James and Ann Whitall House

Address
100 Hessian Avenue
National Park, NJ 08063
(856)853-5120
Red Bank Battlefield Park is open year round sunrise to sunset, except Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

The James and Ann Whitall House is open seasonally, from April through mid-October, most Thursdays through Sundays, from 1pm to 4pm.

In 1748, Quakers Ann and James Whitall established a 400-acre plantation at Red Bank along the Delaware River. This bustling plantation included fruit orchards, a lumberyard, a shad fishery, livestock, and a ferry. Together, Ann and James raised nine children who worked the plantation alongside dozens of indentured servants hailing from Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany.  

In 1777, the American Revolution interrupted life at Red Bank when American forces constructed

Re-enactment of The Battle

Fort Mercer immediately north of the house. On October 22, 1777, Colonel Christopher Green's Rhode Island Regiment inflicted heavy losses on Hessian soldiers and the Whitall's home served as a field hospital. Hundreds of Hessian soldiers lost their lives in the battle and were buried just north of the house. The Whitall's never forgave the American forces for the devastation they inflicted on their beloved property.

One Sunday a month, the house and fort offer special programs focusing on an aspect of the park's history. Ever wonder how people made clothes in the 1700's? What was it like to be a Revolutionary soldier? How did women prepare meals? Why is Fort Mercer so important to Revolutionary history? Heritage Days are always family friendly and filled with great activities for everyone to enjoy.

The Gloucester County Certified Gardeners maintain our historic gardens. The gardeners are volunteers who actively work to cultivate vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, dyeing flowers, and cutting flowers that are historically representative of the eighteenth century. Learn what herbs Ann Whitall would have used to treat a cough or heal a wound. Observe how flower pigments added color to clothing. Hear about true farm to table families.

We routinely offer special tours to elementary and secondary schools, home schoolers, summer camps, scouts, and senior community centers and homes. Have a particular interest in early American history? Let us know and we can tailor a tour just for you. Our knowledgable docents are experts in Revolutionary history and early American life. After your tour, Red Bank Park offers scenic picnic pavilions for groups to relax and enjoy magnificent views of the Delaware River.

We would not be here if it were not for our dedicated volunteers who help make this National Historic landmark come alive. Volunteers help in all aspects of the House and Battlefield. Volunteer docents offer tours to the public and visiting schools, plant and maintain our historically-inspired gardens, and offer hearth cooking demonstrations throughout the year. If you have some time and would like to help the Whitall House and Red Bank Battlefield, please drop us a line. We'd love to have you!

Facilities
Jogging/Walking trails
Multi Purpose Trail
Picnic Areas
Play Structures
Restrooms
Grills
Two pavilions
View Finders
Historical momuments


Spring 2018 Nature Tots
It's FREE but registration is necessary.
Wednesday
9am-10am or 10:30am-11:30am
3/7 - Windy
3/14 - Green Walk
3/21 - CANCELED! Could it be Spring?
3/28 - Eggs
4/4 - April Fool You
4/11 - April Showers
4/18 - Earth Day
4/25 - Gardening with Mary

For more information about the programs contact Park Naturalist Jill Taylor of the Scotland Run Nature Center at (856)881-0845. For registration information call the Gloucester County Parks and Recreation department at (856)251-6710.
Nature Tot Registration Spring 2018

March 3, 2018
Volunteer Recruitment Event
Whitall House 10am
Join us to learn about volunteerism opportunities at the Whitall Hose at Red Bank Battlefield!

March 17, 2018
Cross stitch/Embroidery
Whitall House 10am-12noon
Learn some basics of cross-stitch in this class. Cost is $10.00. All materials are supplied. Class size is limited, and pre-registration is required. This is one of a series of monthly craft classes, held Saturday mornings, at the Whitall House. Sponsored by the Gloucester County Certified Gardeners, the Whitall House Volunteers, and Gloucester County Parks and Recreation. For more information, a complete list of classes, or a registration form contact the Office of Certified Gardeners at (856)307-6450, or email eschreiter@co.gloucester.nj.us.

