Throughout the hills, farms, and historic towns of New Jersey, a quiet legacy lives on in the form of ancient trees. These “witness trees” have stood for centuries, present through the building of bridges and mills, the shaping of communities, and the progression of time. Alive during key historical and cultural events, they are silent sentinels— historically resonant and deeply rooted in our collective memory.
The concept of witness trees has long been a part of American consciousness. From Native American communities to battlefields and village greens, trees have marked the places where history unfolded. In 2006, the National Park Service formalized this concept through the Witness Tree Protection Program. This initiative began to identify and preserve historically and biologically significant trees. The work in this exhibition brings the same spirit of awareness to Hunterdon County.
Each drawing is a result of time spent sketching, documenting, and listening. These are historic landmarks and living community memorials. Some once marked meeting spaces and others stood by as towns rose around them. Some have lived for over 250 years.
As we reflect on their stories, we are reminded that trees contribute far more than shade and beauty. They clean our air, protect our watershed, prevent erosion and temper the climate. They are a vital part of our history — and our future. Many now face threats from invasive species, disease, and environmental stress. Let these works be both a tribute and a call to action: to protect the trees we still have, to remember the ones we’ve lost, and to honor those that continue to witness our unfolding story. Click on the image to see more…
