Weekend Historical Happenings: 10/4/14 - 10/5/14
WEEKEND HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS
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Friday - Saturday, October 3 - 4 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County
An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe at Allaire Village
An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe at Allaire Village
Allaire Village, Inc. is hosting a weekend of Halloween Classics at the Historic Village at Allaire. This year, nationally renowned Helen McKenna from the Edgar Allan Poe House, a national historic site in Philadelphia, will perform a dramatization from the haunting tales of Edgar Allan Poe. The performance will take place in the Allaire Village Chapel. A brief biography of this gifted, yet tragic author will give you insight into his life and renowned works.
The presentation will take place on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm. The Allaire Village Chapel is limited to 100 people so pre-registration is a must! Only ticket-holders will be admitted to the performances. This show is a must-see for Halloween devotees and is great for people of all ages. Ticket cost is $15 per person. Call 732-919-3500 for tickets, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and have your credit card ready. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://www.allairevillage.org/tickets.html
The presentation will take place on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm. The Allaire Village Chapel is limited to 100 people so pre-registration is a must! Only ticket-holders will be admitted to the performances. This show is a must-see for Halloween devotees and is great for people of all ages. Ticket cost is $15 per person. Call 732-919-3500 for tickets, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and have your credit card ready. Tickets can also be purchased online at http://www.allairevillage.org/tickets.html
The Historic Village at Allaire is located in Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ. For more information, contact the Allaire Village office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, at 732-919-3500 or visit www.allairevillage.org.
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Saturday, October 4 - Washington Township, Morris County
"Autumn in the Valley" Historic House Tour
The Washington Township Historical Society's 31st annual historic house tour, "Autumn in the Valley", will be held on Saturday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. This year's tour is a tour of homes in the section of Washington Township once known as German Valley and a farmhouse and converted barn on the mountain in what was once part of the Middle Valley district.
The Miller's House is located on East Mill Road and was renovated several years ago into a commercial property. It sits across the street from the Obadiah Latourette Grist and Saw Mill which is located on the South Branch of the Raritan River. The miller had only to walk across a field to work as the road at one time actually went behind the house.
The apartment of the current owners and local interior designers of Cottage Treasures is also located in downtown Long Valley. This building was at one time Welsh's and then Swackhamer's Garage. Both names are well known family names of original settlers of Middle Valley and German Valley.
The third home on the tour was built in the last quarter of the 19th century and is a Folk Gothic/vernacular Italianate house. It was built as a worker or tenant house which was not common in Washington Township. The home is furnished with many European antiques.
The two homes on Schooley's Mountain in the Middle Valley area are the Zellers' Farmhouse and the Zellers' Barn. The farmhouse is dated as being built in the early 1700s and has exposed stone walls in the original part of the house as well as the original fireplaces. It has had sections added on and renovations done throughout the years but still retains the charm of an early farmhouse in Washington Township.
The Zellers' barn was renovated into a home in the early 1980s and all the stone walls were left exposed. It was common for a farmer to build his barn before his home so as to take care of his livestock so this bank barn probably was built before the farmhouse next door. Iron rings are still visible on the stone walls in what were the cow and horse stables.
The Zion Lutheran Church, which recently celebrated their 250th year as a congregation, on Schooley's Mountain Road was consecrated on November 25, 1832 and its spire remains an iconic landmark in the valley. The optional luncheon for the tour will be held in the new hall.
Visitors on the tour are encouraged to stop in the local businesses on the tour route both on East and West Mill Roads and Schooley's Mountain Road. All of the businesses are housed in buildings which have been businesses or private homes since the turn of the last century.
Parking will be available in both the Zion Lutheran Church and The Long Valley Brew Pub parking lots when visiting the homes in the downtown area. The Museum Store at 6 Fairview Avenue will be selling seasonal items as well as copies of old maps of the area, books, and note cards made of paintings done by a past resident, Jean Marshall Edwards.
