D&R Greenway Gala-May 16: Bonaparte Point Breeze/D.B. Jones award

The French Ambassador to the United States, Phillipe Etienne, will join D&R Greenway’s annual celebration of land preservation at its May 16th Virtual Gala from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. The event will feature Point Breeze, the former estate of Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte, former King of Spain and of the two Sicilies. Located in Bordentown, New Jersey, Point Breeze once drew dignitaries from Spain and France, as well as founders and notables, particularly in the field of science, of newly independent United States of America. The land trust's recent preservation of the site has drawn worldwide media attention.

D&R Greenway invites the public to join the celebration, virtually, from the safety of their home. Surprise speakers will share the importance of this property from the perspective of 13,000 years of history. Guests will learn of archeological finds and future plans, and of historical artifacts to be displayed in the soon-to-open museum. The celebration will recognize the presence of Native Americans who gathered and lived along this promontory above the Delaware River.

Acknowledging the 60th Anniversary of the New Jersey Green Acres Program, a major partner in the land’s preservation, will be the Director of the Statewide program, Martha Sapp, who has been involved in state land preservation for 34 years.

The Gala’s highlight will be the presentation of D&R Greenway’s premiere2021 Donald B. Jones Conservation Award to Bordentown City Mayor James L. Lynch, Jr., who will share his thoughts about saving this property from warehouse and housing development. The award is granted annually to a person who embodies D&R Greenway’s mission to inspire a conservation ethic.“After all my years in Bordentown, I must say preserving this special land feels like a wonderful victory,” Mayor Lynch declared. “To be honored by D&R Greenway with this meaningful award makes it feel all that more real.”

Sponsors of the event will be invited to small, special interest gatherings on the property to meet the Mayor and view the property's historic and natural features first-hand, when it is safe to gather in summer and fall of this year. To join in virtual, --and actual Greenway Gala festivities with a sponsorship--, contact Nancy Faherty at (609) 462-4057, or e-mail Deb Kilmer at dkilmer@drgreenway.org.

D&R Greenway President & CEO Linda Mead worked closely with
Mayor Lynch on preservation of the property. “Mayor Lynch joins a
distinguished list of honorees who hold a very special place in both the
history and future of land preservation in New Jersey,” says Mead. “As
we walk along the Bordentown Bluffs, there is a ‘full-circle’ feeling
that is very empowering. To look out and know the Delaware River was
named the 2020 River of the Year by American Rivers brings us back to
Native American roots.” Point Breeze is “the place of three kings.”
Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte arrived here, having been King of Spain and
King of Naples. Nearby, Teedyuscung, known to some as King of the
Delaware Nation, was born in 1700.

Point Breeze today features remarkable vistas of the Delaware River and Crosswicks Creek, with venerable trees from Bonaparte’s time. During the Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte era, Point Breeze was a social, intellectual and political mecca. The exiled King of Spain and older brother of Napoleon, Emperor of France, Joseph’s frequent visitors included the General of Waterloo, Michael Bouvier,-- the ancestor of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis --, and Stephen Girard who was the first millionaire in America and a major philanthropist. John James Audubon visited his friend, the renowned ornithologist Charles Lucien Bonaparte, at Point Breeze. The estate was known for its gardens, which Joseph opened to the community for public enjoyment. The Gardener’s House, now owned by D&R Greenway Land Trust, will be restored to showcase exhibits with surrounding gardens. Bonaparte’s gardener, Augustus Mathelin, introduced asparagus for the first time to colonial America, and Joseph Bonaparte was fond of artichokes growing in the garden.

Participants in D&R Greenway’s Gala will have the experience of walking in the footsteps of history, while imagining the relevance of this land today and for the future. In addition to sponsorships that include on-site experiences, tickets to the virtual celebration may be purchased at www.drgreenway.org. Specially- priced First Time Gala Goer tickets encourage new participants with an interest in land preservation, history, gardens, birds and archeology to attend. All sponsorships and tickets support the work of D&R Greenway to preserve land and the renovation and opening of this property to the public.

BACKGROUND:

D&R Greenway Land Trust, an accredited nonprofit, has saved over 21,000 acres of New Jersey land since its 1989 founding. Preserving land for life and creating public trails grants everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for neighbors—including those in need. D&R Greenway’s strategic land conservation and stewardship combat climate change, protect wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway's mission is connecting land with people from all walks of life. D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center, home to its art galleries in Princeton, is closed to the public to ensure health and safety due to COVID.

Our outdoor trails and labyrinth are open. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and www.drgreenway.org to learn about the organization’s latest news and virtual programs. D&R Greenway Land Trust, One Preservation Place, Princeton NJ, 08540. The best way to reach D&R Greenway Staff during the COVID pandemic is by e-mail, or by calling D&R Greenway at 609-578-7470 .