NJ Weekend Historical Happenings - 1/16/16 - 1/17/16

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

Want to submit an event? Use our event submission form.

Saturday, January 16 - Trenton, Mercer County
Archaeological Society of New Jersey Meeting

Join the Archaeological Society of New Jersey for a meeting at the New Jersey State Museum on Saturday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the auditorium.

Schedule:
9:00 – 10:00 am:  Board meeting: Open to all
10:00 – 10:15 am: “Historical Investigations at the Vought House in Clinton, NJ” by Don Sherblom, (President, The 1759 Vought House, A Revolutionary War Loyalist Homestead)
10:15 – 10:30 am: “Material Culture, the Vought House as an Artifact” by Michael J. Margulies, RA, AIA,  (Eclectic Architecture, LLC)
10:30 – 11:00 am: “Archaeological Investigation of an Outbuilding at the Cristoffel Vought House in Clinton, NJ” Presented by Jamie Ancheta (Monmouth University), co authored by Chris Mathews (Montclair State University).
11:00 - 11:30 am: Elections and awards (Auditorium)

11:30 - 12:15 am: Sean Bratton Memorial (Auditorium)
12:15 - 1:00 pm: Lunch (on your own)
1:00 – 3:00 pm: Artifact Identification: bring your artifacts in to discuss and be identified (2nd  floor Natural History Hall lab). Time permitting, up to five artifacts will be examined. Please note: monetary appraisals of artifacts will not be made.

The program is free and light refreshments will be served. Donations are appreciated! The New Jersey State Museum is located at 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ. Parking is free on the weekend in the lot behind and adjacent to the Museum and Planetarium. For more information, visit http://www.asnj.org.

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Saturday - Sunday , January 16 - 17 - Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Absecon Lighthouse Turns 159!
Children Friendly

Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey's tallest, will host a Birthday Celebration to honor the 159th birthday of the lighthouse on Saturday with free climbs from 11:00 am - 3:30 pm and birthday cake from The Bake Works in Northfield at 1:00 pm. To honor "Abby's" birthday, Atlantic City students in grades 6 through 12 can submit poems, paintings, photographs, and drawings in the annual "Abby & the Arts" contest. Cash prize winners will be announced at 1:00 p.m. 

The celebration continues on Sunday with "Buy One Get One" admissions from 11:00 am - 3:30 pm.  If you truly want to "DO AC," then don't miss this opportunity to experience a 360-degree view of Atlantic City's sparkling skyline, and wish a Happy Birthday to Atlantic City's oldest historic structure, as well as the country's third tallest lighthouse.

Absecon Lighthouse is a state-owned historic property administered by the non-profit Inlet Public/Private Association. Located at 31 South Rhode Island Avenue in Atlantic City, it is open to visitors Thursdays through Mondays, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. For more information, call 609-449-1360 or visit www.abseconlighthouse.org.

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Sunday, January 17 - Morristown, Morris County
George Washington’s Problems
Children Friendly

Washington was described as "unhappy" or "grave" while he stayed at the Ford Mansion during the winter encampment of 1779-1780. Take a guided tour of the Ford Mansion and learn about the various problems - military, money, and family - that plagued Washington that winter.

This special tour of the Ford Mansion is at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Tickets can be picked up at the Washington's Headquarters Museum as part of the $7 admission fee. The Ford Mansion and Washington's Headquarters Museum is located at 30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ. Cost: $7 per person 16 and older. For more information, call 973-539-2016 ext. 210 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.

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Sunday, January 17 - Westampton, Burlington County
Tall Case Clocks

On Sunday, Peachfield's January Showcase will highlight tall case clocks, which were often found in Colonial homes. The industry flourished in Philadelphia in the 1700s. Two fine examples of these clocks are on display at Peachfield. The construction and workings of the John Wood Clock (circa 1750) and the Isaac Pearson Clock (1720 - 1730) will be examined. The internal workings of the Isaac Pearson clock will be on display.


Tours of the property are available at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. Admission is free. A free will donation is welcome in support of the museum.  Reservations are recommended. Peachfield is located at 180 Burrs Road Westampton, NJ. For more information and to reserve a seat, call 609-267-6996 or e-mail colonialdamesnj@comcast.net.

