350th Anniversary of Monmouth County Symposium

"Searching for Land and Religious Freedom in Monmouth County, December 5-11, 1663"

A Symposium on land and Sea

8:30 AM - Bagels and coffee.

9:00 AM - Start of Symposium.

12:00 PM - End of Symposium.

350 years ago in December 1663, English settlers from Gravesende, Long Island, sailed across Raritan Bay looking to buy land from the Native Americans. Dutch settlers heard about this and set sail with the goal of preventing the English from establishing contacts with the Native Americans.

Speakers will cover all aspects of this 1663 event, including the historical, religious, and political backgrounds, and the events themselves.

The Symposium is located in an historical early church whose original congregants were part of the early settlers of Monmouth County.

Additional event: Following the Symposium there is a Seastreak ferry ride from Highlands to Manhattan and back, where an on-board speaker will comment on the geographical landmarks and seamarks. Click here for more details.