New Self-Guided Audio Tours Bring Revolutionary NJ History to Your Pocket

Courtesy of Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area

"Washington Crossing the Delaware". Oil on canvas, by Emanuel Leutze, 1851.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

At the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area, a new smartphone-based audio tour helps history buffs and new learners alike explore Revolutionary-era history across New Jersey. On self-guided audio tours, embedded GPS data on the app will trigger audio stories and information when present at various sites along the route. The first iteration of Audio Tours is available now, and includes a Tour from Home option available online for those who cannot visit the area.

The planned series of tours starts with the recently-released “Ten Crucial Days”, a one and a half-hour journey from the Thompson-Neely House in New Hope, PA to the Princeton Battle Monument in Princeton, NJ. The tour starts in Pennsylvania where visitors can begin by recreating one of the most iconic moments of the American Revolution: George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River in December 1776, famously captured in Emanuel Leutze’s 1851 oil painting. After downloading the tour app from the App Store or Google Play, visitors can listen to accounts of the treacherous crossing, and the two battles in Trenton before following the Continentals’ advance to Princeton.

“The Ten Crucial Days audio tour actually immerses you in events that were a true turning point in the American Revolution,” said Crossroads Trustee Patrick Murray, who led the team that created the audio tour. “You get to hear about the challenges faced by both the troops and the local population in ways that make you think about these events’ connection to our lives today. And you may learn a few new things about the famous crossing to boot.”

“The Ten Crucial Days audio tour is part of our ongoing efforts to capitalize on New Jersey’s many diverse Revolutionary stories to drive heritage tourism,” said Crossroads NHA Executive Director Janice Selinger.

Courtesy of Crossroads NHA

“Travelers are constantly seeking new experiences and new destinations, and Crossroads audio tours offer a fresh new way to explore New Jersey’s extensive Revolutionary heritage safely and at their own pace,” said Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.

“As travelers are guided along the trails, they’ll also have the option to stop at other points of interest, enjoy a meal or shopping, then return to their vehicle to pick up the rest of the story.”“We’re encouraged by the enthusiastic response to the tour, not just from people who’ve downloaded the tour, but on social media and the news coverage we’ve gotten in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania,” said Selinger. News outlets across New Jersey and into Philadelphia have featured the tour, and even highlighted it on local television.

As the New Jersey Historical Commission’s not-for profit partner planning the state’s commemoration of the 250^th anniversary of the United States, Crossroads is redoubling its efforts to drive Revolutionary-era heritage tourism, bringing to light the stories of a diverse range of people and the war’s very personal impact. Through accounts of enslaved and free Black Americans, women, and children, heritage travelers will find a deeper, more nuanced understanding of life in New Jersey during the late 18^th century. The Ten Crucial Days tour was made possible through funding from the National Park Service, and many other local partner groups and foundations.

Courtesy of Crossroads NHA

Coming soon is a second tour called “Road to Morristown”, which picks up where the first tour leaves off. Following the Battle of Princeton, the Continental Army journeyed in 1777 to Morristown, NJ. Visitors will be able to take the same path, while listening to tales from the troops as they recount the grueling journey through the Millstone Valley to their winter site.

If you visit the Crossroads NHA website, you will also be able to explore Behind the Scenes features from the tour, including the historians, artists, and technical team. The site is also replete with documents and bibliographies for further learning on the history of the Revolution.

The self-guided tours come with step-by-step instructions to assist new users. Those with further questions can contact Crossroads Program Manager Amy Osterhout at [e-mail] for more information.