House tour tickets are $25 the day of the tour. Tickets will go on sale the day of the tour at 10:00 am. Proceeds from the tour provide operating expenses for the Washington Township Historical Society and Museum. For more information, call 908-876-9696 or e-mail info@wthsnj.org.
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The Miller's House is located on East Mill Road and was renovated several years ago into a commercial property. It sits across the street from the Obadiah Latourette Grist and Saw Mill which is located on the South Branch of the Raritan River. The miller had only to walk across a field to work as the road at one time actually went behind the house.
The apartment of the current owners and local interior designers of Cottage Treasures is also located in downtown Long Valley. This building was at one time Welsh's and then Swackhamer's Garage. Both names are well known family names of original settlers of Middle Valley and German Valley.
The third home on the tour was built in the last quarter of the 19th century and is a Folk Gothic/vernacular Italianate house. It was built as a worker or tenant house which was not common in Washington Township. The home is furnished with many European antiques.
The two homes on Schooley's Mountain in the Middle Valley area are the Zellers' Farmhouse and the Zellers' Barn. The farmhouse is dated as being built in the early 1700s and has exposed stone walls in the original part of the house as well as the original fireplaces. It has had sections added on and renovations done throughout the years but still retains the charm of an early farmhouse in Washington Township.
The Zellers' barn was renovated into a home in the early 1980s and all the stone walls were left exposed. It was common for a farmer to build his barn before his home so as to take care of his livestock so this bank barn probably was built before the farmhouse next door. Iron rings are still visible on the stone walls in what were the cow and horse stables.
The Zion Lutheran Church, which recently celebrated their 250th year as a congregation, on Schooley's Mountain Road was consecrated on November 25, 1832 and its spire remains an iconic landmark in the valley. The optional luncheon for the tour will be held in the new hall.
Visitors on the tour are encouraged to stop in the local businesses on the tour route both on East and West Mill Roads and Schooley's Mountain Road. All of the businesses are housed in buildings which have been businesses or private homes since the turn of the last century.
Parking will be available in both the Zion Lutheran Church and The Long Valley Brew Pub parking lots when visiting the homes in the downtown area. The Museum Store at 6 Fairview Avenue will be selling seasonal items as well as copies of old maps of the area, books, and note cards made of paintings done by a past resident, Jean Marshall Edwards.
House tour tickets are $25 the day of the tour. Tickets will go on sale the day of the tour at 10:00 am. Proceeds from the tour provide operating expenses for the Washington Township Historical Society and Museum. For more information, call 908-876-9696 or e-mail info@wthsnj.org.
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Saturday, October 4 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Grand Reopening of the Henry Phillips Farmhouse
Children Friendly
County Executive Brian M. Hughes and Park Commission Executive Director Kevin B. Bannon will open the door to one of Mercer County’s most well-known houses on Oct. 4, when they host the grand opening of the Henry Phillips Farmhouse.
A ribbon-cutting will take place at 1:00 pm and will be followed by a reception with music, refreshments, and exhibits. Members of the public are invited to participate in a special walk-through of the house that showcases the restoration process as well as furnished rooms.
During the morning, games, ice cream making, and other children’s activities will be offered on the farmhouse front lawn. Exterior tours of the house will feature the kitchen garden, windmill and icehouse. Admission to the farm and grand opening is free.
Howell Living History Farm represents typical farm life between 1890 and 1910. The farm is operated by the Mercer County Parks Commission. It is located at 70 Wooden's Lane, Lambertville, NJ. For more information. call 609-737-3299 or visit www.howellfarm.com.
Howell Living History Farm represents typical farm life between 1890 and 1910. The farm is operated by the Mercer County Parks Commission. It is located at 70 Wooden's Lane, Lambertville, NJ. For more information. call 609-737-3299 or visit www.howellfarm.com.
