RICHWOOD ACADEMY CULTURAL CENTER PRESENTS LECTURE ON JOSEPH BONAPARTE’S BORDENTOWN ESTATE
“Point Breeze,” Joseph Bonaparte’s opulent estate, is the subject of Dr. Richard Veit’s lecture, “Bonaparte in Bordentown,” on Sunday, May 8, 3 pm, at Richwood Academy Cultural Center, 836 Lambs Road, Richwood, NJ.
Did you know that Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother Joseph once resided in New Jersey? The exiled king of Spain found a new life at “Point Breeze,” the opulent estate he established in Bordentown. Dr. Richard Veit, Monmouth University, will explore this remarkable story on Sunday, May 8, 2022, 3 pm, at the Harrison Township Historical Society’s Richwood Academy Cultural Center.
Bonaparte acquired Point Breeze in 1816 and resided there for the next 23 years. He built two palatial mansions, surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens on the 1,900 acre property. The estate was visited by many of the leading intellectuals, politicians, artists and military figures of the day and was a center for French refugees in America.
“Bonaparte’s library and art collections at Point Breeze were the largest in the country,” notes Dr. Veit, “and he created one of the first purposefully-designed picturesque landscapes in America.”
Despite its fame and elegance, Point Breeze fell into disrepair and neglect after Bonaparte’s return to Europe. The mansion was torn down in the 19th century and only one building survives today from the original estate. Recently the D&R Greenway Trust acquired the property and is restoring the remaining house as a museum.
Dr. Veit led an archaeological investigation that revealed the site of the first mansion. An intriguing collection of artifacts were recovered that provide a unique glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous in 19th century New Jersey. His lecture will share his discoveries as he discusses this fascinating chapter of New Jersey history.
Richard Veit is Professor of Anthropology and Associate Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ. A sought-after speaker, he is the author of numerous articles and books on the cultural history and archaeology of the Middle Atlantic Region.
The Harrison Township Historical Society’s history programs are made possible in part by funding from the Gloucester County Cultural and Heritage Commission at Rowan College of South Jersey in partnership with the New Jersey Historical Commission/Department of State.
The Richwood Academy Cultural Center is located at 836 Lambs Road, Richwood, NJ. Information and free tickets for this event are available at www.harrisonhistorical.com and the Society’s public Facebook page. The program will also be live-streamed and archived on Facebook.
“Bonaparte in Bordentown.” Dr. Richard Veit, Monmouth University, relates the fascinating story of Joseph Bonaparte’s remarkable sojourn in America. Sunday, May 8, 3 pm, at Richwood Academy Cultural Center, 836 Lambs Road, Richwood, NJ 08074. Information and free tickets: www.harrisonhistorical.com; 856-478-4949.
