Re-enactment Focuses on Little-Known Militia

Two New Jersey college students are shining a bright light on a little-known militia that helped turn the tide of America’s Revolutionary War.

George Washington (C), played by John Godzieba, looks toward New Jersey through a scope during the 62nd annual reenactment of Washington's daring Christmas 1776 crossing of the river - the trek that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War, on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014, in Washington Crossing, Pa. AP Photo/Mel Evans

TRENTON, N.J.—Two New Jersey college students are shining a bright light on a little-known militia that helped turn the tide of America’s Revolutionary War.

Rutgers-Camden University graduate students Matt White and Dave Niescior have led the effort to organize a re-enactment of the Philadelphia Associators’ overnight march from Trenton, N.J., to Princeton, N.J., which took place from Jan. 2 to 3, 1777.

The “To Princeton with Peale” events will focus on the contributions made by the militia, which was commanded by Charles Wilson Peale. He was an artist and naturalist who painted portraits of the era’s leading figures.

"We wanted to create an event that could connect historic sites."

— Matt White