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Saturday, October 4 - Trenton, Mercer County
Archaeology Plus Apple Day at the Trent House Museum
Children Friendly
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The 1719 William Trent House Museum in Trenton announces new archaeological research on its property to locate the distinctive kitchen addition, including the quarters for the enslaved servants referenced in 18th century maps and documents. The public is invited to witness the opening "dig" at the Trent House on Saturday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, and talk with the principal archaeologists of Hunter Research of Trenton. The archaeology project is one of a series of activities marking the 75th anniversary of the 1719 William Trent House opening as a museum.Apple Day will also be celebrated at the Trent House on Saturday. Participate in the process of making fresh pressed apple juice the old-fashioned way, and enjoy apple crafts and activities for the whole family. Complimentary refreshments from Terhune Orchards.
The new archaeology at the Trent House will further the scholarly documentation of this important historic landmark. Its builder, William Trent, had immigrated to Philadelphia from Scotland and became a very successful and wealthy merchant trading with Great Britain and the colonies. About 1719, William Trent built his country estate at the Falls of the Delaware River in the settlement that would come to be known as Trenton. It is a large, imposing brick structure, built in the Georgian style.
After Trent died in 1724, "300 acres plus the brick dwelling house" were sold, and from 1742 to 1746, the house was leased to the first British Governor of New Jersey, Lewis Morris. Upon taking residence, he requested that a separate kitchen be built, connected to the main house by a "gangway", and which would also be large enough to "lodge servants."
Early maps dated 1750 and 1789 depict the Trent House with the attached two-storey kitchen. A 1759 advertisement of the building for sale actually details the brick kitchen addition dimensions and "handsome apartments" above the kitchen. Unfortunately, subsequent 19th and early 20th century modernizing additions to the Trent House altered its early appearance, and Governor Morris's distinctive kitchen was lost.
In addition to seeking evidence of the actual location of Governor Morris's kitchen, another goal is to pinpoint the original well location. Artifacts from pre-contact Native Americans may be found, as well as artifacts from the various notable families who occupied the Trent House over the centuries. Of particular interest would be artifacts indicating the use and occupation of the Trent House by enslaved people of African heritage during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The archaeological research will continue in the spring of 2015 with school and other groups invited to participate. For more information, call 609-989-0087, e-mail trenthouseassociation@verizon.net, or visit www.williamtrenthouse.org.
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Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride
Children Friendly
Enjoy an interpretive horse-drawn wagon ride at Fosterfields Living History Farm on Saturday while discovering the importance of sustainable farming. Learn about the methods, equipment, crops, and enterprises of Charles Foster’s farm in the early 1900s. Wagon ride from 10:15 am - 12:00 noon and included in regular admission.
Admission: $8 for adults; $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children ages 4 – 16; and $4 for children ages 2 and 3. FREE for children under age 2 and Friends members with a current membership card. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-326-7645 or visit www.morrisparks.net.
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Saturday, October 4 - Jackson, Ocean County
Fall Forestry Festival
Children Friendly
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring insect repellant. Refreshments will be available to purchase. The festival will be held at the Forest Resource Education Center on Don Connor Boulevard in Jackson, NJ. For more information, call 732-928-2360 or visit www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/forest/fall_festival.html.
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Saturday, October 4 - Morristown, Morris County
African American Patriots
Children Friendly
Did you know that more than 5,000 African Americans served in the Continental Army? Join a Park Ranger at the Wick House to learn about the contributions of these patriots to American independence and the complicated choices they faced about liberty and freedom. Programs at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm at the Wick House at Jockey Hollow within Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, NJ. Cost: Free. For more information, call 973-543-4030 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.
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Join Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, wife of Alexander Hamilton, on a tour of the Ford Mansion! Find out who concocted a plan to bring them together in Morristown and how they conducted their courtship. Explore Hamilton's incredible and lasting contributions to the American Revolution and to the fledgling republic! Programs at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm at the Ford Mansion, within Morristown National Historical Park. Cost: $4 per adult. For more information, call 973-539-2016 ext. 210 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.
