Friends of JVH President Forced to Resign

As President of the Friends of Jacobus Vanderveer House (JVH), my goal was to ensure JVH fully engaged in America’s 250th. The entire collection was catalogued, historic objects, prints, furniture and artifacts from the Pluckemin Cantonment making the ‘house’ a ‘museum’. Planned events included reenactor demonstrations, encampments, Henry Knox events. I planned to donate museum quality display cabinets, to create new handouts and supply funds for their printing. The Strategic plan was approved.

Since joining the board in 2017, I diligently worked to highlight the role of JVH in American History. My efforts include the Whitehouse Wind Symphony/JVH FOH concert, engaging the artist to create the Pluckemin Cantonment model and funding it. Giving numerous docent tours including private ones to church groups, the Sons of the American Revolution, Governors Whitman, Kean, Treasury Secretary Nicolas Brady. My last tour in April was for two elderly veterans--a 79- and 96-year-old--it was inspiring. As Committee member for the Middlebrook Symposium enhanced JVH’s profile, making and narrating a ‘JVH commercial’ used during the symposium. During Covid made virtual tours keeping JVH in public eye, subsequently appearing in a professionally created video on the website. Wrote newsletters. Created docent training materials and board member trainings as well as the popular self-guided tour that was my inspiration and creation.

Regrettably, the Friends is engaged in a contentious interaction with Bedminster mayor Larry Jacobs to secure a lease. Mayor Jacobs refused to talk or meet with the board with all communications via email to the township attorney. Each lease rendition became more inflammatory. The Friends board accepted the lease to enable resolution and continue management of JVH.

After publicly stating the lease was ready to sign at the April 21, 2025, meeting (available online) the mayor retracted it when the Friends tried to sign it and offered a new version that included financial conditions that would push the Friends towards insolvency. The Friends responded offering to tie the financial commitment to a grant we receive which the Township declined. During a board meeting, I exchanged words with a township resident board member that unintentionally presented as a personal attack. He stormed out writing an angry resignation email copying the mayor and town administrator.

Never directly notified but advised by other board members that town administrator Robin Ray, told them no further lease discussions would occur unless I resigned, a demand reflective of the disgraceful process for the entire lease discussion. The demand was confirmed in an email. Amazing that a volunteer who has given so much time—and money—with such impact would essentially be dismissed by a landlord—so much for being an independent nonprofit organization. My resignation is another time the board has complied with the mayor’s demands.

The lease is not yet secured, and I hope my resignation is not another moving target.