NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 4/11/15 - 4/12/15
NJ WEEKEND HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS
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Fridays through April 25, 2015 - Pennington, Mercer County
Pennington Comes of Age: Photographs by George H. Frisbie
As part of the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of Pennington Borough, an exhibition of historic photographs, "Pennington Comes of Age," will be unveiled by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society at The Pennington School’s Silva Gallery of Art.
"Pennington Comes of Age" tells the story of the first 25 years of Pennington Borough’s incorporation, 1890–1915. During these years George Frisbie, who had grown up in a family-run business on South Main Street, captured the world around him through the viewfinder of his big wooden camera. His images not only document people and places, but recorded many of the changes that took place over that span of time.
Descendants of Mr. Frisbie still reside in Pennington Borough, and in 1986 Alice Frisbie and her daughter, Mary Thornton, donated 800 negatives to the Historical Society.
The exhibition will continue through Saturday, April 25. A special reception will be held on Wednesday, April 1, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Gallery hours are Monday - Thursday, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm; Friday, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm; or by appointment. For more information, call Gallery Director Dolores Eaton at 609-737-4133.
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Saturday, April 11 - Morristown, Morris County
Happy Birthday Caroline Foster!
Children Friendly
Children Friendly
On Saturday, Celebrate Miss Foster’s 138th birthday at Fosterfield's Living Historical Farm. Meet at the Farmhouse, where cake will be served in her honor from 1:00 - 3:30 pm.
Admission: $6 for adults; $5 for seniors (65+); $4 for children ages 4 – 16; and $2for 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, visit www.morrisparks.net.
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Saturday, April 11 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Knitting
Children Friendly
Knitting
Children Friendly
On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to take a step back in time and get inspired as crafters demonstrate the art of knitting. This free event runs from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Historic Longstreet Farm is located at 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ. For more information, call 732-946-3758 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
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Saturday, April 11 - Montclair, Essex County
Montclair Environmental Commissioner Deb Ellis will lead a walking tour through three local parks that are part of the Lenape Trail as well as a local preserve that is along the way. She will share information about the Lenape Trail, trees and plants, and points of history. This tour was co-developed by the Montclair Historical Society and the Montclair Environmental Commission and is co-sponsored by Bike&Walk Montclair. Suggested $5 donation. Tour will justify (and end) at Brookdale Park at parking lot above the soccer stadium (enter through Bellevue Avenue). Walk begins at 1:30 pm and ends at 3:30 pm. Pre-registration is preferred - register here. For more information, e-mail Liz Brady at liz.brady13@gmail.com.
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Saturday, April 11 - Princeton, Mercer County
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Saturday, April 11 - Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County
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Walking Tour of the Lenape Trail
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Saturday, April 11 - River Edge, Bergen County
Battleground Tour of New Bridge Landing
Walk in the footsteps of history! Historians and authors Todd Braisted and Kevin Wright will conduct battleground tour of Historic New Bridge Landing, justifying at 10:00 am in the Steuben House and ending at the Campbell-Christie House for refreshments and a visit to the gift shop.
Admission: $7 adults, $5 children, BCHS members free. Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1201-1209 Main Street, River Edge, NJ. Free parking available or take a train on the Pascack Valley Line from Secaucus via NJ Transit to the New Bridge Landing Train stop. For more information, call 201-343-9492 or visit www.bergencountyhistory.org.
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Battleground Tour of New Bridge Landing
Admission: $7 adults, $5 children, BCHS members free. Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1201-1209 Main Street, River Edge, NJ. Free parking available or take a train on the Pascack Valley Line from Secaucus via NJ Transit to the New Bridge Landing Train stop. For more information, call 201-343-9492 or visit www.bergencountyhistory.org.
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Saturday, April 11 - Caldwell, Essex County
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Walking Tour of the Historic Parsonage Hill Neighborhood
The Borough of Caldwell Historic Preservation Commission will lead a walking tour of the historic and architecturally distinctive Parsonage Hill neighborhood on Saturday, from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon (rain date, Sunday April 12, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm). Commission members will be available to provide information about the neighborhood's homes and the people who once lived in them.
The historic Parsonage Hill neighborhood takes its name from being the hill beyond the First Presbyterian Church's parsonage (known today as the Grover Cleveland Birthplace). Much of land was owned by the Church. Prior to 1870, development on the hill was sparse. That year, in order to raise funds the Church auctioned off a 2.5 acre parcel of land that had been divided into 10 lots and laid out new roads.
The auction stimulated development as a number of the new homes were built by New York families who summered in Caldwell, one of several popular Essex County resort communities. When rail service came to Caldwell in 1891 travel to the area became feasible for daily commuters, opening a whole new wave of development.
