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Warren, NJ

Warren Monthly

Local stories and news for our neighbors

October 2026 issue · Community news

America 250 Program Explores Great Swamp’s Revolutionary History

The Great Swamp’s role in the American Revolution will be the focus of a free program on Saturday, October 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Warren Township Library, 42 Mountain Blvd.

Autumn colors surround a wetland at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Autumn colors surround a wetland at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Courtesy Photo

Randi Emmer of Friends of Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge will discuss the people who called the area home, including the Lenape and the Bockoven family. The program will explore the Bockovens’ experience as German immigrants who fought on the American side during the Revolutionary War.

The program is part of America 250 and is co-hosted by the Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Warren branch of the Somerset County Library System. It is free, but seating is limited and advance registration is required at sclsnj.org/programs-and-events/.

The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 7,853 acres along the Morris and Somerset county border. Its Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center occupies a historic house once owned by the Bockoven family.

A great egret wades through still water in the Great Swamp, its reflection visible below.
A great egret wades through still water in the Great Swamp, its reflection visible below. Courtesy Photo
A great egret stands among grasses in the Great Swamp.
A great egret stands among grasses in the Great Swamp. Courtesy Photo
The Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center is housed in a historic home once owned by the Bockoven family.
The Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center is housed in a historic home once owned by the Bockoven family. Courtesy Photo
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