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Sunday, January 17 - Union Township, Union County
Open House at the Caldwell Parsonage

On Sunday from 2:00 - 5:00 pm, the Caldwell Parsonage in Union Township, NJ will be open for guided tours. The museum, once the residence of Rev. James and Mrs. Hannah Caldwell, is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Admission is free. The Caldwell Parsonage is located at 909 Caldwell Avenue, Union Township, NJ. For more information, call Barbara at 908-687-0048 or visit www.uniontwphistoricalsociety.webs.com.

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Sunday, January 17 - Westfield, Union County
Let It Snow! Winter Crafts
Children Friendly

On Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, the Miller-Cory House Museum will celebrate winter with crafts!

Admission is $4.00 for adults and children 13 and older, $4.00 for children ages 3 to 12 and free under age 3. The program runs 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, January 17 - Princeton, Mercer County

Virtual Historic Princeton Walking Tour

Take a slide show tour of downtown Princeton and the University campus, presented by one of HSP's walking tour guides. Participants can enjoy refreshments while learning about the early history of Princeton, the founding of the University, and the American Revolution. Included with $4 museum admission to the Updike Farmstead. Regular walking tours resume March 6.

Updike Farmstead is located at 354 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ. The virtual tour begins at 2:00 pm and ends at 3:00 pm. For more information, call 609-921-6748 or visit www.princetonhistory.org.

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Sunday, January 17 - Montclair, Essex County
Historic House Tour: Crane/YWCA & Sunday Spotlight
Family Friendly

Step back through over 200 years of American history at Montclair's historic properties at 108 Orange Road. Visit the reinterpreted Crane House to reflect the YWCA period from 1920 - 1965, check out the farm, and meet the chickens. The site is open from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Free-will donation. Free admission for members! 

Also on Sunday: Look back at the Historic Upper Montclair Business District: This slide show chronicles the development of the area from a rural settlement in the 1880s to a burgeoning suburban town in the 1930s. Historical facts, some architectural notes, neighborhood lore, and plenty of “then and now” comparison photos. Program led by Board of Trustee member, Helen Fallon. Lower level of the Crane House & Historic YWCA program room, accessible by lift, suggested donation $5.

For more information, call 973-744-1796, e-mail mail@montclairhistorical.org, or visit www.montclairhistorical.org.

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Sunday, January 17 - Tewksbury, Hunterdon County
Tewksbury Historical Society Annual Meeting & Program

The Tewksbury Historical Society will host a talk by Noreen Bodman about the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area on Sunday at 1:00 pm. Both the meeting and program are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Membership in the Tewksbury Historical Society is open to anyone interested in the history of Tewksbury Township. The cost is $15 annually for an individual membership or $25 for a family membership. Members receive via e-mail a quarterly newsletter and advance notice of all programs and events the Society holds throughout the year.  The Society holds three regular meetings per year on the 3rd Sunday in January, March, and May with a 4th program in November.

The meeting and program will be held at the Society's headquarters, 60 Water Street Lebanon (Mountainville), NJ. For more information, call 908-832-6734 and leave your name and phone number or e-mail tewksburyhistory@earthlink.net.

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Sunday, January 17 - Paterson, Passaic County
Hobart Trio Concert

On Sunday at 5:00 pm, the Passaic County Historical Society will host the newly formed Hobart Trio in concert. This concert features performances by WPUNJ Music Department cellist Joseph Kimura, pianist Iris Perry, and violinist Kathleen Butler-Hopkins. Admission to the concert is $15. Seating is limited, no reservations will be taken. Doors open at 4:15 pm.

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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Through March 4, 2016 - Toms River, Ocean County

All Aboard, Ocean County!

Don't miss the newest exhibition at the Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ. "All Aboard! A Brief History of Ocean County Railroads and Stations" will be on display through March 4, 2016, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday and the first Saturday of each month, 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Learn about the golden years from the 1880s to the 1920s, when six railroads were established and thrived, dotting Ocean County towns with stations, turntables, wyes, and roundhouses. View replicas of trains of the Central RR of NJ, Pennsylvania RR, The Blue Comet, the Tuckerton RR, and the Doodle Bug Car on the New Egypt line. Authentic artifacts and historic photographs of stations that were centers for community activities, as well as transportation of passengers and freight, make this exhibit a must-see! For more information, visit www.oceancountyhistory.org.

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Through June 10, 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