NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 7/11/15

NJ WEEKEND HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS

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Saturday, July 11 - Mount Laurel, Burlington County

Tour Paulsdale

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 per person.

Paulsdale is located at 128 Hooton Road, Mount Laurel, NJ. 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, July 11 - West Orange, Essex County

In Other Words:Poetry to Commemorate The Wizard
Children Friendly

Edison and poetry - perfect together. Join us for a special workshop at the Laboratory Complex. Gather inspiration from the park and write poetry inspired by Thomas Edison. Reservations required. Please call 973-736-0550 ext: 89.

The program is included with regular admission. Tickets must be purchased at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park Laboratory Complex Visitor Center at 211 Main Street, West Orange, NJ. Admission is $10.00 for adults, and includes the Glenmont Estate and the Laboratory Complex. Children under age 16 are free. For more information, call 973-736-0550 x33 or visit www.nps.gov/edis.

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Saturday, July 11 - Chester, Morris County

Sail, Sail Your Boat

Children Friendly

Decorate boats and sail them in the tail-race at the Cooper Gristmill in Morris County. Please wear closed-toe shoes or boots. Cost: FREE. Boats can be purchased for $10 (Friends members $5), or borrowed for FREE. The Cooper Gristmill is located at 66 Route 513, Chester, New Jersey. For more information, call 908-879-5463 or visit www.morrisparks.net.

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Saturday, July 11 - Spring Lake, Monmouth County

Vintage Baseball Game

Children Friendly

The Spring Lake Historical Society is proud to host and invite you to join them for summer fun and surprises at Marucci Park, South Boulevard and Third Avenue in Spring Lake, NJ on Saturday, for a vintage baseball game. See baseball played using 1864 rules: no gloves, no masks, no time outs, no designated hitter, and no free agents. Festivities start at 12:30 pm followed by a double header at 1:00 pm. Hot dogs will be sold at 1864 prices. Root beer, cream soda, and sarsaparilla will be available. Vintage autos and fire engines will be on display. There will also be 50/50 raffle; $10.00 per chance. Winner will be drawn on the day of the game.

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Saturday, July 11 - Morris Township, Morris County

Summer Kitchen
Children Friendly

On Saturday at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, learn about ‘summer kitchens’ at the kitchen. See what is being prepared using the garden’s vegetables from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

Admission: $6/adult, $5/senior (65+), $4/child (ages 4 -16), $2/child (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, July 11 and Friday, July 31 and August 7 - Trenton, Mercer County

Summer Taptoe Concerts Return to Trenton's Old Barracks Museum

Family Friendly

The Old Barracks Museum invites you to enjoy an evening of music and history with its fourth annual Taptoe Concert Series. On the evenings of July 11, July 31, and August 7, The Fifes and Drums of the Old Barracks will perform a selection of military tunes, followed by Scottish tunes and dancing as performed by Shot of Scotch Scottish Highland Dancers. The museum will be dramatically illuminated by torches and candles, providing the perfect back drop for the evening. "Taptoe" is the 18th-century term for the time when the musick and guard would march about a garrison town, signaling the taverns to close their taps and for the soldiers to return to their barracks.

The gates open at 7:00 pm. Advanced tickets are available for purchase by calling 609-396-1776 or visiting the Old Barracks Museum Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Ticket prices are as follows: $25 reserved balcony seating with included refreshments ($20 for Old Barracks Museum members); $10 lawn seating. Proceeds from the event benefit the Old Barracks Museum and the Fifes & Drums of the Old Barracks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Old Barracks Museum is located at 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ. Ample free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the museum. For more information, call 609- 396-1776 or visit www.barracks.org.

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Saturday, July 11 - Ho-Ho-Kus, Bergen County

Second Annual Masked Ball

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Saturday, July 11 - Little Egg Harbor, Ocean County

Union Army Balloon Corps

On Saturday, the Tuckerton Historical Society presents "Union Army Balloon Corps," presented by Russell Dutcher. Learn how Professor Thaddeus Lowe and the Union Army Balloon Corps played an important role during the American Civil War, from June 1861-1863. The Balloon Corps was the precursor of the US Air Force and spawned the first aircraft carrier, according to the speaker. 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 or visit www.tuckertonhistoricalsociety.org.

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Saturday, July 11 - Morristown, Morris County

Twisted 18th Century Style

Children Friendly

Children and adults were a part of the cloth-making process. Spinning bees, or gatherings, helped them to help the war as well as stay connected with each other. Come learn how a drop spindle works, how to operate a spinning wheel, and connect with the threads of the past. Learn about the process at the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center from 10:00 - 11:30 am and 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Cost: Free. Jockey Hollow is located within Morristown National Historical Park, 580 Jockey Hollow Road (approximate), Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-543-4030 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.