Children Friendly
Did you know that more than 5,000 African Americans served in the Continental Army? Join a Park Ranger at the Wick House to learn about the contributions of these patriots to American independence and the complicated choices they faced about liberty and freedom. Programs at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm at the Wick House at Jockey Hollow within Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, NJ. Cost: Free. For more information, call 973-543-4030 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.
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Saturday, October 4 - Morristown, Morris County
Mrs. Hamilton Returns!
Children Friendly
Join Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, wife of Alexander Hamilton, on a tour of the Ford Mansion! Find out who concocted a plan to bring them together in Morristown and how they conducted their courtship. Explore Hamilton's incredible and lasting contributions to the American Revolution and to the fledgling republic! Programs at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm at the Ford Mansion, within Morristown National Historical Park. Cost: $4 per adult. For more information, call 973-539-2016 ext. 210 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.
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Saturday, October 4 - Morristown, Morris County
People of the Continental Army
Children Friendly
People of the Continental Army
Children Friendly
Visit Continental soldiers and others who worked with and for the army. Hear what they have to say about army life, their duties, equipment and experiences in the Continental Army. Stop in between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm at the Soldiers Huts at Jockey Hollow, within Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, NJ. Cost: Free. For more information, call 973-543-4030 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.
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Saturday, October 4 - Princeton, Mercer County
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Updike Farmstead
Children Friendly
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Updike Farmstead, a community resource offering education, timeless beauty and wonder, is open the first Saturday each month from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm. Special themed activities are planned each month, including walking tours, workshops and crafts for children.
Admission is $4, and includes all exhibits and activities. Bring a camera to capture the incredible beauty of this historic site, surrounded by acres of preserved farmland. Browse the museum galleries, which include "Princeton's Portrait: Vintage Photographs from the Historical Society of Princeton" and "A Morning at Updike Farmstead: Photographs by the Princeton Photography Club."
The Updike Farmstead is situated in the Princeton Battlefield/Stony Brook Settlement Historic District at 354 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ. For more information, call 609-921-6748 or visit www.princetonhistory.org.
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Saturday, October 4 - Milltown, Middlesex County
125th Anniversary of the Raritan River Rail Road in Milltown
Children Friendly
125th Anniversary of the Raritan River Rail Road in Milltown
Children Friendly
On Saturday in Milltown, the Raritan River Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) will celebrate at "Milltown Day" the 125th anniversary of the construction of the Raritan River Rail Road (RRRR) reaching Milltown.
The RRRR began construction of the railroad in May 1888 in Sayreville, NJ and by October, 1889 the western bound tracks had reached Milltown. Learn about the history of the railroad, the organization, and plans to save Milltown Station which is the last remaining structure of the RRRR.
The event runs from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and is held in Borough Park at Violet Terrace and JFK Boulevard, Milltown, NJ. Rain date is Sunday, October 5, 2014.
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The RRRR began construction of the railroad in May 1888 in Sayreville, NJ and by October, 1889 the western bound tracks had reached Milltown. Learn about the history of the railroad, the organization, and plans to save Milltown Station which is the last remaining structure of the RRRR.
The event runs from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and is held in Borough Park at Violet Terrace and JFK Boulevard, Milltown, NJ. Rain date is Sunday, October 5, 2014.
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Saturday, October 4 Through March 29, 2015 - Princeton, Mercer County
Hail Specimen of Female Art! New Jersey Schoolgirl Needlework, 1726-1860
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Organized geographically, the exhibition will feature works from every region of the state. Although many elaborate and important examples of New Jersey needlework will be featured in the exhibition, the curators have also included more modest examples that highlight other aspects of the educational environment, social class and familial situation experienced by young girls in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In some cases, the exhibit will reunite, for the first time, needlework created by the same girl; sisters; cousins; schoolmates and other close relations.
