Thoughts on Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States

Presentation: Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States

A Presentation by Rik van Hemmen.

The 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence occurs in 2026, and Rik van Hemmen, president of NMHA, will present some thoughts on celebrting this important event. 

He will present an idea for a celebration centerpiece for Eastern Monmount County: the construction and long-term operation of a replica solar powered sidewheeler paddle boat similar to the vessels that operated in Eastern Monmouth County in the last two centuries. 

This replica steamer will evoke the history of Monmouth County, but incorporate the future of the country by being solar powered, and by aiming to operate to a maximum level of environmental sustainability and provide economical public service. 

The selection of a solar powered paddle wheeler is particularly appropriate for New Jersey and Monmouth County since the solar cell was invented at AT&T’s Bell Labs by Russell Ohl, and he was a longtime resident of Little Silver, New Jersey.  More information on the sidewheeler design HERE.

7:00pm Coffee and cookies. 7:30pm Presentation followd by Q&A.  8:30 approx Close

Navesink Maritime Heritage Association

Navesink Maritime Heritage Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving knowledge and appreciation of Monmouth County's maritime heritage through programs that teach wooden boat building and the boat handling skills; through preserving the history of Monmouth County's wooden boat builders and rich maritime history; and through experiential on-the-water programs of River Rangers for middle school children and Sea Scout Ship Navesink for coed youth age 14-21