Troop 1776 was first chartered in 1967 with only five scouts and two adult leaders. The Neshanic Reformed Church offered to be the troop’s chartering organization, donating a building on a weekly basis to hold meetings in. The Church continues to immeasurably support Troop 1776 to this day. The founding scout leaders were Scoutmaster George M. Gardner and Committee Chairperson Harold DeHart.

Our unit identification number holds a very special significance to our organization, being intrinsically linked to the freedom and independence of America. Several of our annual troop activities are historic in nature and connect scouts to the exciting history of our nation. Our chartering organization, the Neshanic Reformed Church, dates back to colonial times as well. To honor the number 1776, our troop maintains a Colonial Militia Unit; an organization that wears traditional colonial militia attire. The attire is comprised of a woven linen frock and pants, felt tri-fold hats, and leather boots. The unit carries replica revolutionary era black power muskets and performs at special events including the annual Neshanic Station Memorial Day Parade where the black powder muskets are fired in salute to fallen soldiers.

Troop 1776 has a special connection to the Neshanic Reformed Church (NRC), its chartered organization. The church’s history dates back to May 1775, when the Somerset Minutemen gathered there to serve under General Washington, inspiring the troop’s name. NRC’s commitment to community service and youth development aligns with Boy Scouts’ values, and by supporting Troop 1776, the church continues its legacy of fostering leadership and caring for local youth.

The idea for the branded hiking staves came from ASM Jim Brogan, inspired by a hiking stick he saw during an AT1776 trek in April 1991. The first batch was branded at a Camp Yawgoog ceremony in Rhode Island that year. Scoutmaster Len Jaskewicz received the first stave, followed by ASM Harry Schmidt (#2) and ASM Jim Brogan (#3). Scouts earning First Class rank in 1991, as well as those already at First Class or above, were also awarded staves. Mr. Keith Brogan, son of Jim Brogan received the first scout stave.