NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 6/3/17 - 6/4/17

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, June 3 - Haddonfield, Camden County
Revolutionary War Skirmish in Haddonfield
Children Friendly Event

Red Coats and rebels will face off once again when the American Revolution returns to South Jersey for the fourth annual "Skirmish on Kings Highway" on Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

The event will mark the 239th anniversary of the British encampment in Haddonfield. Revolutionary reenactors - the Second Pennsylvania Regiment - will gather at the Indian King Tavern Museum beginning at 10:00 am. Around 1:00 pm, the Red Coats from the First Battalion of New Jersey Volunteers will march down Kings Highway.

When the two groups meet, the skirmish will begin, with the future of the colonies at stake. The fight will last about 30 minutes, and there will be space for people to watch along the street, which will be closed to traffic. Afterward, children will have a chance to march down the street with wooden muskets. Tours of the museum will be held throughout the day.

The Indian King Tavern Museum is located at 233 Kings Highway, Haddonfield, NJ. For more information, call 856-429-6792 or visit www.indiankingfriends.org.

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Saturday, June 3 - Sandy Hook, Monmouth County

Nike Missile Radar Site Tours

Guided tours of the Integrated Fire Control (IFC) site will allow you to see the inner workings of the facility where supersonic nuclear armed Nike Hercules missiles were controlled and guided using Cold War era computers and radars. You will have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who actually worked on the Nike Air Defense System. Free tours from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm. Meet at Horseshoe Cove, Parking Lot L on Sandy Hook, part of Gateway National Recreation Area. For more information, call 732-872-5970 or visit www.nps.gov/gate.

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Saturday, June 3 - Morristown, Morris County
Hand-spinning and Independence
Children Friendly Event & Site

Visit the Wick House at Jockey Hollow on Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm to learn how colonial women used their spinning wheels to make yarn and support American Independence. This is a demonstration program using a spinning wheel.

Jockey Hollow at Morristown National Historical Park is located at 580 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown NJ (address is approximate). This is a FREE event. For more information, call 973-543-4030 or visit www.nps.gov/morr.

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Saturday, June 3 - River Edge, Bergen County
Brett Park Spring Cleanup

Join the Bergen County Historical Society on Saturday from 8:00 - 11:00 am for a spring cleanup of Brett Park. Meet at the Steuben House and areas will be assigned. The Building and Grounds Committee of the Bergen County Historical Society and the Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission will be hosting this event.

This work will occur outdoors so bring gloves and boots. We'll be tackling the removal of non-native plants and cleaning up debris on both sides of the Hackensack River. Groups are welcome, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1201-1209 Main Street, River Edge, NJ. Free parking is available or take a train on the Pascack Valley Line from Secaucus Junction via NJ Transit to the "New Bridge Landing" train stop in River Edge. For more information, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org.

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Saturday, June 3 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Hog Weighing
Children Friendly Event and Site

The Howell Farm hogs will wade out of their wallows, shuffle down a chute and step onto the scales. The weigh-in is open to the public, which is invited to join farmers as they wash and weigh hogs, slop hogs, and of course, call hogs.

Kids can help farmers with pig chores: mixing feed and filling wallows. Hog weighing will take placeduring the day. Prizes will be offered to visitors who come closest to guessing the pigs' weights.

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.org.

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Saturday, June 3 -  Morristown, Morris County
Dig It! Archaeology for Kids
Children Friendly Event and Site

On Saturday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, junior archaeologists are invited to join a class to learn about what an archaeologist studies, what they do, and how they are represented. Roll up your sleeves for a mock dig. Admission: $7 per adult, $6 per senior, $5 per child age 4 - 16, FREE per child under age 4. Historic Speedwell is located at 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown. For more information, call 973-285-6550 or visit www.morrisparks.net.

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Saturday, June 3 -  Morris Township, Morris County
Explore the Farm Wagon Ride
Children Friendly Event and Site

Enjoy an interpretive horse-drawn wagon ride at Fosterfields Living History Farm on Saturday while discovering the importance of sustainable farming. Learn about the methods, equipment, crops, and enterprises of Charles Foster’s farm in the early 1900s. Wagon ride from 10:15 am - 12:00 noon and included in regular admission.

