Library News & Events
 
 
February 2026
Library Hours
M - Th: 10 - 9 | Fri - 10 - 5 | Sat: 10 - 5 | Sun: 1-4
**Library will be closed on Monday, February 16 in observance of Presidents' Day**
 Visit www.dillonlibrary.org for inclement weather, closings or delay announcements.
 
 
Clarence Dillon Public Library Celebrates 250 years of American Independence
Hallowed Grounds in Bedminster
By Caitlyn Parker
Leading up to the celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary, we are looking at the history of Bedminster and Far Hills. Of significant importance, on Hillside Avenue in Bedminster, is an historical marker that reads: African Burying Ground 1801

On June 22, 1801, three African American Men - one free Negro and two slaves purchased one tenth of an acre of land from Aaron Melick for the sum of three dollars to establish a burying ground for the “Black people in this Neighborhood.” This is the earliest known purchase of land by slaves for burials in New Jersey. The free Negro‘s name was Robert Aaron, a local bee keeper, and the two slaves were Aaron Melick’s Robert and Aaron Van Doren’s Yaff.
The burying ground is one square chain (66‘ x 66‘) -bounded on the west by the Hillside Avenue in his 1889 book, “The Story of an Old Farm Andrew D. Melick Jr. refers to the site as ‘God’s acre.’
In 2013, the Somerset County Historical Society conducted research on the site by reviewing historical surveys of the land and located the original deed to the property on file with the county. They notified the town of the site’s existence. At the time, the town was in the process of trying to sell the former municipal building property on Hillside Ave., which included the site. Members of the Bedminster Township Committee used resources in the Anne O’Brien Room of the Clarence Dillon Library, including Andrew Melick’s book, to confirm the location. The town then subdivided the site so as to preserve the burial grounds.
Bedminster is also the home of The Lamington Black Cemetery which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was established in 1857, deeded to the Trustees of the Lamington Presbyterian Church. The Hillside Ave. cemetery is also of notable as it “is the only known property in the state to have been purchased by slaves to be used as a burying ground, as well as one of the earliest known properties in the county to be purchased by slaves for any reason” as noted in an article in the NJ Star Ledger quoting Thomas Buckingham of the County Historical Society.
At least eight known residents were buried on the site from 1840-50 based on records kept by the Dutch Reformed Church of Bedminster. An additional 50 may have been buried there per an early Bernardsville News article. Headstones marking the exact sites were missing as far back as 1899, as noted in “The Story of an Old Farm.”
A copy of the book cited, also referred to as, “Life in New Jersey in the Eighteenth Century” can be found in the Anne O’Brien Room at the Clarence Dillon library which is dedicated to maintaining a collection of reference material relevant to local history.
Please click this link to see all of our adult 250th celebration programs
 Short Story Time
Mr. Durant by Dorothy Parker
Tuesday, February 3 @ Noon in the Cafe
 No Registration required
Printed copies are available at the front desk
Special Programs
Author Talk by William Loomis on his new book The Baron of Wall Street : Clarence Dillon and the Making of the Modern Financial World
Friday, February 6 at 12pm
William Loomis discusses his newly published book on our library's founder Clarence Dillion - Wall St. financier extraordinaire; White House advisor; French wine magnate; Westminster Dog Show winner.
Register Here

Eyewitness to the Revolution - Carol Levin as Caty Greene  
Thursday, February 19, 12pm
Carol Simon Levin portrays Catharine “Caty” Greene, the indomitable wife of Nathanael Greene, one of Gen. George Washington’s most valued officers and good friend to many other revolutionary notables. Caty spent much of the war joining her husband and the other officers as they moved from one battlefront to another (many in New Jersey).
Known as a witty ranconteur, she enlivened the spirits of officers and troops alike as the war ranged from New Jersey to South Carolina, famously dancing for 3 hours straight with George Washington. Her wit, pluck and courage carried her through both victories and setbacks not only during the war but throughout a remarkable life full of resilience and reinvention.
Register Here

“The Price of Silence” – The Forgotten Story of New Jersey’s Enslaved People
February 21, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The event is FREE and will take place in-person at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium. Registration is encouraged as space is limited.