The significance of the Parsonage Hill neighborhood is both historical and architectural. Spanning the years circa 1870 to circa 1920, the neighborhood represent 50 years of the development of settlement patterns, architectural tastes, and building techniques. Architectural styles represented in the neighborhood include Queen Anne, Carpenter Gothic and Shingle Style. Fortunately, virtually all of the buildings in the neighborhood have retained their architectural integrity.
The tour will begin at the Lincoln elementary School, 18 Crane street, where on-site parking is available. Admission is free but registration is requested. For more information and to register, contact CHPCommission@gmail.com or call 973-226-5252. Please leave your e-mail address and/or phone number.
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The British at Princeton
Children Friendly
Children Friendly
The British at Princeton! Come see the British in training - Military Demonstrations of the American Revolution on Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:30 pm at Princeton Battlefield, 500 Mercer Street, Princeton, NJ. Come see demonstrations with muskets, cannon, tactical formations and drills, marching, and loading and firing volleys. Muster of the Troops at 10:30 am. See a typical American Revolution military camp with campfires and the other domestic activities of camp followers and colonials, such as cooking, baking, lap-looming, knitting, spinning, laundry, candle making, and herbal medicine making. Retirement of the colors at 3:30 pm. Learn about the Battle of Princeton and Washington's strategy. Presentations explaining the uniforms, weapons and tactics. A special highlight will be training for Young Patriots in formation.
While at the Battlefield, visit the Thomas Clarke House, which witnessed the battle on that crucial day, January 3, 1777, when the Battle of Princeton saved the American Revolution. Presented by the Princeton Battlefield Society and the 43rd Regiment of Foot. Free admission all day. Held rain or shine. For more information, visit www.theprincetonbattlefieldsociety.com or contact Kip at princetonbattlefieldsocinfo@gmail.com.
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Saturday, April 11 - Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County
Batsto Village
On Saturday, the Tuckerton Historical Society presents "Batsto Village." Barbara Solem will speak about her new book Batsto Village, Jewel of the Pines, shedding new light on this significant South Jersey site. This presentation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Giffordtown Schoolhouse Museum, 35 Leitz Blvd., Little Egg Harbor, NJ. For more information, call 609-294-1547.
On Saturday, the Tuckerton Historical Society presents "Batsto Village." Barbara Solem will speak about her new book Batsto Village, Jewel of the Pines, shedding new light on this significant South Jersey site. This presentation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Giffordtown Schoolhouse Museum, 35 Leitz Blvd., Little Egg Harbor, NJ. For more information, call 609-294-1547.
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Saturday, April 11 - Ocean Township, Monmouth County
Elias Goldensky: The Wizard of Photography
On Saturday, Gary D. Saretzky will present "Elias Goldensky: The Wizard of Photography" at 2:00 pm at the Ocean Township Library. This slide presentation explores the mystery of why one of the leading Pictorialist photographers in America during the early 20th century, renowned in his own time, is almost forgotten today. Goldensky, a Russian-Jewish emigré based in Philadelphia, practiced portrait photography as a fine art. Among the sitters he immortalized with his camera were Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Leopold Stokowski.
Gary Saretzky is the Monmouth County archivist and the author of more than 100 articles and book reviews in the fields of photographic history, photographic conservation, archival science, and non-photography-related topics.
This program will be held at the Ocean Township Library, 701 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ. For more information, call 732-531-5092.
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Paulsdale is located at 128 Hooton Rd., Mt. Laurel. For information about group tours or future tour dates, contact the Alice Paul Institute at 856-231-1885, e-mail info@alicepaul.org, or visit www.alicepaul.org.
Gary Saretzky is the Monmouth County archivist and the author of more than 100 articles and book reviews in the fields of photographic history, photographic conservation, archival science, and non-photography-related topics.
This program will be held at the Ocean Township Library, 701 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ. For more information, call 732-531-5092.
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Saturday, April 11 - Mount Laurel, Burlington County
Tour Paulsdale and Program
Paulsdale is open to the public for Second Saturday Tours at 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm. Paulsdale is the birthplace of Quaker suffragist Alice Paul. Tours include a 15-minute presentation about Alice Paul's life and work and a guided tour of the first floor of the property where visitors learn about the Paul family's daily life in the house and its present day use as a girl's leadership center. Tours are $5.00.
At 2:00 pm, Mary K. Trigg, author of Feminism as Life's Work - Four American Women Through Two World Wars will discuss her book. Trigg's book profiles four women who kept the cause of women's equality going - author Inez Haynes Irwin, historian Mary Ritter Beard, activist Doris Stevens and psychologist Lorine Pruette. Program admission is $5 but free with tour admission.
