Don at Reverbnation.

2021 Upcoming Events

July 24: Plein Air Painting.

Potluck lunch and bucolic scenery, 10 am.

July 31: Moss Henry & the Bryophytes.

Country Western swing in the amphitheater, 6pm.

August 21: The Lion King.

On the Big Screen outdoors in the amphitheater, dusk.

September 25: Riverside Rhythm.

Big band in the amphitheater, 6pm.

November 6-7: Explore Warren History Trail.

A self-guided county-wide excursion.

2020 Activity Adjustments

Your friends and neighbors at the Knowlton Township Historic Commission wish you well at this difficult time. While we shelter in place, protected by Knowlton Township’s generous open space and access to nature, the inconveniences in our lives are negligible compared to the suffering borne by others during this pandemic. As heroic doctors, nurses and health care workers risk their lives to save others, social distancing seems a small burden indeed.

Ramsaysburg’s oldest surviving citizen

When society emerges from isolation our cultural institutions will change, creating new opportunities that will require more public involvement. Volunteer contributions of time, talent and energy will be critical to organizations large and small. Here in Knowlton, sustaining the beauty and character of our community’s historic resources and scenic treasures, as well as those throughout the region, will present new challenges. Consider joining the Knowlton Township Historic Commission when we resume our work together as neighbors. We look forward to that moment with hope and enthusiasm, knowing that our best work is ahead. 

Until then, many events and performances at the Ramsaysburg Historic Site won’t occur as planned, including the annual Memorial Day Flag Ceremony and Picnic and the annual Summer Concerts in the Barn series, normally presented on the last Saturday of June, July and August. Just as organizations around the world postponed programs and closed public spaces, we must also pause to allow time to recover with hope that other annual events, including the Fall Riverside Festival and Christmas in the Country, will take place later this year. 

Even as these events are put on hold, the important architectural and planning work for the full restoration of the historic Ramsaysburg Homestead will proceed. New grants awarded in 2019 will enable ongoing improvements to resume as we emerge from this difficult time.

While we will miss the solace that art, music, dance, cinema, drama and other cultural pursuits bring to our lives, know that all of us who volunteer on the Knowlton Township Historic Commission will work to provide the anchor that our heritage provides. With your help and support, we pledge to bring back the community-enriching events, exhibitions and concerts that you enjoy as soon as possible. Stay in touch, stay well and consider joining as a volunteer. Your talents and energy are crucial to our continued success.