Admission: $6 for adults; $5 for seniors (65+); $4 for children ages 4 – 16; and $2 for children ages 2 and 3. FREE for children under age 2 and Friends members with a current membership card. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ. For more information, visit www.morrisparks.net.

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Saturday, June 3 - Brick Township, Ocean County
Annual Giant Yard Sale

The Brick Township Historical Society will hold its Annual Giant Yard Sale on its Havens Homestead Museum property at 521 Herbertsville Road, Brick, NJ on Saturday from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.  Rain date is Sunday, June 4, same hours. There will be a variety of reasonably priced merchandise including costume jewelry, linens, kitchen items, framed art works, furniture, and much more.  A NJ licensed gold/silver dealer will be there to buy unwanted metals.  A bake sale will also be held.  The Lizzie Herbert Gift Shop will feature specials. Parking is in a lot 150 feet east of the museum entrance. For more information, call 732-785-2500 or visit www.bricktwphistoricalsociety.com.

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Saturday, June 3- Trenton, Mercer County
Annual Ice Cream Social
Children Friendly Event

On Sunday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, take a step back in time to enjoy an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social at the 1719 William Trent House Museum with free house tours and period games for children and adults.

Several ice cream flavors will be available. Board members will scoop the ice cream while families can add toppings from the toppings bar. This event is free and open to the public. Feel free to relax at our picnic tables, or bring a blanket and relax on the lawn.

Built in 1719, the magnificent Trent House is the oldest building in New Jersey's state capital. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is restored and carefully furnished as it would have been in the early 18th century. The Trenton House is located at 15 Market Street in Trenton, NJ adjacent to the Hughes Justice Complex. Ample free parking. For more information, call 609-989-0087, e-mail trenthouseassociation@verizon.net, or visit www.williamtrenthouse.org.

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Saturday, June 3 - Pennsville, Salem County
A Day at the Farm
Children Friendly Event

Come and enjoy the fun as the Pennsville Township Historical Society recreate the living history of farm life during the 1800s at the Church Landing Farm Museum from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. This year there will be more to see and do with the largest number of exhibitors and artisans participating since the event's inception. The Society has made changes to the displays inside the Museum and outbuildings. There will be many new and enhanced things to do for children and adults. 

Activities will include, but are not limited to, pony rides, Victorian era games, face painting, live farm animals, and an opportunity to "play school" in our One Room Schoolhouse. This year, for the first time ever, two rides from Riverview Beach Park, the Rocket and the Donkey - will be on display and used as rides.

Artisans will demonstrate the art of spinning wool and the art of weaving process on an antique loom, while others will demonstrate their special skills and/or offer educational demonstrations. Exhibits include old fashioned corn shellers (especially fun for children and adults), fire engines, farm tractors, and vintage bicycles and automobiles from "back in the day." Special presentations and displays are planned throughout the day with docents available throughout the event to answer questions. 

Hot dogs, cold drinks, popcorn, candy cotton, delicious home baked goods, and Rita's Water ice will be available for purchase. Visitors are welcome to bring a lunch, a chair or a blanket so that you can rest, relax, and enjoy music by the Fort Mort Delaware Cornet Band.

There is no general admission charge to attend this event, however, some activities such the pony rides, charge a modest fee Donations to the PTHS are welcome and greatly appreciated.

The Church Landing Farm Museum is located at 86 Church Landing Road, Pennsville, NJ. For more information, e-mail to historyofpennsville@gmail.com or call Don Walton at 856-381-2510.

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Saturday, June 3 - Middletown, Monmouth County
King George III's Birthday
Children Friendly Event

Monmouth County Historical Association is hosting its annual celebration of the birthday of King George III on Saturday at Marlpit Hall, 137 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Within the British Empire, including the American colonies, celebration of the King’s birthday was one of the social events of the year. Guests attending this year’s celebration will experience the day in the manner it might have been celebrated at Marlpit Hall, the 18th century home of Loyalist Edward Taylor. Edward Taylor and his wife Mary Osborne Taylor will welcome guests.

Loyalist Soldiers will be drilling in the yard. Visiting children can join the troops and learn to march with muskets. Throughout the day, children also will enjoy hoop-rolling, sack races and other party games.

Both Marlpit Hall and Taylor-Butler House will be open for tours throughout the day. Musical entertainment of the period will be offered in the parlor of Taylor-Butler House from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Guests will enjoy the sounds of “The Practitioners of Musick” featuring John Burkhalter of Princeton with harpsichord and recorder.