April 14, 2018
Tour Season Begins
Our 2018 season begins on April 14! From April through October the Whitall House will be open for tours Thursday through Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.

April 15, 2018
Military Encampment
12pm-4pm
Join us for a day of 18th century military reenactments and demonstrations! Learn about life in the military during the 18th Century and how the Whitalls lived during the Revolutionary War. The Whitall House will be open for tours from 1pm to 4pm.

April 21, 2018
Paper Making
Whitall House 10am-12noon
Create handmade paper in 10 easy steps! Cost is $10. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited. This is one of a series of craft classes offered at the Whitall House on Saturday mornings. Call or email the Gloucester County Certified Gardeners Office for a registration form, listing of all classes, or for more information. (856)307-6456, or eschreiter@co.gloucester.nj.us

April 22, 2018
Spring Festival
12pm-4pm
Join us for some spring fun at our 2018 Spring Festival! The Whitall House will be open for tours and hearth cooking demonstrations. Enjoy 18th century arts and crafts demonstrations and meet some lovely farm animals! For more information please call (856)307-6456.

May 6, 2018
Colonial Tea and Gardens
12pm-4pm
Enjoy a cup of tea in the Whitall House with mom before Mother's Day! Seating times are 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Reservations are required by May 1st and can be made by calling (856)307-6456. Tea is $10 per person. This event is sponsored by the Gloucester County Certified Gardeners.

May 19, 2018
Herbal Wreath
Whitall House 10am-12pm
Make a wreath from dried herbs that looks pretty and smells great! Cost is $10. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited. This is one of a series of craft classes offered at the Whitall House on Saturday mornings. Call or email the Gloucester County Certified Gardeners Office for a registration form, listing of all classes, or for more information. (856)307-6456, or eschreiter@co.gloucester.nj.us $0 

June 10, 2018
Annual Flower Show and Garden Festival
12pm-4pm
Join us for our annual flower show! Enjoy vendors, gardening activities, kid's fun, and beautiful plants on display. Learn how to keep that garden growing throughout the summer, tour the beautiful Whitall gardens, and enjoy family friendly activities.

July 22, 2018
Architecture of the Whitall House
12pm-4pm
Join us for tours of the Whitall House that focus on the unique architecture of the 18th century Quaker home.

August 19, 2018
Children and the Family in Colonial America
12pm-4pm
Join us for a day of learning about childhood and family life in Colonial America! There will be tours of the Whitall House, family-friendly activities, and demonstrations.

September 16, 2018
Winter is Coming! Preservation and Preparation for the Long Winter
12pm-4pm
Ever wonder how the colonists preserved their foods without modern technology? Join us for tours and demonstrations that break down the hard work the Whitalls and many colonists faced when preparing their food for the cold winters ahead.

October 21, 2018
18th Century Field Day
10am-4pm
Free admission
Enjoy battle reenactments, colonial demonstrators, vendors, food, and fun! Learn about the Battle of Red Bank and why New Jersey is called “The Crossroads of the American Revolution.” Tour the Whitall House and visit with our hearth cookers preparing delicious fall-inspired food. Take in a spectacular sword fight and enjoy a colonial magic show. Cheer on the Jonas Cattell Run participants at the finish line. Fun, food, and activities for everyone!
CALL (856)853-5120 FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EIGHTEENTH CENTURY FIELD DAY.

October 27, 2018
Fall Festival
12pm-4pm
Kick-off the Halloween season with a spooky tour of the Whitall House! This hauntingly fun event is kid friendly with fun activities and sights for all!

December 7, 8, & 9
Candlelight Tour
Join us for a candlelit tour of the Whitall House and enjoy holiday sites and sounds of the Colonial Periods.
Friday, December 7        6pm-9pm
Saturday, December 8    3pm-9pm
Sunday, December 9      4pm-7pm