At 2:00 pm, Mary K. Trigg, author of Feminism as Life's Work - Four American Women Through Two World Wars will discuss her book. Trigg's book profiles four women who kept the cause of women's equality going - author Inez Haynes Irwin, historian Mary Ritter Beard, activist Doris Stevens and psychologist Lorine Pruette. Program admission is $5 but free with tour admission.
Paulsdale is located at 128 Hooton Rd., Mt. Laurel. For information about group tours or future tour dates, contact the Alice Paul Institute at 856-231-1885, e-mail info@alicepaul.org, or visit www.alicepaul.org.
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Saturday, April 11 through the end of 2015 - Roebling, Burlington County
The Art of Engineering: Jet Lowe Photographs Roebling Works
Photographs by John T. "Jet" Lowe, who chronicled 19th and 20th century Industrial Age engineering marvels including bridges designed and built by John A. Roebling, will be on display at the Roebling Museum in Roebling, New Jersey.
"The Art of Engineering: Jet Lowe Photographs Roebling Works" opens Saturday, April 11 with a gallery talk by Lowe at 2:00 pm. The photographs on display include images of the Brooklyn Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and George Washington Bridge, all works of the John A. Roebling's Sons Company.
For 35 years, as chief photographer for the Historic American Engineering Record, John T. "Jet" Lowe traveled the country to make a photographic record of factories, mills, bridges, railroads, and examples of 19th and 20th-century engineering ingenuity.
The 17 photos in the exhibit are among 40,000 photos Lowe shot during his career with HAER, a part of the National Park Service. The originals are now in the Library of Congress as part of the record of America's industrial history. The exhibit, on display in the Roebling Museum's Investors Bank Media Room, will be available for public viewing through the end of 2015.
Lowe's photographs span the range of Roebling's work, from the 1847 Lackawaxen Aqueduct in Lackawaxen, Pa. built in 1847 - the nation's oldest wire suspension bridge - to the landmark Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, completed in 1937. Lowe used a large-format Canham 5x7 camera that offers high resolution and great depth of focus without distortion. This allowed him to photograph massive industrial buildings and bridges. The bulky six-pound camera and tripod also require considerable ingenuity to maneuver from hundreds of feet in the air atop a bridge.
After retiring from HAER in 2013, Lowe was awarded the Society for Industrial Archaeology's highest honor, the General Tools Award. A selection of his photographs has been collected in the book Industrial Eye: Photographs by Jet Lowe for the Historic American Engineering Record (Preservation Press, 1986).
Lowe's gallery talk will also be held in the museum's Investors Bank Media Room. Space is limited and reservations are strongly suggested. Adult admission for the gallery talk is $6.00. The Roebling Museum is located on 100 Second Avenue in Roebling, NJ. Parking is available at the back of the museum just off Hornberger Avenue.To reserve your spot and for more information, call 609-499-7200 or visit www.roeblingmuseum.org.
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Photographs by John T. "Jet" Lowe, who chronicled 19th and 20th century Industrial Age engineering marvels including bridges designed and built by John A. Roebling, will be on display at the Roebling Museum in Roebling, New Jersey.
"The Art of Engineering: Jet Lowe Photographs Roebling Works" opens Saturday, April 11 with a gallery talk by Lowe at 2:00 pm. The photographs on display include images of the Brooklyn Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and George Washington Bridge, all works of the John A. Roebling's Sons Company.
For 35 years, as chief photographer for the Historic American Engineering Record, John T. "Jet" Lowe traveled the country to make a photographic record of factories, mills, bridges, railroads, and examples of 19th and 20th-century engineering ingenuity.
The 17 photos in the exhibit are among 40,000 photos Lowe shot during his career with HAER, a part of the National Park Service. The originals are now in the Library of Congress as part of the record of America's industrial history. The exhibit, on display in the Roebling Museum's Investors Bank Media Room, will be available for public viewing through the end of 2015.
Lowe's photographs span the range of Roebling's work, from the 1847 Lackawaxen Aqueduct in Lackawaxen, Pa. built in 1847 - the nation's oldest wire suspension bridge - to the landmark Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, completed in 1937. Lowe used a large-format Canham 5x7 camera that offers high resolution and great depth of focus without distortion. This allowed him to photograph massive industrial buildings and bridges. The bulky six-pound camera and tripod also require considerable ingenuity to maneuver from hundreds of feet in the air atop a bridge.
After retiring from HAER in 2013, Lowe was awarded the Society for Industrial Archaeology's highest honor, the General Tools Award. A selection of his photographs has been collected in the book Industrial Eye: Photographs by Jet Lowe for the Historic American Engineering Record (Preservation Press, 1986).