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Saturday, July 11 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Evening Hayrides

Children Friendly

The evening hayride lasts 20 minutes, carrying visitors over the lanes of the 130 acre working farm. During the program, visitors can also take self-guided tours, picnic in the picnic area, and join a marshmallow roast.

Rides will leave the barnyard area every 25 minutes beginning at 5:10 pm, with the last ride departing at 8:00 pm. Rides will be given on a first come, first serve basis to the first 200 visitors. Rides are intended for individual and family participation; groups cannot be accommodated.

A wheelchair accessible wagon is also available. Individuals who would like to ride on this wagon should call 609-737-3299 in advance, and ask for Kathy. On the dates when evening hayrides are offered, the Farm will be closed during the day.

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, July 11 - Paterson, Passaic County

The Return of Paterson's 'Smokey'

The Passaic County Historical Society invites you to join them on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Lambert Castle as they celebrate the return of 'Smokey' the fire company bear, to the museum. After two decades in storage and a two year restoration effort begun in 2013, this bear cub is again able to greet Castle visitors. For this event, guest speakers Glenn Corbett, past PCHS President and author of The Great Paterson Fire of 1902 and George A. Dante, Jr., of Wildlife Preservations, will share information about 'Smokey's' past, discuss the restoration of historic taxidermy, and shed light on his larger significance. Regular admission rates apply.

The Passaic County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was founded to cultivate interest among individuals and the community-at-large in the rich history of Passaic County. To this end our museum in Lambert Castle showcases examples of the County's cultural and artistic diversity, as well as examples of the County's natural, civil, military, and ecclesiastical history. The Society also maintains a library and archive, which houses manuscripts, books and photographs of historical and genealogical interest. Lambert Castle is located at 3 Valley Road, Paterson NJ. For more information, call 973-247-0085 or visit www.lambertcastle.org.

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Saturday, July 11 - Hewitt, Passaic County

Long Pond Ironworks Historic District Walking Tours
Children Friendly

Join the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks on Saturday as they walk through the Historic District. Learn how Long Pond contributed to the American Revolution, Civil War, and the industrial development of New Jersey. Tours last about two hours and follow a circular route through the historic village. Tours are conducted rain or shine, and attendees should wear clothing and footwear appropriate for a walk through the woods. Tours take place at 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm.

Long Pond Ironworks is located at 1334 Greenwood Lake Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ. For more information, call 973-657-1688 or visit www.longpondironworks.org.

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Saturday, July 11 - Mount Holly, Burlington County

Meet Benjamin Franklin

Children Friendly

Meet Benjamin Franklin, a man with some interesting Burlington County connections. Watch him relive the adventures of his younger days and learn about his amazing and varied experiences as a runaway, a printer, an experimenter in science (especially electricity), and as a statesman. Reenact his famous kite-flying experiment (weather permitting) and get a close look at actual local artifacts connected with Ben. Dr. Franklin is portrayed by Burlington County Historical Society Education Director Jeff Macechak. Suitable for ages 4 to 12. Adults are also welcome.

Program is free and open to the public. It will take place at the Burlington County Lyceum, 307 High Street, Mount Holly, NJ. Pre-registration is requested. For more information and to register, call 609-267-7111, or e-mail bclhns@bcls.lib.nj.us.

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Saturday, July 11 - Tabernacle, Burlington County

87th Annual Captain Emilio Carranza Memorial Service

The 87th Annual Captain Emilio Carranza Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 pm. Captain Emilio Carranza has been called "Mexico's Lindbergh." In 1928, while flying a goodwill mission from New York City to Mexico City, his plane crashed near Tabernacle, New Jersey during a thunderstorm. Since his death, members of American Legion Post 11 in Mount Holly have continued to promote his goodwill mission by honoring the pioneer aviator Captain Emilio Carranza. The Ballet Folklorico Dancers from New York City have been invited to dance in full authentic costumes.

Guest should arrive around 12:30 with a folding chair so that you can find a shady place to view the event and a close parking spot. There is no rain date and the event will be held even during inclement or severe weather conditions. For more information, visit http://post11.org/carranza/carranza2015.html.

