Video Introduces Vanderveer House

Ridge High School Student Volunteers To Share Talents and Promote History

As the internet expands and connection speeds open the door for sites to provide rich media content, organizations like the Friends of the Vanderveer House continue to create new ways to enhance our online experiences with techniques that allow us to better tell our story. The video embedded below is the result of a new program tailored to bring new ways showcase and promote our local history.

In an effort to reach out to new and younger audiences, a program called "History VolunTeens" was established at a local historical society in 2009 to work with area high school students and tie their interest in history to volunteer to find new ways to promote our local history. This video showcases one local teens dedication to local history and her craft.

Jacobus Vanderveer / Knox House and Museum
by Bianca Pichamuthu

History VolunTeens

A few months ago at a regional History VolunTeens meeting, Bernards Township resident Bianca Pichamuthu volunteered for a project to promote local history using her video skills she learned as a student at Ridge High School. "I'm currently studying history and I've been part of a visual arts/tv video program at Ridge so I thought it'd be a great match for my interests and talents", noted Bianca. Bianca is currently a sophomore at Ridge High School in Basking Ridge. " I love photography and filmmaking so when I heard that I could work on a real project I was really excited." Part of the advanced placement high school curriculum at Ridge requires students to volunteer for community service and learn about various programs and volunteer efforts in the area. "When I heard about the History VolunTeens program at The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills, I told my parents this is what I'd like to do."

The History VolunTeens program was created by Brooks Betz, a Trustee at the Historical Society of the Somerset Hills, a historical organization that promotes and supports historic efforts in the Somerset Hills area including Bedminster, Bernards Township, Bernardsville, Far Hills, Peapack and Gladstone. Brooks is also on the Board of Trustees at the Vanderveer House.

Bianca worked with Brooks Betz and targeted the Colonial Christmas fundraising event that's held annually at the Vanderveer Knox House & Museum. "The Colonial Christmas event is a perfect video opportunity to capture the house in a completely decorated state," noted Betz. "The fundraiser is working to raise funds to create displays and furnish the museum as the Vanderveer House works to open on a regular basis in 2010. By capturing the house when it's furnished, it was a great opportunity to really showcase the house and tell the history as well."

The Video

Bianca Pichamuthu's five minute video is her first promotional video effort for the History VolunTeens program. "I hope everyone likes it because I'd really like to work with the program and do more videos for other projects that the group has planned." The streaming video took over sixty hours to film, edit, and produce. "Based on what she delivered, we certainly hope she sticks with the program," noted Betz. "She's a great person and has some gifted talents to offer and we're certainly grateful for her dedication and support of the program."

In the video you tour the Vanderveer house, see various participants and guests to the house, watch a quick interview with Colonial Christmas Co-chair and board member Jeanne Galbraith, a brief house history, and sounds of the Pingry Balladeers. It really captures the house and the event in a perfect light.

Additional Information

We'd like to thank all of those people who were involved with the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House for allowing the VolunTeens program to capture their event and showcase their efforts.

To learn more about the history of the Vanderveer House - Click Here

If you, or anyone you know is interested in volunteering with the History VolunTeens program, visit www.historyvolunteens.org to learn more about various programs and volunteer opportunities.

To learn more about The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills - visit them online at www.THSSH.org

 

Submitted: March 12, 2010