In just one year, Forgotten Victory has transformed from a determined idea into a recognized force for historical preservation, education, and public engagement in New Jersey. What began as a mission to shed light on the overlooked battles of 1780—Connecticut Farms and Springfield—has grown into a broad, living movement to honor the entire tapestry of our Revolutionary War heritage.

From Vision to Action
In the summer, we installed the Millburn–Taylor Park Historical Marker—a meticulously researched and designed kiosk that secures the Battle of Springfield’s story in its rightful place. This is more than a sign; it is the first physical step in telling the Forgotten Victory Trail story where the events actually occurred.

Taylor Park occupies ground that, in June 1780, was alive with urgency. American soldiers rushed here to block British and Hessian forces advancing along the Rahway River from the east, coming up what is now Millburn Avenue. From there, troops pushed north up Main Street—then a different route than today, bending before the present Rt. 78 overpass—and onto the approach to Reverend Caldwell’s Springfield church, at the end of a lane now called Church Mall, which once was old Main street. To stand here is to walk back into history…

In the same year, we formalized as a nonprofit organization, laying the groundwork for lasting impact. Our core mission has remained clear: to bring New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history to life for both students and the public through education, storytelling, and community engagement.

Expanding the View
This year, we expanded beyond military accounts to include forgotten chapters of American independence:

• Women’s courage and sacrifice, from Hannah Caldwell to the unsung protectors of our communities.
• Rebel Reverends, whose pulpits became platforms for liberty, abolitionism, and defiance of a king.
• Black Heroes, including free soldiers who fought, spied, and sacrificed for the cause of independence.
• Expanding the view and sharing the message statewide to tell a rich, diverse, bold, unforgettable story.

 

Creating Public Access and Resources
Our newly launched website now houses a growing archive timeline, blog, and expanded history sections—making primary sources, maps, and narratives accessible to everyone, with more to come in the future.

We began a speaking series that has taken us into schools, libraries, and historical societies, connecting audiences with the depth of our states Revolutionary past. We have committed to a strong presence at 250th anniversary events, ensuring the public not only remembers but understands the legacy of 1780.

Advancing the light of 1780 for the Future
This year, we began work on our first major grant application—funding that will help us continue installing satellite signage with the support of foundations across New Jersey. The Forgotten Victory main trail signage has finished in Millburn, but is continuing in two other locations as we hope to gain more support to finish the new 1780 state historical trail.

We are also partnering with the New Jersey Historical Society on a proposed 250th exhibit to give the public a tangible, interactive way to experience these forgotten stories. That exhibit and lecture will hopefully have enough support to travel across to each town on the trail in 2026, so that others can learn more on the latest research uncovered that changes the old telling dramatically. More to come through 2026 as we unveil more.

On the Road and in the Field
We are developing a traveling booth, allowing us to bring our mission directly to towns, festivals, and community events. From historical fairs to local commemorations, we seek to provide workshops to engage and inspire children.

Our team is finalizing the first draft of a full publication and preparing a scholarly article, ensuring our work meets the highest research standards.

Engaging the Next Generation
We continue to share historical newsletters and increased our direct engagement with children and students—reaching more young people this year than ever before. We’ve conducted 61 sessions for over 2,300 students. This is about planting seeds of curiosity and pride that will grow long after the 250th celebrations.

Gaining Recognition
In one short year, Forgotten Victory has gone from an ambitious vision to a respected name in New Jersey history circles. Our work has been noticed—by educators, preservationists, and everyday citizens—proving that when a story is told with passion and precision, it cannot stay forgotten.

The Road Ahead
As we enter our second year, our path is clear: more markers, more voices, more truth, more collaboration. The story of New Jersey’s role in the Revolution is not over—it is being reignited, in the fields where it was fought and in the hearts of the people who inherit it. We will hear from all sides in this revolutionary story, so please reach out and let us know if you know a forgotten chapter.

Forgotten Victory is not just preserving history—it is keeping our history alive.