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Saturday, July 11 - Washington Township, Burlington County

Atsion...Sister Village

Noted southern New Jersey author Barbara Solem will share the story of Atsion; sister village of Batsto, on Saturday at the Batsto Visitors Center. As part of the Wharton State Forest Beyond The Barrens series, Ms. Solem will share her extensive knowledge of the Atsion site; once a thriving ironworks operated by Samuel Richards and later owned by Joseph Wharton.

The presentation begins at 1:00 pm in the Wharton State Forest Visitor Center auditorium. There is a $2.00 / person admission fee. As part of the presentation, those attending will view the short film produced by Solem and Pine Barrens photographer Albert Horner; "Atsion: A Journey Back in Time."

Batsto mansion tours are conducted beginning at 10:00 am and conclude at 3:00 pm. Summer parking of $5.00 per car is in effect village until Labor Day at Batsto Village. The Nature Center will be open with science and nature exhibits and special activities for children.

Batsto Village is located in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County, South Jersey approximately seven miles east of Hammonton on Route 542 and 15 miles west of Exit 50 of the Garden State Parkway. For more information, call 609-561-0024 or visit www.batstovillage.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 11 - 12 - Cape May, Cape May County

Hands-On History Weekend

Children Friendly

Two days of family-friendly, interactive and educational fun are planned for Historic Cold Spring Village's 'Hands-on History' Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm. Children will be given a 'Pastport' at the start of their Village trip, which can be stamped at the buildings they visit after completing a take-home craft or activity, like writing with a quill pen, carding wool, or making a pinch pot. Pastports can be redeemed at the Country Store for a free treat! The Family Activity Area will feature children's dress-up clothes, historic games, and take-home crafts. Other family-friendly activities include face painting and live entertainment from traditional musician Mary Roth.

Historic Cold Spring Village is located at 720 Route 9, three miles north of Cape May City and four miles south of Rio Grande. Admission during the season is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner's Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. For more information, call 609-898-2300, ext. 10 or visit www.hcsv.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 11 - 12 - Holmdel, Monmouth County

Threshing Demonstration
Children Friendly

On Saturday and Sunday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to take a step back in time to watch their antique threshing machine in action. The Longstreet Farm staff will use a 19th century, belt-driven “Champion” thresher to separate the wheat grain from the straw and the chaff. Come learn how this important crop grows and see how it was processed in the days before modern combines. The event runs from 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm both days. This event is free and open to the public. 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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Saturdays and Sundays through October 25, 2015 - Ringwood, Passaic County

Child’s Life Tour at Ringwood

Children Friendly

The “A Child’s Life” tour was developed for children and is all about the Hewitt children. The program uses first-hand accounts to help younger visitors understand what it was like to spend summers at the Ringwood estate 150 years ago. If you thought living without modern entertainment like television, DVDs, and computers was boring, think again! Designed to be fun and amusing, these tours are great for families and visitors of all ages!

Like any family, the Hewitt children were full of energy. With 22,000 acres of property, they could often be found fishing, hunting, swimming, and horseback riding. The large, rambling mansion provided plenty of indoor fun with activities like hide-and-go-seek and sliding down the staircase banisters. In addition, Eddie and his brother Cooper were getting into all sorts of trouble at their summer home, going on adventures and playing many practical jokes on their guests. So, if you’d like to hear about the family’s pet bear, or how the Hewitt boys played a prank using a raccoon and a suitcase, this tour is for you!

“A Child’s Life” tour is approximately 45 minutes long and takes visitors through the historic house while these amusing stories are being told. All thirty of the rooms open to the public are shown, but the tour proceeds at a faster, more energetic pace. Scavenger hunts are provided to encourage visitors to look for some of the unusual features in the manor. At the end of the tour, children and adults are invited to play with reproduction 18th and 19th century toys on the front lawn of Ringwood Manor.

“A Child’s Life” tours will be offered to the public at 1:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday through October 25th. Tours are $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12, and children 5 and under are free. Ringwood Manor is located at 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ, within Ringwood State Park. For more information, call 973-962-2240 or visit www.ringwoodmanor.org.

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Sunday, July 12 - Ho-Ho-Kus, Bergen County

Saving Our Historic Stone House; The Legacy of Claire K. Tholl

Join the Friends of the Hermitage and Hermitage staff for an Exhibition Reception on Sunday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Saving Our Historic Stone Houses, curated by Phyllis Wickham, is presented in the Hermitage summer kitchen, an 1888 stone building that has not been open to the public in thirty years.