Light refreshments will be served and admission is free. Parking is available at the adjacent Middletown Village School.

Marlpit Hall, built in 1686 and expanded in 1756, was home to the prominent loyalist Taylor Family at the time of the Revolution. Many of its members were among the area’s leading politicians, farmers, merchants and landowners. Edward Taylor endured house arrest for his political position and the family lost much of its fortune and influence. The house was restored, furnished and donated to MCHA by Margaret Riker Haskell in 1936 when it became the first restored house museum in the region. Mrs. Haskell was one of the most significant collectors of Americana, notably decorative arts, in the United States and a well-respected figure in a historically significant trail of women involved in preservation work. Marlpit Hall is currently furnished to reflect the varying tastes and lifestyles of the 18th century Taylor Family and Mrs. Haskell’s 20th century colonial revival plan. For more information, call 732-462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory.org.

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Every Sunday through September 3 - Walpack Center, Sussex County
Rosenkrans House and Museum and Van Campen Inn - Open House

Visit the Rosenkrans House & Museum, one of the oldest buildings in Walpack Center. Volunteers from the Walpack Historical Society will be present to answer any questions you may have about the area and its history.  The grounds at Walpack Center are open from dawn to dusk. 

The Van Campen Inn was not a traditional inn, but a "yaugh" house in Colonial times, that offered shelter to travelers due to common practice of the times.  It has a rich history, including playing parts in the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. The trailhead for the Military Road Trail also begins here. Volunteers from the Walpack Historical Society will be happy to answer questions about Van Campen Inn and the local history of the area.

The open houses are made possible by volunteers from the Walpack Historical Society, and may be subject to their volunteer schedule. Call 973-948-4903 for any updates on their scheduled Sunday open hours. The Rosenkrans House & Museum and the Van Campen Inn are part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/dewa.

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Every Sunday through September 3 - Hardwick, Warren County
1800's Village Life at Millbrook Village

Stroll at your leisure through Millbrook Village on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Several buildings will be open and staffed with rangers and volunteers demonstrating traditional skills and reminiscing about 1800's life in the village. By 1875, Millbrook had reached a peak of 75 inhabitants and about nineteen major buildings. Today's Millbrook Village does not replicate the Millbrook of 1832 or 1900. Rather, it evokes the feeling of countryside hamlets where most of the nation's people lived until the end of the 19th century. Please take a step back in time and see how things have (or haven't) changed! Millbrook Village is free to tour. Millbrook Village is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Millbrook Village is located in Hardwick Township, NJ at the intersection of Old Mine Road and Millbrook Road, County Route 602N. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/dewa.

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Sunday, June 4 - Upper Freehold, Monmouth County
From Moo to You
Children Friendly Site & Event

Meet a Jersey Girl! Daisy the cow will join us at Historic Walnford for hands-on dairy history. Help churn butter and sample the results. We’ll talk about cheese, ice cream, and preserving dairy products before electric refrigeration. This free event runs from 1:00 - 4:0 pm.

While there, tour the large, elegant Walnford home built in 1774, the 19th century gristmill, and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road, 08501. For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.

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Sunday, June 4 - Montclair, Essex County

Making their Way: Colonial Women in Newark

Official town records contain scant reference to the contributions of women in the colonial period, but other archival sources show that colonial women - young or old, well-educated or barely literate, slave or free - found ways to make their way and contribute to the development of early Newark. This program is presented by Timothy J. Crist, a Montclair resident and President of the Newark History Society.

Suggested donation: $5/person. The Crane House/Historic YWCA is located at 110 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ. For more information, call 973-744-1796, e-mail mail@montclairhistorical.org, or visit www.montclairhistory.org.

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Sunday, June 4 - Waldwick, Bergen County
Waldwick Signal Tower Open House

The Erie Signal Tower in Waldwick will be open for tours on Sunday from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The tower is located at 3 Bohnert Place, Waldwick, NJ. It can also be accessed via the Waldwick Museum of Local History via a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks and a short walk. For more information, visit www.allaboardwaldwick.org.