Please join us in celebrating Black History Month as we screen the 3-part, New York Emmy Award-nominated PBS documentary “The Price of Silence”.  Part one begins the series with the stunning fact that by the time New Jersey started the slow process of abolishing slavery in 1804, the state had 12,000 men, women, and children in bondage. The film reveals that New Jersey depended profoundly on enslaved people to drive agricultural and economic growth, was sympathetic to the South, and was the last of the Northeastern states to eliminate this heinous practice.  Part two continues with New Jersey’s history of bondage and expounds on the fact that the African American community is still feeling the effects of slavery today due to disparities with the White community in median income, criminal justice, and healthcare.  Part three examines the Black community’s Great Migration from the Jim Crow South to Newark, New Jersey, during the early years of the 20th Century and tells the story through the eyes of descendants of individuals who made the Great Migration North and found life here to be a far cry from what they had hoped for.
This in-person event will be held at the NJ State Museum Auditorium at:
205 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
Register Here

 Benjamin Franklin, Man For All Seasons
 Sunday, February 22, 2pm 
Have we ever had anyone like him? So brilliant, so colorful, in so many ways. Perry Leavell, former Drew University History Dept Head--voted "Best Lecturer On Campus" by Drew students-- returns to our Library speaking on his favorite American, Franklin. Perry will include Franklin's crucial role in our Revolutionary War; it was he more than anyone else who brought France into the War on our side.
 Register Here
Women's Forum
 
For the first three months of 2026 Women's Forum will present a six part documentary series about the journey to independence and the birth of The United States of America
Episode Three - The Times That Try Men's Souls
Luncheon: Thursday, February 12 at noon
Admission $20 
Join Wait List
Episode Four - Oh, Fatal Ambition
Luncheon: Thursday, February 26 at noon
Admission $20 
Join Wait List

Live Virtual Talk With The Author
This is a virtual live event on the computer and you are able to submit your questions to the authors! Can't make the virtual live event? All author talks are recorded and can be viewed at a later date of your choosing.
Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley
Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 7:00 PM
 
Join us for an unforgettable experience as we chat online with Vanessa Riley about her newest book, Fire Sword and Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye.
Register Here
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart
Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 2:00 PM

Feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart’s book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, tells the stories of Negro Mammies of slavery; the Voodoo Queens and Blues Women of Reconstruction; and the Granny Midwives and textile weavers of the Jim Crow era. These women, in secrecy and subterfuge, courageously and devotedly continued their practices and worship for centuries and passed down their traditions. 
Register Here
Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch
Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 2:00 PM
 
Tom D. Crouch, a Smithsonian veteran of almost 45 years, paints a robust picture of a unique American establishment and its lasting legacies in his book Smithson’s Gamble.
Register Here
Weekly Programs
Yoga
 
Register for Monday @ 9am (Virtual)
 Register for Thursday @ 9am (Virtual)
Knitting with Eleanor
 
Every Wednesday @ 11am
In-Person (No Registration Required)
Meditation & Mindfulness
 
Every Wednesday at 7:15pm (Virtual)
Register Here
Chair Yoga
 
Every Friday @ 10:30am
In-Person (No Registration Required)
Canasta

Every Monday 9:15 - 11:15am
No Registration Required
Spanish Conversation Group
New!
Thursdays at 6pm
No Registration Required

Virtual Evening Book Club
On Zoom
 
The Piano Lesson by August Wilson
Thursday, February 5 @ 7pm
March advance notice: "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton
There are books available at the Library
Register Here
 
Morning Book Club
 
 1776 by David McCullough 
February 19 at 10:30
Join us as we discuss the first year of the American Revolution as only David McCullough can tell it
Towards the end of 1775 George Washington's small army atop Boston's Bunker Hill was at best in a precarious position. Riflery was antiquated, ammunition was short, heavy artillery absent, disease endemic. Meanwhile below in Boston, British troops continued to grow in size and armament as more troop ships from England continued to arrive in Boston harbor. Enter former Boston bookseller 25 years old Henry Knox, who enlisted as a volunteer and quickly rose to Colonel, highly esteemed by Washington. He raises to Washington the idea of bringing down from Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York canons and other armament known to be unguarded by the British. With Washington's approval Knox with a small force marches 350 miles up to the fort and moves 60 tons of canons by boat, horse and sled through woods in deep snow, frozen lakes, and poor quality roads, arriving back in March 1776. As soon as the British see this heavy artillery standing tall above Bunker Hill and its adjoining Breed's Hill, they realize the long odds of successful uphill attack, and quickly depart Boston Harbor in their ships. What we know as "The Battle of Bunker Hill" actually and happily never came to pass!
Register Here
March advance notice: "The Traitor's Wife" by Allison Pataki
Additional Library Programs
ESL - English as a Second Language

Beginner A and B - Mondays @ 7:15 pm
Intermediate - Tuesdays @10:30am
Advanced - Tuesdays @ 7:15 pm
For Information in English
Para información en español
MAHJONGG
**FULL/CLOSED**
 
Tuesdays from 12:30-3:30 pm 
 
Wednesdays from 12:30-3:30pm
Bridge
 
Mondays from 11:30-4pm
 
In person | Walk-in
We are looking for new players. All skill levels welcome
Bridge Lessons for Beginners with Chris Regan

Mondays @ 3pm
 
There is a $10 fee which is paid to the instructor. 
 