Lowe's gallery talk will also be held in the museum's Investors Bank Media Room. Space is limited and reservations are strongly suggested. Adult admission for the gallery talk is $6.00. The Roebling Museum is located on 100 Second Avenue in Roebling, NJ. Parking is available at the back of the museum just off Hornberger Avenue.To reserve your spot and for more information, call 609-499-7200 or visit www.roeblingmuseum.org.
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Saturday, April 11 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Spring Beekeeping
Children Friendly
On Saturday, Howell Living History Farm's honeybees will take a break from their busy schedules when Bob Hughes stops by for his annual spring visit.
Mr. Hughes, who is a professional beekeeper, will open the hives to give the bees a complete health check, medicate the colony and make sure that the queens, drones and worker bees are properly equipped for the task of manufacturing honey.
Visitors to the Farm can watch the inspection at the hives, and join Mr. Hughes for an hour-long presentation, "Life of a Bee Colony.” Children are also invited to help beekeepers assemble beehives.
Howell Living 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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Mr. Hughes, who is a professional beekeeper, will open the hives to give the bees a complete health check, medicate the colony and make sure that the queens, drones and worker bees are properly equipped for the task of manufacturing honey.
Visitors to the Farm can watch the inspection at the hives, and join Mr. Hughes for an hour-long presentation, "Life of a Bee Colony.” Children are also invited to help beekeepers assemble beehives.
Howell Living 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, April 11 - Mount Holly, Burlington County
The Lure and Lore of Liquor: Tavern Beverages of Colonial America
Many people know that the events leading up to the American Revolution were fomented in famous taverns of Colonial America, such as City Tavern of Philadelphia, Boston's Green Dragon, and the Raleigh in Williamsburg. But other than politics, what was fueling the debates between the Sons of Liberty or the Virginia Burgesses?
Join historian and mixologist (yes, indeed) David Emerson in a lively exploration of Colonial drinking customs. The talk will include discussion of the various types of beverages available to the 18th Century tavern tippler, how they were made, and even some recipes that you can try on your own (if you dare). Discover our forefathers' alternative to the modern mojito and martini, and what Ben Franklin considered "The Proof of God's Love." This program is suitable for adults and begins at 1:00 pm.
Sponsored by the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of New Jersey. All programs will be free and open to the public and will take place at the Burlington County Lyceum, 307 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ. Pre-registration is requested. For more information or to register, call 609-267-7111 or e-mail bclhns@bcls.lib.nj.us.
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Saturday - Sunday, April 11 - 12 - South Bound Brook, Somerset County
Battle of Bound Brook
Children Friendly
Visit South Bound Brook for an exciting and historic weekend on Saturday and Sunday! The two-day program explores the American Revolutionary War during the timeframe of the Battle of Bound Brook and the American army's use of Middlebrook in the years 1777 - 1779. Learn about and experience this important period in New Jersey's and America's history. Weekend activities include:
*Marching, drilling and street battle reenactments in Bound Brook and South Bound Brook, featuring American and British units portraying the soldiers of the American Revolution.
*Eighteenth-century soldiers' encampment on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, NJ. Come walk through camp and see what life was like for American and British troops during the time of the American Revolution.
*Historic House Tours: The Abraham Staats House, with the original structure c. 1740, was home to the Staats family for nearly 200 years and served as the headquarters for George Washington's "Drillmaster" Baron von Steuben.
*Marching, drilling and street battle reenactments in Bound Brook and South Bound Brook, featuring American and British units portraying the soldiers of the American Revolution.
*Eighteenth-century soldiers' encampment on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House, 17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook, NJ. Come walk through camp and see what life was like for American and British troops during the time of the American Revolution.
*Historic House Tours: The Abraham Staats House, with the original structure c. 1740, was home to the Staats family for nearly 200 years and served as the headquarters for George Washington's "Drillmaster" Baron von Steuben.
*Historian H. Kels Swan will present "Loyalist Spy Captured at Queens Bridge, Bound Brook" on Sunday at 11:30 am.
*Historian and author will present "Bloody Bound Brook and the Lost Hessian Diary and other New Jersey places of the American Revolution that have been Neglected by History" on Sunday at 1:00 pm.*Tom Harabin, Vice President, Friends of Abraham Staats House, performs music of the Colonial Era, program on instruments, music of the period (throughout the weekend).
*Local Historian Barry Franzyshen Presents the "Diorama of the Battle of Bound Brook" - A realistic depiction of the Battle of Bound Brook featuring hundreds of authentically portrayed model soldiers.