The exhibition will feature loans from across the country including needlework completed in every New Jersey County (accounting for the numerous re-organizations of New Jersey counties in the nineteenth century). In presenting examples from every part of the state, the exhibition will distill the educational environment that existed in New Jersey from Cape May to Sussex. The exhibition will also compile an accurate picture of girls academies and the instructresses who taught at them.
The exhibition will occupy 1,709 square feet in five galleries within the second floor of the Morven mansion. This exhibition also coincides with the 350th anniversary of New Jersey and extensive state-wide celebration and programming.
The title of the exhibition is borrowed from a needlework stitched by Trenton-born Anne Rickey (1783-1846) “Hail Specimen of Female Art” was stitched onto her sampler in 1798. Anne Rickey was the daughter of Quaker merchant, John Rickey (1751-1829) and his wife Amey Olden (1757-1849).
Morven Museum and Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ. For more information, call 609-924-8144 or visit www.morven.org.
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Saturday - Sunday, October 4 - 5 - Morganville, Monmouth County
New Jersey Scout Museum Tenth Anniversary Open House
Children Friendly
On Saturday and Sunday, the New Jersey Scout Museum will be open to the public as they commemorate their tenth anniversary. The museum will be open Saturday from 4:00 - 8:00 pm and Sunday 5 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm for this celebratory open house.
Linking their anniversary to commemoration of the NJ350, the NJSM will present programs at 6:00 pm on Saturday evening and at 4:00 pm Sunday that feature New Jersey's role in the national Scouting movement, including the Order of the Arrow and the Eisner uniform factory in Red Bank. If you are a family or scout unit, please RSVP to 732-862-1282. The New Jersey Scout Museum is located at 705 Ginesi Drive, Morganville, NJ. For more information, call 732-862-1282 or visit www.njsm.org.
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Saturday - Sunday, October 4 - 5 - Browns Mills, Burlington County
Whitesbog's Fiddling in the Forest Concert Series & Open House
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All donations requested directly support the musicians appearing, with Whitesbog providing the musicians and the community with the public venue free of charge. All other proceeds benefit the Whitesbog Preservation Trust's on-going efforts to restore, protect and interpret historic Whitesbog Village.
On Sunday, attend Whitesbog Village Open House and Birthday Celebration from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Celebrate Elizabeth White's birthday and recognize her pioneering efforts to cultivate the first highbush blueberry. Tour her historic home, gardens, and blueberry fields and enjoy a piece of birthday cake with Elizabeth, played by Stephanie Schrader. Learn about Whitesbog's founder and legendary cranberry grower, Joseph J. White, and other residents of Whitesbog from scientists to berry pickers. Docents in period dress will guide you through the Village's fascinating buildings. Reservations required. $5 donation per person. For more information, call 609-893-4646 or visit www.whitesbog.org.
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Saturday - Sunday, October 4 - 5 - Hardwick, Sussex
Millbrook Days at Millbrook Village
Children Friendly
Are you tired of the fast pace of the 21st century? Step back to a quieter time where the high price of gas, credit cards, cell phones, and computers are not found. Experience Millbrook Days where Millbrook Village comes alive as it was over a century ago on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Volunteers in period clothing will demonstrate 19th century crafts and trades recreating the atmosphere of a late 19th century rural farming community. Try the stilts, jump rope or roll the hoop. There will be kid’s games throughout the village. Marbles, checkers, ring toss, tug of war, sack race and corn husk doll making to name a few. Kids of all ages can join the fun. No batteries needed!
Millbrook’s “residents” will be busy plying their trades and doing everyday chores and activities. Woodstove cooking, butter churning, spinning yarn, weaving, natural dyes, gardening, lace making, sewing, quilting, food drying and preserving, gourd decorating, open hearth cooking and other things will be demonstrated.
The blacksmith, wood workers, wheelwright, carvers, slate splitter, tinsmith, miller, rope maker, chair caner, shaker box maker, chair maker, wooden pitch fork maker, wet plate photographer and other craftsmen will be demonstrating their skills. Step in and ask if you can help; there are lots of hands-on things to try.
