Scotch Plains Student Selected for Prestigious Battlefield Tour Program

Sharika Dhar, a senior at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences at Union County Vocational-Technical School (UCVTS), has been selected as one of just 10 students nationwide for a prestigious youth leadership program with the American Battlefield Trust. Her project centers on creating an interactive, accessible tour of the Battle of Short Hills—a pivotal moment in American Revolutionary War history that took place in the Scotch Plains and Short Hills area on June 26, 1777.

The American Battlefield Trust is a national nonprofit dedicated to preserving historic battlefields and educating the public about the people and events connected to them. The Battle of Short Hills took place near what was then known as the Ash Brook Swamp and was part of the larger British campaign in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War.

Dhar's vision for the project goes beyond traditional history programming. She plans to develop and lead an inclusive, interactive tour that helps residents and visitors connect the familiar landscape they know today with the events that occurred 250 years ago.

"The places where Revolutionary-era events occurred are not simply distant historic sites," Dhar said. "They are part of the landscape residents encounter today."

Building on Museum Experience

Dhar brings substantial experience to the project. As a Teen Docent at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, she developed and led tours, honing her ability to communicate history in engaging ways. Her approach emphasizes accessibility and inclusion, values she is building directly into the battlefield tour.

"I hope to use storytelling to make local history more accessible and engaging," Dhar explained. "That includes people who may not typically see themselves represented in traditional historical programming."

Designing for All Visitors

Accessibility will be central to Dhar's project design. She is planning an experience that welcomes visitors regardless of their familiarity with the American Revolution or their abilities. The tour will include hands-on activities, such as creating postcards, and will encourage visitors to participate in discussions and explore the battlefield story together.

Dhar is intentionally designing the experience to be enjoyed by all visitors, including those who are neurodivergent and those who are visually impaired. By removing barriers to engagement, she aims to make local history truly available to the entire community.

Looking Forward

Dhar plans to begin hosting the tours in early 2027. When the project launches, visitors will have the chance to connect a national experience with a piece of Scotch Plains history—and to understand that history doesn't have to remain in textbooks or behind museum glass.

Union County Life will continue following Dhar's project as it develops. The Battle of Short Hills tour launches in early 2027.

FAQ

Q: Who is Sharika Dhar and what is she being recognized for?

A: Sharika Dhar is a senior at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences at UCVTS in Scotch Plains. She has been selected as one of 10 students nationwide for a prestigious youth leadership program with the American Battlefield Trust to develop an interactive, accessible tour of the Battle of Short Hills.

Q: What is the Battle of Short Hills and why is it significant?

A: The Battle of Short Hills took place on June 26, 1777, in the area surrounding present-day Scotch Plains and Short Hills. It was a pivotal moment in American Revolutionary War history and part of the larger British campaign in New Jersey. The battle occurred near what was historically known as the Ash Brook Swamp.

Q: What will Sharika's tour project include?

A: The tour will be interactive and hands-on, featuring guided discussions, storytelling, and activities like postcard creation. The tour is being specifically designed to be accessible to all visitors, including those who are neurodivergent, visually impaired, and those with varying levels of knowledge about the American Revolution.

Q: When will the Battle of Short Hills tour launch?

A: Sharika plans to begin hosting the tours in early 2027. The tour will help residents and visitors connect the familiar landscapes of today with the Revolutionary War events that occurred 250 years ago in the same area.

Q: What prior experience does Sharika have with tour development?

A: Sharika worked as a Teen Docent at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she developed and led museum tours. That experience equipped her with storytelling skills and a commitment to making history accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.

Q: Why is accessibility central to Sharika's project?

A: Sharika wants to ensure that local history is truly available to the entire community. She is intentionally designing the tour to be welcoming to people who may not typically see themselves represented in traditional historical programming, including people who are neurodivergent and those with visual impairments.