Visit www.staatshouse.org for a full schedule of events, more information and updates.
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*Historian and author will present "Bloody Bound Brook and the Lost Hessian Diary and other New Jersey places of the American Revolution that have been Neglected by History" on Sunday at 1:00 pm.*Tom Harabin, Vice President, Friends of Abraham Staats House, performs music of the Colonial Era, program on instruments, music of the period (throughout the weekend).
*Local Historian Barry Franzyshen Presents the "Diorama of the Battle of Bound Brook" - A realistic depiction of the Battle of Bound Brook featuring hundreds of authentically portrayed model soldiers.
Visit www.staatshouse.org for a full schedule of events, more information and updates.
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Sunday, April 12 - Ringoes, Hunterdon County
Black River & Western Railroad: Past, Present, and Future
The East Amwell Historical Society is hosting a presentation on the “Black River & Western Railroad: Past, Present, and Future” on Sunday at 2:00 pm at East Amwell Township Hall, 1070 US-202 in Ringoes.
Scott Kwaitkowski, president of the Black River Railroad Historic Trust, will discuss the history of the railroad as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The presentation includes plenty of photographs and artifacts.
Scott Kwaitkowski, president of the Black River Railroad Historic Trust, will discuss the history of the railroad as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The presentation includes plenty of photographs and artifacts.
The Black River & Western Railroad has been running passenger trains, staffed by an all-volunteer crew, since 1965.
Cost to attend the program is $5. No reservations are necessary. Next Month: The East Amwell Historical Society will welcome archaeologist and archivist Jim Wade, who will discuss the Delaware-Lenape Indians on May 17, 2015 at 2:00 pm at town hall.
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Cost to attend the program is $5. No reservations are necessary. Next Month: The East Amwell Historical Society will welcome archaeologist and archivist Jim Wade, who will discuss the Delaware-Lenape Indians on May 17, 2015 at 2:00 pm at town hall.
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Sunday, April 12 - Morris Plains, Morris County
#Rally4Greystone
Rally begins at 12:00 noon at 91 Central Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ. There will be guest speakers and live music. For more information, visit www.preservegreystone.org.
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Sunday, April 12 - Freehold, Monmouth County
Open Hearth Cooking and Open House
Children Friendly
Come join Monmouth County Historical Association and their co-sponsor Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County for a colonial Sephardic Jewish cooking demonstration on Sunday from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm. Traditional recipes will be cooked 18th-century style over an open hearth. Our menu is Haroset balls, Garvanzos, Albondigas, Fasoulia, and Passover Bumuelos. Sample these tasty treats made from authentic, kosher-style historic recipes.
Guided tours of this preserved landmark house, built in 1752 for William and Elizabeth Covenhoven will be provided. The Covenhoven House later served as headquarters for British General Sir Henry Clinton before the Battle of Monmouth in June of 1778.
Admission is free - bring the family. The Covenhoven House is located at 150 West Main Street in Freehold near the Route 9 overpass. Parking is available at Grace Lutheran Church at the corner of West Main Street and Business Route 33. For more information, call 732-462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory.org.
The exhibit is open Tuesday – Friday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays, Saturdays, and Holidays. The Cornelius Low House Museum is located at 1225 River Road, Piscataway, NJ. For more information, call 732-745-4177 or visit www.co.middlesex.nj.us.
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Sunday, April 12 - Westampton, Burlington County
Please join Peachfield on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm as they welcome Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theater as she portrays Isabella Baumfree. Baumfree was born a slave, cruelly treated by several owners, and experienced an epiphany after gaining her freedom. She became a devout Christian, renamed herself Sojourner Truth and began traveling as a preacher. Eventually she spoke on women’s suffrage, believing the causes of abolition and women’s rights to be intertwined and equally important. This performance by Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theater will illuminate the power and integrity of Sojourner and the impact of her life.
Admission to this program is free but advance reservations are recommended to guarantee a seat. Peachfield is located at 180 Burrs Road, Westampton, NJ. For more information, call 609-267-6996 or visit www.colonialdamesnj.org.
Children Friendly
Guided tours of this preserved landmark house, built in 1752 for William and Elizabeth Covenhoven will be provided. The Covenhoven House later served as headquarters for British General Sir Henry Clinton before the Battle of Monmouth in June of 1778.
Admission is free - bring the family. The Covenhoven House is located at 150 West Main Street in Freehold near the Route 9 overpass. Parking is available at Grace Lutheran Church at the corner of West Main Street and Business Route 33. For more information, call 732-462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory.org.