An assortment of hit and miss engines will be setting the tempo for the corn Sheller, grinder and other vintage machinery. To some the sound of the old engines is music too. I hear they‘ll be making some ice cream with an engine driven ice cream churn, too. What flavor might that be?
Apples are in season. The grinder and press will be turning out some fresh cider and the kettle will be cooking down some apples for delicious apple butter. Lend a hand, it’s fun.
There’s something for everyone to see and enjoy. A friendly atmosphere abounds and new friends are sure to be found at Millbrook Village. Everything is free of charge and family oriented. Donations are accepted.
Picnic and restroom facilities are available. A food concession is available on both days provided by the Harmony Hill Presbyterian Church. Parking and admission is free. Shuttle bus service is provided between the Watergate & Turtle beach area to Millbrook Village from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily – free of charge. This event will be held rain or shine.
Millbrook Days is presented by the Millbrook Village Society in cooperation with the National Park Service.
Millbrook Village is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Millbrook Village is located in Hardwick Township, NJ at the intersection of Old Mine Road and Millbrook Road, County Route 602N.
For more information and directions, call 908-841-9531, 908-537-2544, or 973-875-3461 or visit www.millbrooknj.com.
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Saturday - Sunday, October 4 - 5 - Rahway, Union County
Ghosts of the Past Cemetery Tour Weekend
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This year, the hour-long cemetery tour will feature stops at some of Rahway Cemetery’s most famous residents. You will hear stories from over a dozen costumed characters from Rahway’s Past; meet Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Captain Walter Bramhall, a Civil War soldier who served at Harper’s Ferry, Va, The Unknown Woman, who’s unsolved murder still sparks theories and interest, and many more!
Tours begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday and leave every 15 minutes. The last tour leaves at 4:00 pm. Tours last approximately 75 minutes. Reservations are recommended but not necessary. $10 for adults and $5 for students. Call the Merchants & Drovers Museum to reserve your spot - 732-381-0441. The Merchants & Drovers Tavern is located adjacent to the cemetery at 1632 St. Georges Avenue (Route 27), Rahway, NJ. For more information, visit www.merchantsanddrovers.org.
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Ghosts of the Past Cemetery Tour Weekend
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Tours begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday and leave every 15 minutes. The last tour leaves at 4:00 pm. Tours last approximately 75 minutes. Reservations are recommended but not necessary. $10 for adults and $5 for students. Call the Merchants & Drovers Museum to reserve your spot - 732-381-0441. The Merchants & Drovers Tavern is located adjacent to the cemetery at 1632 St. Georges Avenue (Route 27), Rahway, NJ. For more information, visit www.merchantsanddrovers.org.
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Festival of Fine Craft
Children Friendly
See over 130 juried artists from across the country present studio art glass, stained glass, creative jewelry designs, unusual metal sculptures, innovative wearables and accessories, intricate baskets, sculptural and functional clay pieces, wood carvings and turned vessels, handcrafted furniture, and two-dimensional art and photography at the Festival of Fine Craft on Saturday and Sunday at WheatonArts. Also see artist demonstrations, participate in family activities, entertainment, food, vendors and a glass pumpkin patch.
The event will be held from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm both days, rain or shine. WheatonArts is located at 1000 Village Dr, Millville, NJ. Admission $10.00 Adults, $9.00 Seniors (62+), and $7.00 students. Children 5 and under are free.
On 55 wooded acres in southern NJ, WheatonArts is home to the Museum of American Glass, the CGCA International Fellowship Program, the largest folklife center in NJ, a hot glass studio, traditional craft studios, five museum stores and an event center. For more information, call 856-825-6800 or visit www.wheatonarts.org.
