America250, Greenwich–Style

America250 is a nationwide, nonpartisan initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone honors America’s enduring legacy of freedom while highlighting the diverse individuals and contributions that have shaped the nation.

As part of the America250 commemoration, the Cumberland County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Greenwich Tea Burning Chapter) is sponsoring a theatrical program and fundraiser: “Eliza,” a first-person portrayal of the life of Mrs. Alexander Hamilton, with Eliza performed by actress/historian Alisa Dupuy. The program will take place on Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m., at the Redeemer Lutheran Church (2384 E. Landis Ave., Vineland).

For ticket information: contact [email protected] or (609) 364-8525. Some funding came from the New Jersey Historical Commission/Department of State and the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners through the Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. On August 2, 1776, 56 delegates, later known as the “Founding Fathers” formally signed the document, declaring independence from Great Britain.

By signing, these men risked their lives, families, and fortunes. If Britain had prevailed in the Revolutionary War, they could have faced imprisonment, loss of property, torture, or even execution for treason.

There were five signers from New Jersey.

• Abraham Clark (1726–1794): Married Sarah Hatfield (1728–1804), Elizabethtown

• John Hart (c1713–1779) Married Deborah Scudder (1721–1776), Hopewell (Mercer County)

• Francis Hopkinson (1737–1791) Married Ann Borden (1747–1827), Bordentown

• Richard Stockton (1730–1794): Married Annis Boudinot (1736–1801), Princeton

• John Witherspoon (1723–1781) Married Elizabeth Montgomery (1721–1789), Princeton

Not all prominent figures of the American Revolution signed the Declaration. George Washington was in New York preparing defenses, and Alexander Hamilton was serving in the Continental Army. At just 19, he rose quickly through the ranks to lieutenant colonel and became Washington’s aide-de-camp, playing key roles in pivotal battles of Trenton, Princeton, and Yorktown. Hamilton married Elizabeth “Eliza” Schuyler on December 14, 1780.