Claire Tholl (1926-1995) was an architectural historian, cartographer, researcher, writer, and illustrator who employed her many skills and talents in her quest to uncover the stories, and survey under a grant, the oldest Dutch sandstone houses and other structures in Bergen and Rockland counties. Eventually, over 200 buildings were accepted on the National Register of Historic Places. This exhibition highlights Tholl's illustrated maps of area towns, her historic preservation work, and the struggles and obstacles historic societies and preservationists face today to save historic stone houses. The Hermitage is located at 335 N. Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ. For more information, call 201-445-8311 or visit www.thehermitage.org.

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Sunday, July 12 - West Orange, Essex County

Geothermal Tour at the Glenmont Estate

Go "behind the scenes" at the Edison home. Join a guide for a walk through the basement of the famous house and learn about its new geothermal heating and cooling system. This program will last about 30 minutes at take place at 1:30 and again at 2:30 pm. It focuses on the technical aspects of the environmentally friendly geothermal system. The basement is not wheelchair accessible.

The tour is included with regular admission. Tickets must be purchased at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park Laboratory Complex Visitor Center at 211 Main Street, West Orange, NJ. Admission is $10.00 for adults, and includes the Glenmont Estate and the Laboratory Complex. Children under age 16 are free. For more information, call 973-736-0550 x33 or visit www.nps.gov/edis.

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Sunday, July 12 - Fair Lawn, Bergen County

Garretson Forge and Farm Open House

Garretson Forge and Farm will hold an open house on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The Gerretson, one of the oldest historic sites in Bergen County, was home to six generations of the Garretson family and remains a rare surviving example of simple farming life that was prevalent in the 1700s and 1800s. Admission is free but donations are welcome. The Forge and Farm are located at 4-02 River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ. For more information, call 551-206-4380 or 201-797-7545 or visit www.garretsonfarm.org.

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Sunday, July 12 - Bridgeton, Cumberland County

Program at Bridgeton's Old Broad Street Church

Visitors to Bridgeton’s Old Broad Street Church and Cemetery this summer will enjoy a host of free tours, lectures, and exhibits, as the Friends of Old Broad Street Church and the Broad Street Cemetery Association partner for a unique program that opens the church every Sunday in July to some of the less-told early history of “Bridgetown” between the Revolution and the Civil War.

On Sunday at 1:00 pm, historian Jonathan “Jack” Wood unfolds the colorful life of Bridgeton Patriot and Presbyterian church founder, Jonathan Elmer, whose stint as Continental Congressman and field doctor in the Revolution led to an influential local career promoting national unity and impacting early worship in the church.

Historic tavern lovers should note that Cumberland County Historical Society volunteers in period costume will be staffing the iconic salt-box-style pub known as Potter’s Tavern these same four Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Just a few blocks east of the church and cemetery, this West Broad Street tavern is famous for its association with New Jersey’s first newspaper—the Revolutionary broadside known as the “Plain Dealer.” The tavern is located at 51 West Broad Street in Bridgeton, NJ (opposite the Cumberland County Court House).

All lectures and tour activities are free of charge. Entrances to the Church and Cemetery grounds are located at Broad and Lawrence Streets in Bridgeton, NJ. Ample street parking is available. For more information, visit www.fpcbridgeton.org/programs.html or www.historicbuildingarts.org.

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Sunday, July 12 - Morristown, Morris County

“Extra Baggage”: The Women and Children of the Continental Army

Children Friendly

Washington lamented that the women and children of the Continental Army - the families of the soldiers - slowed down the army on the march but he knew that many had nowhere else to go. They often got jobs with the military performing essential tasks needed to keep the army going. Learn about the surprising roles that women and children played in the life of the Continental Army at the Soldiers Huts in Jockey Hollow from 1:30 - 4:00 pm. Cost: Free. Jockey Hollow is located within Morristown National Historical Park, 580 Jockey Hollow Road (approximate), Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-543-4030 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.

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Sunday, July 12 - Morristown, Morris County

Washington in Morristown: An Author Talk

Join Morristown National Historical Park as they host author Michael E. Newton, an Alexander Hamilton scholar, to discuss the various Continental Army winter encampments in New Jersey as well as the relationship of George Washington and Hamilton. This program is co-sponsored by the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society and the North Jersey American Revolution Round Table. Cost: Free. This program will be held in the

Washington's Headquarters Museum Auditorium, located within Morristown National Historical Park, 30 Washington Place, Morristown NJ. For more information, call 973-539-2016 ext. 210 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.