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Sunday, June 4 - Waldwick, Bergen County
Waldwick Museum of Local History Open House

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Sunday, June 4 - Westfield, Union County

"Cooking with Herbs" at the Miller-Cory House Museum

Aromatic, tasty, and healing - herbs were of the utmost importance to the colonial household.  They were prized as medicines, dyes, pesticides, air fresheners, and for numerous other purposes.  On Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00, the Miller-Cory House Museum will focus on the culinary use of herbs in early America. Members of the Cooking Committee will include herbs common to the 18th century in demonstrating open hearth cooking for visitors.  Authentic open hearth cooking is a unique feature of the museum's programming.      

Admission is $4.00 for ages 13 and older, $3.00 ages 3 to 12 and free under age 3. The Miller-Cory House Museum is located at 614 Mountain Avenue in Westfield, NJ. For more information, call 908-232-1776 or visit www.millercoryhouse.org.

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Sunday, June 4 - Paterson, Passaic County

Clifton Community Band at Lambert Castle

On Sunday at 6:00 pm on the lawn of Lambert Castle, the Clifton Community Band will return to the Lambert Castle Concert Series and present Music at the Castle: A Welcome to Summer. Founded in 2002 and directed by Robert D. Morgan, the Clifton Community Band is a traditional concert band (brass, woodwinds and percussion). The band appears in the area and around the state performing a variety of music including classical, pop, big bands and marches. Admission to the concert is free but donations are requested. The suggested donation is $15. Please bring your own seating. The concert will be canceled in the event of rain.

This performance is a part of the 2017 Lambert Castle Concert Series. Featuring local musicians and a variety of musical genres, all concerts are performed in the beautiful atmosphere that is Lambert Castle. 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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Sunday, June 4 - Somerville, Somerset County

Spend an Appetizing Afternoon with George Washington at the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage

On Sunday, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, George Washington re-enactor Dave Emerson will speak at the Old Dutch Parsonage while Susan Plaisted gives a hands-on ice cream-making demonstration in the kitchen wing of the Wallace House historic site.

In early June of 1789, George Washington took his leave of “Hope Farm,” home of the Wallace family, to resume his spring campaign against the British army. Step back in time, and come hear him speak at the Old Dutch Parsonage, where he goes to say goodbye to his good friend, the Reverend Jacob Hardenbergh. At the same time, in the kitchen of the Wallace House, historic foodways expert Susan Plaisted will give a hands-on demonstration of how ice cream – one of Washington’s favorite desserts – was made in the eighteenth century. Samples available for visitors. This event is suitable to all ages.

There is a $10 per-person fee to attend this program for adults, $5 dollars for children ages ten and under. Advance registration is recommended. Seatings to hear George Washington are at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm. To register, call 908-725-1015 or e-mail whouse3@verizon.net. Please register early, as seating is limited.

The Wallace House, built in 1776, served as George Washington’s winter headquarters during the Middlebrook Cantonment of 1778-1779. The house was the country residence of retired Philadelphia merchant John Wallace; Washington rented the use of half the house for himself and his staff and paid Wallace $1,000 for the use of his house and furniture. During his stay, the General hosted foreign dignitaries and planned strategies for the spring military campaign. The house is fully restored and furnished with period furniture.

The Old Dutch Parsonage was constructed in 1751, by the congregations of three local Dutch Reform Churches. The house was occupied by the Reverend John Frelinghuysen and his family until his death in 1754. His successor, the Reverend Jacob Hardenberg was the principal founder and first president of Queens College in New Brunswick, now Rutgers University.

Both sites are administered by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry, and are open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday. The Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage are both listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.

The parking lot entrance and interpretive center for the sites is located at 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ. For directions and more information about the sites, visit www.wallacehouseassociation.org or call 908-725-1015.

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Sunday, June 4 - Maplewood, Essex County
Dragonflies and Damselflies of New Jersey

Calling all gardeners, wildlife watchers and the just plain curious! On Sunday, from 2:00 - 3:30 pm at Durand-Hedden House & Garden, we'll spend an afternoon with evolutionary biologist Dr. Jessica Ware of Rutgers-Newark as she shares her knowledge about the amazing life history of the one of her favorite subjects - the dragonfly.

