Bringing history to life

For two years, New Jersey has been preparing for America’s 250th anniversary, setting the bar for the nation.

Among those at the forefront of that effort is Ben Theis, a Sparta resident and member of the township’s RevolutionNJ 250 Committee.

Born in Wisconsin and raised in Virginia, Theis enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17. He later graduated from George Washington University with a degree in anthropology.

In addition to working in the information security industry, he is a historical re-enactor.

“It impresses me how much effort and level of historical preservation that New Jersey does,” he said. “So much, (you) just have to look for it and explore.”

About six years ago, Theis and his wife, Michelle, purchased one of the oldest houses in Sparta; it had just come on the market.

Built in 1774 by David Newman on a 1,000-acre estate, the house now sits on the remaining five acres and is remarkably intact historically. It retains its original wide-plank floors, and the rooms have high ceilings.

Newman must have been well off because the home’s foundation was expertly crafted by stone masons from Bergen and Morris counties as well as New York, Theis said.

The house has two front doors: one leading to the family side of the house while the other opens into a large room that served as an office for business or entertainment.

Newman was a prominent figure who married into the Ogden family and is buried next to them outside the church, with his grave aligned with the altar.

Myth vs. history

“I’ve always been interested in history, it surrounds us,” Theis said. “Live off the myth or live off history. Most are interested in the myth, so it’s important to educate the public.”

Referring to what Americans may learn as the nation looks back at its founding, he said, “Be prepared to be told things you may not like. Chances are it’s the myth you don’t like.”

In Virginia, Theis led the 4th Company Brigade of Guards, a nonprofit organization. The Guards are a unit of the British Royal Guards, the soldiers who stand watch at Buckingham Palace.

He formed the Grenadier Company of the Brigade of Guards 1776-83 when he moved to New Jersey. The company participates in re-enactments from this area down to Virginia.

Members are volunteers who cover the cost of their uniforms, equipment and travel. Many of the expenses related to membership may be tax-deductible

He learned the craft of leather working and created seven British Grenadier bearskin caps, the same type of headdress worn by the guards outside Buckingham Palace, while his wife hand-sewed their period clothing, including his red uniforms.

The members portray 18th-century British soldiers on campaign in the North American colonies, with musicians playing drums and fifes. Women take on the roles of camp followers, performing crafts and tasks, such as cleaning, nursing and mending.

The British soldiers did not stand shoulder to shoulder in rigid lines nor did they move slowly, Theis said. British soldiers were quick, highly adaptable professional career soldiers from diverse backgrounds.

Re-enactments aim to educate the public about the true nature of the British Army during the American Revolution while honoring the soldiers of the Brigade of Guards who served with courage for king and country.

The Guards began serving in America in August 1776, landing in Sandy Hook. They took part in battles and raids throughout New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Virginia, Connecticut and North Carolina until their capture in 1783.

After the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, ending the war, the Guards returned to England to rejoin their regiments.

According to Theis, New Jersey experienced significantly more military clashes during the Revolution than any other of the original colonies.

RevolutionNJ, a collaborative effort between the state Historical Commission and the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, serves as a platform for New Jerseyans to explore the ideals that sparked the Revolution and their impact on today’s world.

It promotes inclusive historical storytelling, educational initiatives and heritage tourism statewide.

Tavern Talks

In the 18th century, much of society happened at a tavern or church.

RevolutionNJ promotes Tavern Talks to engage the public in the history of the American Revolution.

As a re-enactor, Theis participates in Tavern Talks, which are held at craft breweries across New Jersey. They offer the public a chance to engage with re-enactors, learn about history, and hear diverse perspectives and experiences from the past.

A Tavern Talk is planned for January at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Sparta. It will feature historical interpreters, one-act plays and a mock trial of King George III, who ruled England at the time of the Revolution.

Theis estimates that about 90 percent of the Declaration of Independence consists of grievances against King George III. These will serve as the foundation for a mock trial, where children can take on the roles of defense and prosecution.

”King George III was not the tyrant he was accused to be,” he said.

“We are living through a remarkable moment in our nation’s history - 250 years. It would serve people well to pick up a book and learn about the events that shaped our country, especially the founding principles laid out in the American republic and the U.S. Constitution,” he added.