05/28/2026
Jockey Hollow and the Continental Army’s brutal winter encampment of 1779–1780 in Morristown will be featured on Wednesday, June 3, in the eighth season premiere of “Drive By History,” the acclaimed PBS series hosted by storyteller Ken Magos.
Titled “The Worst Winter of the Revolution: 1779–80,” the season premiere explores how the Continental Army endured one of the harshest winters in American history while encamped at Jockey Hollow during the Revolutionary War. The episode examines the extraordinary hardships faced by Gen. George Washington and his troops, including extreme cold, snowstorms, food shortages, and disease, while highlighting the critical role Morris County played in the fight for American independence.
Hosted by storyteller and Mendham Township resident Ken Magos, “Drive By History” investigates the stories behind historical roadside markers and sites across New Jersey and New York, connecting local history to the broader American story through historians, authors, preservationists, and subject matter experts.
“Jockey Hollow is one of the most important Revolutionary War sites in America, and telling this story during the nation’s 250th anniversary felt especially meaningful. As a Morris County resident, it was important to highlight both the hardship endured here and the lasting significance of what happened in Morristown during the Revolution,” said Magos, host and creator of “Drive By History.”
“Jockey Hollow and Morristown are central to the story of the American Revolution, and it is exciting to see that history continue reaching broader audiences through public television,” said Sarah Neibart, Executive Director of Morris County’s 250th Celebrations. “As we commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, projects like “Drive By History” help bring these stories to life in a way that is engaging, accessible, and meaningful for both residents and visitors while also highlighting Morris County’s extraordinary place in our nation’s history.”
“Morris County played a critical role during the Revolutionary War, and Jockey Hollow remains one of the most important historic sites connected to America’s founding,” said Stephen Shaw, Director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. “This episode of “Drive By History” helps showcase both the resilience of the Continental Army and the enduring importance of preserving and sharing these stories with future generations.”
“Heritage tourism and historical storytelling are such an important part of Morris County’s identity, especially during the nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Samantha Rutledge, Director of Tourism & Strategic Partnerships for the Morris County Tourism Bureau. “Programs like Drive By History create an engaging way for audiences to connect with our local history and inspire both residents and visitors to further explore the incredible Revolutionary War sites and experiences throughout Morris County.”
The season premiere will air on NJ PBS beginning Wednesday, June 3, 2026, with additional streaming availability through PBS platforms.
For more information about Morris County’s America 250 initiatives and upcoming Revolutionary War programming, please visit https://ow.ly/1zp850Z5lRH.
About Morris County’s America 250 Initiative
The 250th Anniversary of the Revolution: Morris County initiative commemorates Morris County’s pivotal role in the American Revolution while engaging residents and visitors through events, education, tourism, preservation, and community partnerships throughout the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.
https://ow.ly/KxI450Z5lJk
Jockey Hollow and the Continental Army’s brutal winter encampment of 1779–1780 in Morristown will be featured on Wednesday, June 3, in the eighth season premiere of “Drive By History,” the acclaimed PBS series hosted by storyteller Ken Magos.