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Sunday, April 12 - June 26, 2016 - Piscataway, Middlesex County
When was the last time you ate at a diner? If you are like millions of New Jerseyans, the answer is not too long ago. Dubbed “the land of diners,” New Jersey has forged a unique relationship with these casual eateries. Stainless steel, neon, and menus that go on for days are part of the Garden State landscape. Come explore their rich history with us! This seven-room exhibit tells the story of some of the of the Garden State’s most iconic eateries. This exhibit runs from April 12, 2015 - June 26, 2016 and is free of charge. The grand opening of Icons of American Culture: History of New Jersey Diners will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, April 12. The opening is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call 732-745-3030 to register.
The Icons of American Culture: History of New Jersey Diners Exhibit
Children FriendlyWhen was the last time you ate at a diner? If you are like millions of New Jerseyans, the answer is not too long ago. Dubbed “the land of diners,” New Jersey has forged a unique relationship with these casual eateries. Stainless steel, neon, and menus that go on for days are part of the Garden State landscape. Come explore their rich history with us! This seven-room exhibit tells the story of some of the of the Garden State’s most iconic eateries. This exhibit runs from April 12, 2015 - June 26, 2016 and is free of charge. The grand opening of Icons of American Culture: History of New Jersey Diners will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday, April 12. The opening is free of charge, but registration is required. Please call 732-745-3030 to register.
The exhibit is open Tuesday – Friday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays, Saturdays, and Holidays. The Cornelius Low House Museum is located at 1225 River Road, Piscataway, NJ. For more information, call 732-745-4177 or visit www.co.middlesex.nj.us.
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Sunday, April 12 - Westampton, Burlington County
Sojourner Truth: "Ain't I a Woman?"
Children FriendlyPlease join Peachfield on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm as they welcome Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theater as she portrays Isabella Baumfree. Baumfree was born a slave, cruelly treated by several owners, and experienced an epiphany after gaining her freedom. She became a devout Christian, renamed herself Sojourner Truth and began traveling as a preacher. Eventually she spoke on women’s suffrage, believing the causes of abolition and women’s rights to be intertwined and equally important. This performance by Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theater will illuminate the power and integrity of Sojourner and the impact of her life.
Admission to this program is free but advance reservations are recommended to guarantee a seat. Peachfield is located at 180 Burrs Road, Westampton, NJ. For more information, call 609-267-6996 or visit www.colonialdamesnj.org.
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Sunday, April 12 - Cranford, Union County
Cranford Historical Society Marks End of Civil War
Children Friendly
April is the end of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, a four-year conflict claiming some 750,000 American lives. Although no known citizens of Cranford were among those who perished, many of our town's residents fought in the war, as well as suffered grievous wounds or debilitating disease. And many participated in the pivotal events leading to the transformative conclusion of that great struggle.
To commemorate this important period in our nation's history, the Cranford Historical Society has scheduled several public events in April, including an exhibit at the Cranford Library, which will run through the month.
Included in the exhibit will be a timeline of the last year of the war, noting some of the key battles and Cranford citizens who fought in them. Also on display will be original letters and pictures once owned by Cranford justice Wesley Rogers Batchelder, who witnessed the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, in Washington. An especially noteworthy feature of the library display will be a grouping of original Southern documents, never before exhibited, showing the treatment of African Americans before, during and after the Civil War.
To complement the library exhibit, local Civil War historian Steven Glazer will speak at the Crane Phillips House Museum about Cranford's role in bringing an end to the war. His illustrated presentation will take place on Sunday at 2:15 pm. Doors open at 2:00 pm. Admission is free but reservations are required. To R.S.V.P. please call the society's office at 908-276-0082 or e-mail at cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net.
The Crane-Phillips House Museum is located at 124 North Union Avenue, Cranford, NJ. The Cranford Historical Society was founded in 1927 with a mission to preserve the unique history of Cranford, New Jersey. The Society maintains the Crane-Phillips House Living Museum, an important costume collection, and archives. For more information, call 908-376-0082 or visit www.cranfordhistoricalsociety.com.
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To commemorate this important period in our nation's history, the Cranford Historical Society has scheduled several public events in April, including an exhibit at the Cranford Library, which will run through the month.
Included in the exhibit will be a timeline of the last year of the war, noting some of the key battles and Cranford citizens who fought in them. Also on display will be original letters and pictures once owned by Cranford justice Wesley Rogers Batchelder, who witnessed the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, in Washington. An especially noteworthy feature of the library display will be a grouping of original Southern documents, never before exhibited, showing the treatment of African Americans before, during and after the Civil War.
To complement the library exhibit, local Civil War historian Steven Glazer will speak at the Crane Phillips House Museum about Cranford's role in bringing an end to the war. His illustrated presentation will take place on Sunday at 2:15 pm. Doors open at 2:00 pm. Admission is free but reservations are required. To R.S.V.P. please call the society's office at 908-276-0082 or e-mail at cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net.
