Bridgewater, New Jersey – The family of three lawyers, a writer and a reverend walk into a ballpark in Central New Jersey. It sounds like the beginning of a joke, but in reality, it is in celebration of history as America celebrates its 250th birthday.
On July 4, 1776, New Jersey’s Abraham Clark, John Hart, Francis Hopkinson, Richard Stockton and John Witherspoon were among the 56 delegates from the 13 colonies that adopted the Declaration of Independence announcing themselves as independent sovereign states no longer subject to British rule. On July 5, 2026, their descendants Dustin Hunter, Greg Munro, Sally Hopkinson, William Castry and Stacey Bohring honored their families’ legacies with the Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, at TD Bank Ballpark.
It is believed to be the first time that descendants from a state have been pulled together all at once within the state.
“When you realize that [Abraham Clark] risked his life, his fortune, his family, literally. He had children that died for the cause,” said Hunter. “It’s a very weighty thing to live up to.”
The five descendants of the New Jersey signers were brought together through the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence to attend the Patriots game as the team rebranded as the Somerset Semiquincentennials to commemorate America’s milestone. Each participated in the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the field during the pre-game ceremonies that also included a Q&A and first pitches.
“It’s been a very busy year, and it’s helped put an emphasis on the importance of the Declaration of Independence and making sure people are aware of that importance,” said Bohning. “It’s just very meaningful to know that you descend from one of those people that had such a big role in creating our country.”
Hopkinson learned of her esteemed family history at an early age seeing her last name in one of her schoolbooks.
“It was really cool when I found out in fifth grade history class,” said Hopkinson. “My family talks about how they risked everything to create what we have now.”
Munro learned of his relation to Hart in his thirties and pursued more in retirement when he connected to the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
“I realized what an honor I took for granted,” said Munro. “To know that there’s not many of us and we are a descendant of a founder of our country.”
During the game, the special guests met fans on the main concourse, where commemorative copies of the Declaration of Independence were available for fans to add their signatures and get themed wax seals.
The descendants were reminded throughout the day of their celebrated lineage. In addition to the many Revolutionary War details in the Semiquincentennials’ design, the sleeves of the red and blue pinstriped jerseys are adorned with gold signatures of delegates of the Continental Congress.
“It’s pretty awesome. I get to learn about my past and my family’s past. It’s something very special to remember,” said Castry.