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Sunday, July 12 - Whippany, Morris County

Excursion Train Rides

Children Friendly

Spend Sunday at the Whippany Railway Museum on a 10-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland on a mid-1900s Excursion Train. The combined age of the equipment used on the vintage train is an astounding 635 years! Be on the lookout for deer, turtles, wild turkeys, hawks, and rabbits, as the route takes you past a natural swamp with abundant wildlife. Trains depart at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm from 1 Railroad Plaza at the Intersection of Route 10 West & Whippany Road in Whippany, NJ. Train fare is: Adult: $14; child (under 12): $9; infants (1 year and under): Free. Train Fare includes admission to Whippany Railway Museum Building. The "Excursion Train Ride" is a fundraising effort to benefit the Whippany Railway Museum, a 501 (c)3 non-profit Operating Heritage Railroad that is staffed by Volunteers. Donations from the public help to keep the Museum operational, but funds are still required to support this unique New Jersey treasure. Proceeds from the train rides will further enhance the Museum's mission and its Historic Preservation efforts. For more information, call 973-887-8177 or visit www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net.

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Sunday, July 12 - Montague, Sussex County

How George Washington Started the First World War

By 1754 the situation for the British was intolerable. The French had built a string of forts along the 13 colonies western borders. By Crown's orders, the government of Virginia sent a young militia officer by the name of George Washington on a diplomatic mission, ordering the French off of what Virginia considered their land.

To say young Washington did not successfully complete his mission is a historical understatement! When the smoke had cleared, Washington, his Virginia militia and his Indian allies had started a war with France that eventually spanned the globe.

Come hear about the wilderness adventures of our first President during the French and Indian War! Local historian and Indian expert Frank Salvati will be at the Foster-Armstrong House at 320 River Road, Montague, NJ on Sunday at 2:00 pm. This program is free and is sponsored by the Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History (M.A.R.C.H.). For more information, call 973-293-3106 or visit www.facebook.com/MontagueNJHistory.

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Sunday, July 12 - Morristown, Morris County

Hub Hollow Concert

Family Friendly

This July, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) presents the popular "Summer Concerts in the Garden Series" on Sundays at 4:00 pm. The beautiful historic gardens will be the backdrop for a superb line-up of musicians and a great setting for visitors to settle on the lawn for a relaxing afternoon of music. Bring a picnic, some chairs or a blanket and enjoy the spectacular gardens and tranquil setting. On Sunday, Hub Hollow returns to the Macculloch Hall lawn, for their fifth year! Drawing on bluegrass, rock, and old time music, Hub Hollow has been described as "a new kind of old-time music." Their beautifully blended vocals and intricate melodies reflect a lifetime of creating music together. United in their desire to create hard-hitting, interesting acoustic music, the members of Hub Hollow have been playing together, in different configurations, for over 20 years. Blending rock and bluegrass, old time and blues, members have enjoyed success on both coasts at many notable venues, including both Telluride and Grey Fox music festivals.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale beginning at 1:00 pm on the day of the performance - no advance sales. Concert tickets are $15; $10 for members, seniors, students. Free for children under 12. On concert days the Museum building is open 1:00 - 4:00 pm with concert tickets still available after 4:00 pm. A special $5 Museum admission ticket can be purchased during the afternoon by concert ticket purchasers. The last guided tour is at 3:00 pm and the galleries remain open until 4:00 pm. Concertgoers should please bring blankets or chairs as there is no seating available. Only service animals permitted - no pets please. In the case of inclement weather the performance will be moved indoors (limited seating). The announcement will be made on the Museum’s voicemail and Facebook page the afternoon of the program.

The museum is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Adults $8; Seniors and Students $6; Children 6 - 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is located at 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-538-2404 ext. 10 or visit www.maccullochhall.org.

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Sunday, July 12 - Montclair, Essex County

Family Fun Day and House Tours

Family Friendly

Visit the 1896 Shultz House at 30 North Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ. This amazing gem of a house is an intact time capsule of life in the early 20th century. Wait until you see the woodwork, the Delft fireplace surround, and the science equipment in the library! Additionally, bring your kids for tours and activities designed for the family. Go on a scavenger hunt inside and outside the property to find architectural and scientific features of the home, typical of the 19th century. Play historic games on the sweeping front lawn with a view of the NYC skyline. The site is open from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Note that the Crane House/Historic YWCA will be closed.

Free-will donation. Free admission for members! For more information, call 973-744-1796, e-mail mail@montclairhistorical.org, or visit www.montclairhistorical.org.