The Crane-Phillips House Museum is located at 124 North Union Avenue, Cranford, NJ. The Cranford Historical Society was founded in 1927 with a mission to preserve the unique history of Cranford, New Jersey. The Society maintains the Crane-Phillips House Living Museum, an important costume collection, and archives. For more information, call 908-376-0082 or visit www.cranfordhistoricalsociety.com.
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Sunday, April 12 - Bedminster, Somerset County
Arbor Day Celebration and Open House
Children Friendly
On Sunday, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, children and adults are invited to participate in a free Arbor Day celebration and open house at Bedminster's historic Jacobus Vanderveer House. The event, co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House and Bartlett Tree Experts, of Lebanon, NJ, will feature tree climbing demonstrations by professional tree climbers, apple bobbing, and interactive presentations about animals, insects and their relationship to trees.
Arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts will release ladybugs and preying mantises and enlighten participants on the benefits of insects upon the environment. Michael Anderson, a representative from the National Audubon Society, will discuss the many animals that depend upon trees for their habitat, and Rainbow Tree Care will offer tips and demonstrations on modern tree care practices. Wightman's Farm, of Morristown, will offer tree-related items for sale, such as maple syrup and maple syrup candies.
The event will feature a raffle for a specimen tree valued at $1,500, and the first 100 attendees will receive a free swamp white oak sapling.
The Jacobus Vanderveer House is located at 3055 River Road East (in Bedminster's River Road Park), Bedminster, NJ. For registration and information about this and other upcoming events, call 908-396-6053 or visit www.jvanderveerhouse.org.
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Joe Grabas is a nationally certified land title professional who has spent over three decades researching real property records in New Jersey. He is widely recognized as the leading land title educator in the state and formerly served as the president of the New Jersey Land Title Association. He has been accepted as an expert in matters regarding land titles by the Superior Court of New Jersey and lectures widely throughout the metropolitan area. Joe lives in Freehold, New Jersey.
New Jersey's land records and deeds are unlikely sources for a thrilling tale but reveal little-known, fascinating history. A detailed story of the founding of the Garden State 350 years ago is preserved in these papers. The state's boundaries were drawn in such documents centuries ago, even if the authors never stepped foot in North America. The archives hide heroes, like the freed African Americans who fought for their right to own their piece of the state. And of course, there are the bizarre and mysterious tales, like the silk baron's castle and the assault against a sixteen-year-old maiden during the throes of the American Revolution. Join land title expert Joseph Grabas as he combs through these all-but-forgotten stories of the pursuit of happiness and property in early New Jersey.
Light refreshments will be served. Books will be available for sale and signing. For more information, call 856-455-8580 or visit www.cchistsoc.org.
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Arborists from Bartlett Tree Experts will release ladybugs and preying mantises and enlighten participants on the benefits of insects upon the environment. Michael Anderson, a representative from the National Audubon Society, will discuss the many animals that depend upon trees for their habitat, and Rainbow Tree Care will offer tips and demonstrations on modern tree care practices. Wightman's Farm, of Morristown, will offer tree-related items for sale, such as maple syrup and maple syrup candies.
The event will feature a raffle for a specimen tree valued at $1,500, and the first 100 attendees will receive a free swamp white oak sapling.
The Jacobus Vanderveer House is located at 3055 River Road East (in Bedminster's River Road Park), Bedminster, NJ. For registration and information about this and other upcoming events, call 908-396-6053 or visit www.jvanderveerhouse.org.
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Sunday, April 12 - Jefferson Township, Morris County
Open House
The Jefferson Township Museum, also known as the George Chamberlin House, will have an open house on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Learn about the Jefferson Township Historical Society. Costumed docents will be available to talk about this Victorian home. The Museum Curator has decorated the museum with charming vintage spring items. Admission is free.
The Jefferson Township Museum is located at 315 Dover-Milton Road, Jefferson Township, NJ. Visit Miss Elizabeth's Shoppe located in the original kitchen of the museum, where small antiques, collectibles, handmade, handcrafted and seasonal items will be offered for sale. For further information, call 973-208-8601 or visit www.jthistoricalsociety.org.
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Sunday, April 12 - Greenwich, Cumberland County
Second Sundays - Open House and "Meet the Author" Winter Series
The Cumberland County Historical Society invites the public to visit Greenwich on Sunday for the opening of the 1730 Gibbon House for the 2015 season. This event will take place at 960 Ye Greate Street from 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm. House tours and light refreshments will be available to mark the annual opening of the Historical Society Headquarters.
