The 250th anniversary of our country has sparked celebration plans all over the United States. The Township of Millburn has a full schedule this season, and rightly so. Millburn holds a special place in Revolutionary War history, highlighted by its connection to the Battle of Springfield. This summer, locals are ready to celebrate the rich history of the town and our country.

Local Legacy

Bob Gula is a familiar face to local historians. A resident of Short Hills for almost 30 years with his wife, Shelley, the father of five spent his career in mortgage and investment banking. These days, he’s usually at a podium or in front of a classroom, in full Revolutionary War garb.

Gula has been passionate about history since childhood. His father took the family on vacations that included Civil and Revolutionary War battlefields, which “planted the seeds in my mind,” he says.

“I dove headfirst into researching my ancestry, which opened up a Pandora’s box of information on not only my family, but the history of our area,” he continues. “Three of my grandparents were of Eastern European descent, and the other, my paternal grandmother (Beach), ended up having deep American roots. All of this led me to a greater appreciation of the sacrifices and hardship faced by our local forebears during the 18th and 19th centuries.”

Gula felt the best way to share the historical information he had gathered was to spread the word through schools, historical societies, and libraries. He began lecturing in elementary schools and to the general public over four years ago. “During that time, I have given history performances to over 3,000 people throughout New Jersey and recently conducted my 102nd lecture,” he says.

Exploring Connections

Gula’s roots in Revolutionary War history run deep. “I have seven direct ancestors who fought in the American Revolution, and many other indirect family members who also served,” he says. “Five of these men were members of the Morris and Sussex County Militia, one was in the New Hampshire Militia, and one was a Hessian soldier in the von Rhetz Regiment of the Brunswick Army. The latter was captured at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. As a prisoner, he was indentured to an American soldier and eventually ran off with the gentleman’s daughter.”

With such strong connections in his own family lines, it’s no wonder Gula is a member of many historical societies, including the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. He is trustee and treasurer of the Forgotten Victory Trail Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the history and local heritage of the Battles of Springfield and Connecticut Farms.

“These two battles were the last major battles of the American Revolution that were fought in the northern United States, and they took place right in our backyard,” Gula says.

Gula also encourages locals to explore American history beyond the township’s borders. On July 4, he will be participating in the Mantoloking 250th celebration down the shore. “People don’t realize it, but the Jersey Shore was a brutal hotbed of privateering and civil war during the American Revolution,” he says. “My advice: Take the time to experience the history of this area during the 250th.”

Hometown Celebration

Millburn Public Information Officer Kristina Sternesky says the township is prepared to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary. Millburn 250 Committee members include Jamie Serruto, Ben Stoller, Township Business Administrator Alexander McDonald, Daniel Cannon, Dorothy Kelly, Annette Romano, Joanna Parker-Lentz, Katie Cannon, and Jackie Benjamin Lieberberg. The 4th of July Committee includes Jamie Serruto, Philippe Zimmerman, Paul Graves, Corey Biller, James Cofer, Daniel Cannon, Bill Brazell, Ellen Serruto, Eric Chan, Mike Seifer, Jordan Katz, and Jeremy Sokop.

“On May 30, Millburn 250 hosted ‘Millburn 1780: Revolutionary History Comes Alive,’ a Battle of Springfield reenactment featuring the 3rd NJ Regiment ‘Jersey Blues’ for a day of demonstrations and interactive activities at Taylor Park, and a presentation of the Battle of Springfield by Bob Gula,” Sternesky says.

The festivities continue on July 4, with a flag raising at 9 a.m. at Taylor Park followed by the annual Patriot Award Ceremony, presented to the Parsil family honoring its Revolutionary War heritage. There will also be a Bike, Trike & Stroller Parade, face painting, a DJ dance party, train rides around the park, and more from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fun culminates with fireworks on the Millburn High School football field, with DJ entertainment and food and ice cream trucks.

Millburn is excited for the celebrations. “For Millburn Township, commemorating America’s 250th is not only about honoring the nation but celebrating our community’s role in the shaping of its vast history,” McDonald says. “The Battle of Springfield, which was fought in 1780 right here in what is modern-day Millburn-Short Hills, marked one of the final major engagements of the war in New Jersey. These celebrations help us connect to our past and honor the resilience, spirit, and civic pride that have carried this township through to today while inspiring future generations.”

Antonietta Henry is a wife, mother of four, and owner of Antonietta Henry Photography in Pompton Plains. She enjoys exploring and learning more about towns throughout her home state of New Jersey.

Photograph by Antonietta Henry