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Sunday, July 12 - South River, Middlesex County

Open House

Stop by the South River Historical & Preservation Society on Sunday from 1:30 - 3:30 pm and view exhibits on all aspects of Borough history including: schools; churches and houses of worship; local businesses and organizations; daily life; events and celebrations; and more. While you are there, see the cemetery located behind the building, ask questions, drop off donations, or exchange hometown stories with the docents. The museum is located at 64-66 Main Street, South River. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njsrhps/museum.html

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Through July 2015 - Plainfield, Union County

Plainfield's Local Clubs & Organizations Collection, 1884 to 2015

The Plainfield Public Library announces their new spring-summer exhibition. The library is displaying a variety of materials from our collection of records of significance from local clubs and organizations that date back to 1884. The 120-piece exhibit consists of wall exhibits and display cases on both levels of the library. The oldest items on exhibit are the 1884 board meeting minutes from the Plainfield Reform Club, a temperance organization, and an 1884 letter from Craig Marsh announcing the first meeting of the Union Club, a conservative men's social club.

The entire Local Clubs & Organizations Collection contains records from over 100 clubs and documents over a century of community activities in the City of Plainfield. Twenty-two clubs are represented in the displays, which feature the Monday Afternoon Club, Plainfield Garden Club, and Freemasons - including a rare panoramic photograph of African-American Masonic Lodge members from New Jersey attending the 1937 annual convention held in Plainfield. Other organizations in the exhibit are the Plainfield B.P.O. Elks, Boy & Girl Scouts, Camera Club, Laurel League, Ric-Charles Choral Ensemble, Shakespeare Club, and twelve others. The exhibit presents thirty-nine photographs and postcards, forty-five pieces of paper ephemera and documents, fifteen newspaper articles, twelve artifacts, five examples of ledgers and manuscripts, as well as several loaned items.

The exhibition will run through July. It is free to the public. The Plainfield Public Library is located at 800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ. For hours of operation and more information, call 908-757-1111 or visit www.plainfieldlibrary.info.

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Through July 2015 - Morristown, Morris County
The Civil War through the Eyes of Thomas Nast

Before radio, TV, or the Internet, there was political cartoonist Thomas Nast. Nast illustrated battles, Union and Confederate troop movements, and their activities throughout the Civil War. He also captured the poignancy of those back home, who worried about their family members in combat. Nast covered both the home and battle fronts; his work was the main source of information about the war for many people. His illustrations in publications like "Harper's Weekly" brought the information about what was happening into the homes of the American public, the way mass media does today. Like all media agents, he not only depicted what was happening by reporting on the events taking place, but also created propaganda by trying to stir emotions and support for the Union side. Mounted to commemorate the final year of the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011-2015), this second floor exhibit will include a number of these stirring images. "The Civil War through the Eyes of Thomas Nast" opens September 7, 2014 and will be on exhibit through 2015.

Thomas Nast (1840-1902) is one of the most recognized names in the world of political cartoons. Often called the father of American political cartooning, Nast's images remain popular today. His well-known depictions of the Democratic donkey and Republican elephant, conceived more than 100 years ago, continue to represent both parties. Uncle Sam and Columbia, two of his favorite figures to draw, are still recognized as symbols for the United States of America. His spirit lives on through his iconic representations of Santa Claus. The classic images which Nast popularized of the jolly old elf still appear on a variety of surfaces each year during the holiday season, and Nast's Civil War images of battlefront and home front were powerful tools for bringing the war into people's homes.

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The last tour leaves at 3:00 pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 - 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-538-2404 ext. 10 or visit www.maccullochhall.org.

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Through August 16, 2015 - Morristown, Morris County
275th Anniversary of the Founding of the Township of Morris, 1740-2015

In conjunction with the Mayor and Township Committee of Morris Township and The Historic Preservation Commission of Morris Township, The Morristown and Morris Township Library is hosting an exhibit celebrating the 275th anniversary of the founding of Morris Township. The exhibit will be on display in the second floor, F.M. Kirby Gallery from through August 16, 2015. The exhibit is also supported by the Friends of the Morristown & Morris Township Library.

The colonial legislature of New Jersey created Morris County on March 15, 1739 naming the county, for the Governor of New Jersey, Colonel Lewis Morris (for which the Township and Morristown would later also be named). The county was initially divided into three townships in 1740: Pequannock, Hanover, and Morris. Morris Township originally took up half of the county but has been subdivided many times since and now encompasses 15.45 square miles. In its first two hundred years, the Township was primarily farmland but this changed drastically over time as much of New Jersey morphed into the “urban” designation tagged currently with the U.S. Census Bureau. The anniversary exhibit will focus not only on Morris Township’s agricultural past, but also its part in the American Revolution and its fame as home to Gilded Age, New York City millionaire mansions. The exhibition will also examine the history of the Township’s fire and police departments, The Seeing Eye, the College of Saint Elizabeth and other institutions as well as famous Township residents.