The bridge tables are back up on Mondays at 11:30am for interested players.  Informal format.  The library has a limited supply of decks and experienced players are welcome to bring their own cards and supplies.  If interested in attending the 2:30pm beginning learning session please call the instructor at 908-334-7885 
Drop in Computer Help
 
Tuesdays 3-4pm
 
Sandy's Music
Friday, February 20 at Noon
Featuring both classical and popular selections.
 No Registration required
 
 
 

 
Tuesday, February 24th
11-4pm
       More Information


 
All webinars are online
Simple Steps to Successful Networking Opportunities
February 4, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
 
Intimidated by Networking? Not sure what to do or how to start? This workshop will provide simple, actionable ways you can get started networking or boost your existing networking for added results. Paul Cecala, certified Global Career Development Facilitator, will look at simple ways to effectively network on LinkedIn and social media, in-person, and via other means. You will leave with LOTS of ideas to put into action today.
Register Here
Know Your Rights Part 2 – Housing
February 10, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination protects individuals in a variety of situations, ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunity. However, many people do not fully understand their rights under this law, especially when it comes to disability rights. Please join us for the second installment of the “Know Your Rights” series from the NJ Division of Civil Rights where we will be discussing your rights regarding housing. Whether you are looking to buy or rent, you have a variety of rights that protect you from discrimination as well as ensure proper accommodations in the event of a disability.
Register Here
The 1759 Vought House: A Loyalist Homestead in Revolutionary Hunterdon County
February 19, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

In 1759, Christoffel Vought built a fine stone homestead on 285 acres of prime farmland in northern Hunterdon County near modern-day Clinton, NJ. His family soon grew to become prominent community leaders with a thriving farming operation of nearly 500 acres. Christoffel and his son John, both staunch Loyalists, would soon find themselves on a collision course with their neighbor Thomas Jones, a prominent Patriot leader. In December 1776, Christoffel and John Vought led a party of Hunterdon Loyalists on a daring journey through rebel assaults to reach British forces stationed at New Brunswick. David Overaker, Board President of the 1759 Vought House, will tell the fascinating story of the Vought family from their arrival in the colony of New Jersey in 1710 through their Loyalist activities during the American Revolution and their fate after the war. The passage of legislation enforcing allegiance to the newly formed State of New Jersey and its impact on the Vought family will be discussed.
Register Here
Slavery and Emancipation Laws in 19th Century New Jersey
February 24, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
 
New Jersey was the last northern state to enact any type of emancipation law and was one of the last states to ratify the 13th Amendment, initially rejecting it 1865. As a result, New Jersey’s unique place in the history of slavery and emancipation created a distinct environment for historical and genealogical research during the 19th century. Please join Genealogy Library Regina Fitzpatrick for a discussion on slavery and slavery laws in New Jersey in the 19th century where she will provide historical context and background information for those working on genealogical research during this time period.
Register Here

 Classic Movie
*Screening the first Tuesday of every month*
Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940) (110 min.) Not Rated
Tuesday, February 3, 6:45 pm
Raymond Massey gives an outstanding performance as Abraham Lincoln as he gains the respect of his neighbors and the country as he prepares to be elected president in 1860. This excellent film also features Ruth Gordon and Gene Lockhart and was directed by John Cromwell. Happy Birthday Abe!
Friday Movies - Contemporary
ALL SCREENINGS BEGIN AT 1:30PM 
 
No registration required
 
Saving Grace (2000) (93 min.) Rated R
Friday, Feb. 6, 1:30 pm
Brenda Blethyn stars as an English widow who turns to illegal agriculture to make ends meet. 
This film is a lovable feel-good comedy that also features Craig Ferguson and Martin Clunes.
Good Fortune (2025) (97 min.) Rated R
Friday, Feb. 13, 1:30 pm
Keanu Reeves stars as an inept angel who meddles in the lives of a wealthy venture capitalist and a poor gig worker.  This film is a breezy romantic comedy that also features Seth Rogan, Keke Palmer, and Aziz Ansari.
 
 F1: The Movie (2025)(150 min.) Rated PG-13
Friday, Feb. 20, 1:30 pm
Brad Pitt stars as a retired Formula 1 race car driver who comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.  This film features thrilling race scenes and also stars Damson Idris and Javier Bardem. 
 
Roofman (2025) (125 min.) Rated R
Friday, Feb. 27, 1:30 pm
Channing Taum stars in this unbelievable true story of a charismatic criminal who hides in a toy store while on the run from the police. It is a smart, funny, and unexpectedly tender film that also features Kirsten Dunst.

                                  Local Events

        Kids & Teens Highlighted Programs 
CLICK HERE to see the entire Children's Newsletter

Thank You Friends!


 
A special "Thank You!" and heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of the Clarence Dillon Library for their generosity and support of our excellent library programs.
 
Bedminster Township | Far Hills Borough
 
 
Clarence Dillon Public Library
2336 Lamington Rd.
Bedminster, New Jersey 07921
908-234-2325

http://www.dillonlibrary.org