MANALAPAN — New archaeological findings related to Molly Pitcher, the Royal Highlanders and Colonel Cilley’s Light Infantry will be highlighted in a slide show Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m., at Old Tennent Church, Tennent Road.
The slide show is free and open to the public. Gary Stone, historian for the Shore region of the State Park Service, and Dan Sivilich, president of Battlefield Restoration and Archaeological and Volunteer Organization (BRAVO), will discuss the results of recent research into the 1778 Battle of Monmouth, a pivotal event in the Revolutionary War.
At Monmouth Battlefield State Park, members of BRAVO have worked to locate and interpret events that took place 225 years ago, including the actions of "Molly Pitcher."
During an artillery duel on the day of the battle, the wife of one of the Continental gunners most likely began carrying rounds from the ammunition box to the men loading the cannon.
Molly Hays’ heroism that day evolved into the myth of "Molly Pitcher" that continues today.
Through analysis of musket ball patterns using computer-aided design software, the group has located the probable sites of the artillery guns, their targets and significant battlefield events.
Currently, BRAVO is conducting several archaeological surveys at Monmouth Battlefield, including excavating features associated with the Tennent Church parsonage house.