Once inside the mansion, you will see the formal dining room, the "sitting room," the kitchen with its huge, walk-in fireplace, and enjoy the demonstrations of hearthside cooking. On the second floor, you will see the exhibits of locally made, rush-seated "Ware" chairs and many children's toys. Also open will be the Red Barn Museum, The Alan Ewing Carman Museum of Prehistory from Cumberland County, the Warren and Reba Lummis Genealogical and History Library, and the John DuBois Maritime Museum. Come and view the Swedish Granary and the Teaburners' Monument, too!
At 2:00, Joseph A. Grabas will present a lecture on his book, Owning New Jersey: Historic Tales of War, Property Disputes & the Pursuit of Happiness at the Cumberland County Historical Society, in the Warren and Reba Lummis Genealogical & Historical Library. This program is free and open to the public.
Joe Grabas is a nationally certified land title professional who has spent over three decades researching real property records in New Jersey. He is widely recognized as the leading land title educator in the state and formerly served as the president of the New Jersey Land Title Association. He has been accepted as an expert in matters regarding land titles by the Superior Court of New Jersey and lectures widely throughout the metropolitan area. Joe lives in Freehold, New Jersey.
New Jersey's land records and deeds are unlikely sources for a thrilling tale but reveal little-known, fascinating history. A detailed story of the founding of the Garden State 350 years ago is preserved in these papers. The state's boundaries were drawn in such documents centuries ago, even if the authors never stepped foot in North America. The archives hide heroes, like the freed African Americans who fought for their right to own their piece of the state. And of course, there are the bizarre and mysterious tales, like the silk baron's castle and the assault against a sixteen-year-old maiden during the throes of the American Revolution. Join land title expert Joseph Grabas as he combs through these all-but-forgotten stories of the pursuit of happiness and property in early New Jersey.
Light refreshments will be served. Books will be available for sale and signing. For more information, call 856-455-8580 or visit www.cchistsoc.org.
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Sunday, April 12 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Blacksmithing Demonstration, Music, and Potato Planting
Children Friendly
Blacksmithing Demonstration, Music, and Potato Planting
Children Friendly
On Sunday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to take a step back in time to watch blacksmiths perform their craft. They will be shaping iron into everyday products. Blacksmiths were as common as an auto mechanic in towns and on farms of the 1890s. Also, join music man Rich Marzec as he performs songs from the turn of the century on the farm. This free event runs from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
From 12:30 - 2:30 pm, help plant this year's potatoes! Learn how to cut seed potatoes and plant them in the field. Farm staff will demonstrate horse-drawn potato planting (weather permitting).
Historic Longstreet Farm is located at 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ. For more information, call 732-946-3758 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
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Sunday, April 12 - Burlington, Burlington County
Shipwrecks of New Jersey
On Sunday, the Burlington County Historical Society presents "Shipwrecks of New Jersey" with Margaret Bucholz from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. The lecture includes a Q&A session and light refreshments. Admission: $5 per person. The program takes place at the Corson Poly Center - entrances at 457 High Street and 454 Lawrence Street, Burlington, NJ. For more information, call 609-386-4773, ext. 1 or visit www.burlingtoncountyhistoricalsociety.org.
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Sunday, April 12 - Westfield, Union County
It's Time for Spring Planting!
Children Friendly
You are invited to visit the museum on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, to celebrate the new season with "It's Time for Spring Planting!" By the end of March, colonial farm families were very tired of eating pickled pork and cornmeal mush! The short program, appropriate for small children, talks about the monotony of meals by winter’s end and the relief brought by the first green vegetables of spring. Visitors will learn about spring farming chores and the knowledge that early American farmers needed to grow successful crops. Children may plant their own seeds with a simple take-home craft.
Sunday's program includes tours and open-hearth cooking demonstrations. Members of the cooking committee will demonstrate the skills used in 18th century open-hearth cooking, using authentic recipes and seasonal foods.
Admission is $3.00 for adults and children 13 and older, $2.00 for children ages 3 to 12 and free under age 3. The program is from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. For more information, call 908-232-1776, e-mail millercorymuseum@gmail.com, or visit www.millercoryhouse.org.
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Sunday's program includes tours and open-hearth cooking demonstrations. Members of the cooking committee will demonstrate the skills used in 18th century open-hearth cooking, using authentic recipes and seasonal foods.
Admission is $3.00 for adults and children 13 and older, $2.00 for children ages 3 to 12 and free under age 3. The program is from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. For more information, call 908-232-1776, e-mail millercorymuseum@gmail.com, or visit www.millercoryhouse.org.
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