The Morristown and Morris Township Library is located at 1 Miller Rd, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call the Library’s North Jersey History & Genealogy Center at 973-538-3473 or visit www.jfpl.org/NJHistoryHome.cfm.

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Through August 2015 - Lyndhurst, Bergen County
Lyndhurst Business: Building a Community

From a ship's horn manufactured by Leslie Company to photos of steel and heat-treating plant Benedict-Miller, Inc., the Lyndhurst Historical Society is showcasing just a sampling of the many businesses that contributed to the community and beyond in its latest exhibit, "Lyndhurst Business: Building a Community," which runs from now until August 2015.

"It's New Jersey's 350th birthday and, in addition to celebrating the state as a whole, we wanted to give a nod to our local community," said Doris Bergquist, who, along with members Dale Jankowski and Doris Ludwig, curated the exhibit. "There have been and continue to be many highly regarded businesses in Lyndhurst. The Leslie Company, for example, was once in Lyndhurst and built one of the horns used on the Queen Mary."

The exhibit is free and open to the public, though a small donation to the society would be appreciated. The Little Red Schoolhouse Museum, located at 400 RIverside Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ is open on the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. For more information, call 201-804-2513 or visit www.lyndhursthistoricalsociety.org.

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Through August 29, 2015 - Haledon, Passaic County
Got Work? The New Deal/WPA in New Jersey Exhibit

The American Labor Museum/Botto House National Landmark located in Haledon, New Jersey is hosting the exhibit "Got Work? The New Deal/WPA in New Jersey," on loan from the Middlesex County Museum.

Got Work? The New Deal/WPA in New Jersey presents a portrait of the experience of New Jersey's families and the Works Progress Administration programs during The Great Depression. The exhibit will be on display through August 29, 2015.

The American Labor Museum is headquartered in the historic Botto House National Landmark, located at 83 Norwood Street, Haledon, NJ. It was the meeting place for over 20,000 silk mill workers during the 1913 Paterson Silk Strike. The Museum offers a free lending library, restored period rooms, changing exhibits, Museum Store, Old World Gardens, educational programs and special events. The museum's hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. For more information, call 973-595-7953, e-mail labormuseum@aol.com, or visit www.labormuseum.net.

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Through September 1, 2015 - Morristown, Morris County
Treasures from the Collection

There's something for everyone to enjoy in the Morris County Historical Society's new exhibit, "Treasures from the Collection," now featured at Acorn Hall through September 1, 2015. See everything from clothing to documents, militaria to fine arts, and furniture to photography, and more in this treasure trove display from Morris County, and beyond. Highlights include heirlooms from notable local families such as the McEwans, the Condits, the Lindsleys, and the Bonsalls, and spectacular stickpins from the remarkable collection of MCHS Board Member Emeritus Learned T. Bulman.

Pieces from across the country include an 1876 ball gown worn to the Centennial Celebration in Washington, D.C., an assortment of 19th-century U.S. flags, a scarab stick pin from the reign of Ramesses II, and various 19th-century weaponry and artifacts related to the Civil War. Compare earlier fashion trends to the haute couture Pucci-inspired mini-dress, circa 1960s. For the furniture aficionados, marvel at a Victorian-era papier-mâché chair, a mahogany Chippendale chair, and a Hitchcock-style chair from Morristown furniture maker, H. Frazee. Travel with ease to faraway Japan, and experience Asian art in the form of wood block prints and porcelain vases.

Admission to tour Acorn Hall and to see the exhibit is $6 for adults; $5 for seniors; $3 for students, and free for children age 12 and under and MCHS members. To view the exhibit, only, is one half of the admission. Acorn Hall is open for tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, and on Sundays from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. For more information, call the Morris County Historical Society at 973-267-3465 or visit www.acornhall.org.

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Through September 13, 2015 - Oceanville, Atlantic County
Pine Barrens: Life and Legends

This historic exhibition at The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University revisits the work and play of life in the Pine Barrens. Industries of charcoal, glass, paper and iron once thrived in the Pines, while music and merrymaking filled the dance halls and stories of witches and the Jersey Devil abounded. The exhibition is a collaboration between the South Jersey Culture & History Center (SJCHC) and the Noyes Museum of Art. Admission to the museum is: Adults $5; Seniors (60 and older) $4; Students with ID $4; Stockton Students, Faculty, and Staff with ID Free; Members Free; and Children (6 and under) Free. The Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University is located at 733 Lily Lake Road, Oceanville (Galloway Township), NJ. For more information, call 609-652-8848 or visit www.noyesmuseum.org/exhibitions.html.

