COLONIAL HERALDRY

The heraldry of notable colonial New Jersey figures with ties to Hunterdon County including Morris, Livingston, Hunter, and Reading
About this Event

In this informative presentation, Hunterdon 300th’s own David Smisek guides audiences through the fascinating world of heraldry, the historic discipline concerned with the design, display, interpretation, and inheritance of armorial bearings. The talk opens with a clear introduction to the essential elements of heraldic practice, giving attendees the tools to understand how coats of arms function as both art and identity.From there, the lecture turns to English heraldry and the influential role of the College of Arms, the body responsible for granting and regulating coats of arms throughout the British realms. Special attention is given to how heraldic authority extended into the American colonies, shaping the armorial traditions adopted by prominent families.The heart of the program highlights the heraldry of notable colonial New Jersey figures with ties to Hunterdon County including the Morris, Livingston, Hunter, and Reading families, examining how their coats of arms reflected lineage, status, and political identity in the eighteenth century.The talk concludes with an exploration of early American heraldry after independence and a look at the current state of heraldic practice in the United States, where personal and institutional arms continue to evolve despite the absence of a formal granting authority. Free. Reservations required. Free refreshments follow.