President George Washington, First Lady Martha Washington
Location Change: Presbyterian Church, 99 Main St, Succasunna
Sunday, September 13
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location change to Presbyterian Church at 99 Main Street, Succasunna
Join us oat the First Presbyterian Church at 99 Main Street, Succasunna, where President George Washington will address us from the porch of this historic home. All three historic buildings in the district -- the house, the King Store and the Silas Riggs Saltbox House -- will be open for tours from 1 p.m. to approximately 2:45 p.m., when attendees will assemble on the front lawn of the house. Please bring your own lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, registrants will be notified by email of the rain location.
As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, join us for a truly unique journey into America’s past as we welcome President George Washington—brought to life by a talented historical interpreter—for a special appearance at the King Home in Ledgewood. Through engaging storytelling and firsthand reflections, “President Washington” will share insights into the founding of our nation, his leadership during the Revolutionary era, and the challenges and hopes of a young United States. This immersive living history experience offers visitors of all ages the rare opportunity to hear from the Father of Our Country and connect with history in a memorable and meaningful way.
About Historical Interpreter Michael Grillo: Michael Grillo is a historical interpreter who has portrayed George Washington for more than 30 years, bringing the nation’s first president to life through engaging performances at historic sites, cultural institutions, and public events. His appearances have included programs at Federal Hall National Memorial, New York Historical, Hamilton Grange National Memorial, Morris-Jumel Mansion, Fraunces Tavern Museum, and Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge, as well as the Washington Memorial Chapel. Grillo has also performed at community celebrations such as the Pottstown “Go Fourth!” festival and at venues including the Valley Forge Casino Resort. In addition to public events, he frequently appears at school assemblies and private programs, where his immersive interpretation helps audiences experience history in a vivid and memorable way. In addition to his performance work, Grillo has devoted decades to museum education. He spent 26 years as a museum educator and site interpreter at the Van Cortlandt House Museum and currently serves at St. Paul's Church National Historic Site. Throughout his career, he has received multiple certificates recognizing his excellence in public engagement as George Washington, reflecting his dedication to making early American history accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
About Maria Grillo: Maria Grillo has been an elementary educator for over twenty five years. She has taught students from Pre-Kindergarten to Upper Elementary grades. An avid reader, Maria’s interests in British and American history, specifically The French and Indian War and The American Revolution, center on the roles played by women of the time, specifically the Colonial Everywoman and her significant contributions to Early American life. These exemplary women, many of which are lost to history, engaged in creating colonial foodways, medicine, midwifery, education and the bringing up of families and subsequent generations of American Patriots. Maria particularly enjoys researching historic figures (Martha Washington, Mary Ball Washington and Elizabeth Burgin to name a few) in depth to bring to light unknown and forgotten facts about her subjects, their times and their often perilous but integral roles in the pursuit of American freedom.
Register online or call the library at (973) 584-2400.
George Washington's visit is co-presented by the Roxbury Historic Trust, Roxbury Public Library, and the Roxbury Township Historical Society. This program is funded by a grant from the New Jersey State Library’s REV 250: Examining the Semiquincentennial through a Jersey Lens - an opportunity for public libraries to celebrate New Jersey’s contributions and place in history.
Roxbury Public Library
Hours
About the branch
The Roxbury Township Public Library is a municipal library serving the communities of Succasunna, Ledgewood, Landing, Berkshire Valley, Port Morris, and Kenvil. Residents of the township are eligible to a free library card which enables access to 2.8 million items across the Morris Library Alliance including digital books, museum passes and more.