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Through October 30, 2015 - Morristown, Morris County

“Canals of New Jersey” Exhibit

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) has partnered with the Canal Society of New Jersey (CSNJ) to present their traveling exhibit “Canals of New Jersey”. The exhibit was created in 1985 in part to commemorate the Society’s 25th anniversary. The display consists of panels that tell the story of New Jersey’s two towpath canals, the Morris and the Delaware and Raritan. In 1824, the Morris Canal & Banking Company was chartered to build a canal that would carry coal to developing markets along the eastern seaboard. The Morris Canal would pass through the heart of New Jersey’s iron district and provide the long-needed transportation system that would promote commercial activity and enable rustic settlements to grow into thriving industrial towns. The canal extended 102 miles from Pennsylvania, across varied terrain through New Jersey, ending at Newark. By the early 1900s the canal had become obsolete. Today, the Morris Canal Greenway, a partnership between local communities and the Canal Society of New Jersey, seeks to preserve the surviving historic remains of the canal, interpret canal sites, and offer recreational opportunities to the public.

For the installation at MHHM the exhibit has gotten a facelift, with new titles and new art work. The CSNJ’s display is supplemented by objects including some from MHHM’s collection and information about Macculloch Hall founder George Macculloch who had the idea for the Morris Canal. In the early 1820s, George Macculloch had a vision of a waterway to connect the Delaware River to the Hudson River in Northern New Jersey. This exhibit in part celebrates Macculloch’s part in the vision, promotion, and impact that the Morris Canal had on New Jersey. The canal would become an engineering feat of its day, using locks and inclined planes to climb the elevation differences in the land. The canal was a technical marvel of its time and helped to spur the economy in New Jersey by allowing goods to reach further afield than ever before. The exhibit shares some of the stories of the workers and families who lived and worked on the canal, as well as other details about its construction using photographs and drawings, as well objects including model canal boats and images. The “Canals of New Jersey” exhibit will be on display in the second floor gallery during touring hours from March 15th through October 30, 2015.

MHHM preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. MHHM is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The last tour ticket is sold at 3:00 pm. Adults $8; Seniors and Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. Macculloch Hall is located at 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-538-2404 ext. 10 or visit www.maccullochhall.org.

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Through December 2015 - Ridgewood, Bergen County

"Hemlines" Exhibit

The Ridgewood Historical Society and the Schoolhouse Museum are pleased to announce their new exhibit, Hemlines, open through December 2015. This exhibit features women's hats, shoes, handbags, jewelry, furs, wedding attire, and fabulous dresses from 1900 to 1969. Hemlines will run through the end of July. The Schoolhouse Museum is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm and Sundays from 2:00 - 4:0 pm. Hemlines is a "must see" exhibit for anyone interested in fashion! The Schoolhouse Museum is located at 650 East Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ. For more information, call 201-447-3242 or visit www.ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org.

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Through January 6, 2016 - Woodbury, Gloucester County

Gloucester Abbey: Downton Style Fashions Exhibit

Gloucester Abbey: Downton Style Fashions is currently on display at the exhibit at the Gloucester County Historical Society Museum in Woodbury, New Jersey. The exhibit will conclude on January 6, 2016. This remarkable exhibit features ladies’ fashions from the society's collection from the time period covered by the popular PBS Masterpiece Theater series Downton Abbey. Over 100 vintage dresses/ensembles from the museum’s collection dating from 1910 through the 1930s are showcased, including period wedding gowns. Also on display are ladies accessories, including hats, shoes, purses, jewelry, and lingerie. Don’t miss this fantastic exhibit!

The Gloucester County Historical Society Museum hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, and the last Sunday of the month from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Private tours may be booked for days/times other than our regular public hours. Adult admission $5; children 6-18 years $1; children under 6 free. The Gloucester County Historical Society Museum is located at 58 N. Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096. For more information, call 856-848-8531 or visit www.rootsweb.com/~njgchs.

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Through June 26, 2016 - Piscataway, Middlesex County

The Icons of American Culture: History of New Jersey Diners Exhibit

Children Friendly

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 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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Some event listings courtesy of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey

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