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Sunday, October 5 - Princeton, Mercer County
Dr. Maxine Lurie to open "Nova Caesarea" exhibition on October 5th
Dr. Lurie's talk begins at 3:00 pm at 101 McCormick Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ. This event will be followed by a reception in the main gallery of nearby Firestone Library, where the maps are currently on view. This event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Lurie is well-known throughout New Jersey academic circles for her numerous publications and lectures on historical New Jersey subjects. Recent projects include the Encyclopedia of New Jersey (co-editor) and the Mapping of New Jersey (co-editor). For more information, visit https://blogs.princeton.edu.
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Sunday, October 5 - Westampton, Burlington County
The Story of Indian Ann
Children Friendly
Children Friendly
Indian Ann, a full blooded Native American, lived in Tablernacle, New Jersey until 1895. Storyteller and educator Doreen Shepard shares Ann's love of nature, her kindness, and her deep friendships in her community. On Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Peachfield, hear Doreen talk about Indian Ann's life.
Admission is $5 per person and Friends of Peachfield admitted free of charge. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. This program is well-suited for children of all ages. The program will be held at Peachfield, the Headquarters of The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Jersey, 180 Burrs Road, Westamption, NJ. For more information, call 609-267-6996 or e-mail colonialdamesnj@comcast.net.
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Admission is $5 per person and Friends of Peachfield admitted free of charge. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. This program is well-suited for children of all ages. The program will be held at Peachfield, the Headquarters of The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Jersey, 180 Burrs Road, Westamption, NJ. For more information, call 609-267-6996 or e-mail colonialdamesnj@comcast.net.
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Sunday, October 5 - Basking Ridge, Somerset County
Lord Stirling Festival
Children Friendly
Each year on the first Sunday in October, Lord Stirling's estate at Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ comes back to life in the late 1700s. Colonial craftspeople ply their trades, a town crier delivers the daily news, and Revolutionary War military detachments camp and conduct maneuvers on the former estate lawn. The event promotes historical and environmental education highlighting the unsung Revolutionary War hero William Alexander, Lord Stirling, who lived on the site and served under General George Washington.
Attired in replicas of 1770s clothing true to the period, meet a blacksmith, tinsmith, broom maker, cooper, and other trades people of the times. Crafters make toys, dolls, lace, decorative arts, woodcarvings, and spin wool into yarn. No crafts are sold at this entertaining and educational event. See sheep, goats, and chickens that were staples of colonial life in the 1770s. Children can try stenciling, quill writing, making clay pots, and playing colonial games. Drink a cup of cider made on site at the working cider press and hop aboard the hay wagon for a ride around Lord Stirling's apple orchard. Dress the part by trying on period style clothing or spend a few minutes in the Somerset Gaoler's wooden pillory while friends and family take photographs.
The event provides an educational and enjoyable way to learn about colonial times and the importance of New Jersey's role in the American Revolution. Visitors can question craftspeople about their trades, tour Lord Stirling's wine cellar, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of a colonial style autumn festival. Listen to colonial ballads played on instruments of the period. Visit the camps of Heard's Brigade, Captain John Outwater's Militia, Past Muster, and the Donegal Riflemen. Watch as the militias conduct maneuvers and children can participate in a musket drill. A professional Town Crier announces the events of the day and reads the Declaration of Independence. In the afternoon, meet Lord Stirling as he strolls around his estate.
Lord Stirling (the Scottish earldom and title acquired by William Alexander of Basking Ridge) was close friends with George Washington and served as a Major General directly under his command during the Revolution. Stirling built his manor house around 1762 and lived there for 20 years. An archaeological team sponsored by the Somerset County Park Commission excavated part of the site and has studied the recovered artifacts. See what they have found on the site and hear about the history associated with these artifacts. Part of the original Stirling manor house foundation still exists under the modern house now occupying the site and is open to the public for tours for the day. Artifacts unearthed by the Lord Stirling Field Project represent well over 250 years of site occupation.
This event is held rain or shine. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per person. Call the Environmental Education Center at 908-766-2489 for more information.
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