Have you noticed how dragonflies congregate around our ponds, lakes, rivers, and even birdbaths all summer. Ever fascinating, they are voracious predators as larvae in freshwater habitats and as adults where they consume flies and other insects. Dragonflies hunt their prey, mate and lay eggs in mid-air. They have eyes that wrap around their head, giving them great visibility. They can fly straight up, straight down, hover like helicopters and disappear in a blur. Here in New Jersey we have an abundance of dragonfly and damselfly species and Dr. Ware will tell us where to find them across the Garden State.

Dr. Ware is professor of evolutionary biology at Rutgers-Newark and past president for the Systematics section of the Entomological Society of America and the current secretary for the World Dragonfly Association. 

The event is free. Donations are appreciated.

Be sure to also see the fascinating exhibit on the history of the College Hill neighborhood From Farm to Suburb: The Birth of College Hill. which explores the evolution of a section of Maplewood from a dairy farm to a popular neighborhood of 300 houses.

Out in the carriage house, the Country Store will be selling historic-themed treasures: early American children’s games, books and toys, facsimile documents, quill pens and ink, historic cook books, cookie molds, tin lanterns, reproduction decorative ceramics, vintage photos, hiking sticks and more. You’ll also discover the hard-to-find original Doors of Maplewood poster, Smile, the history of Olympic Park, and the new acid-free reproduction of the charming 1931 map of Maplewood.

Durand-Hedden House is dedicated to telling the history of the development of Maplewood, New Jersey and the surrounding area in new and engaging ways. It is located in Grasmere Park at 523 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood, New Jersey. For more information, call 973-763-7712 or visit www.durandhedden.org.

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Sunday, June 4 - Sandy Hook, Monmouth County

The Big Three: Battery Potter, Battery Granger and Mortar Battery

Park at Battery Potter on Sandy Hook to meet with park staff to explore Potter, then walk to Battery Granger, and lastly the Mortar Battery. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight and insect repellent. This free tour begins at 5:00 pm and ends at 7:00 pm. Sandy Hook is part of Gateway National Recreation Area. For more information, call 732-872-5970 or visit www.nps.gov/gate.

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Sunday, June 4 - Bay Head, Ocean County
Painting the Jersey Shore: 1900 to 1960 Exhibit Opening

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Sunday, June 4 - Hoboken, Hudson County

Secret Gardens Tour

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Sunday, June 4 - Princeton, Mercer County

Historic Princeton Walking Tour
Children Friendly Tour

Enjoy a 1.9 mile, two-hour walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Bainbridge House, Nassau Hall, the University Chapel, and Palmer Square. The early history of Princeton, the founding of the University, and the American Revolution are just some of the stories from Princeton’s history that you will learn on your tour.

Admission: $7 per adult; $4 children ages 6 to 12; free for children age 5 and under. Tours begin in front of the Bainbridge House, 158 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Tour begins at 2:00 pm and ends at 4:00 pm. Walk up ticket sales are cash only; guides cannot provide change. Space is limited. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-921-6748 or visit www.princetonhistory.org.

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Sunday, June 4 - Sparta, Sussex County
A Heady Affair...and Tea!

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Sunday, June 4 - Union Township, Union County
"Rev. James Caldwell" Marks Anniversary of Hannah's Death

Children Friendly Event

Hannah Caldwell Day 2017 will be commemorated on Sunday by the Union Township Historical Society with an open house at the Caldwell Parsonage from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Visitors will be greeted by Rev. James Caldwell, portrayed by Doc Burkhardt. Colonial doll-making lessons will be given and historic games will be played. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. The Caldwell Parsonage is located at 909 Caldwell Avenue, Union, NJ. For more information, call Barbara La Mort at 908-687-0048  or visit www.uniontwphistoricalsociety.webs.com.

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Sunday, June 4 - 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. Admission is free.

The theme of this month's exhibit is "Pteridomania: The Victorian Fern Craze." The Victorian fern craze led to adventure, romance, and crime. There will also be some examples of "Scherenschnitte" on display - The Victorian art of papercutting.

Be sure to visit Miss Elizabeth's Shoppe located in the original kitchen of the Museum.  The Shoppe is packed with new and vintage items for sale, perfect for spring or anytime.

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 973-697-0258 or visit www.jthistoricalsociety.org.

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Sunday, June 4 - 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. For more information, visit http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njsrhps/museum.html.

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Sunday, June 4 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County
Maria Allaire’s Wedding Reenactment
Children Friendly Site

Wedding Bells are ringing for Mr. Allaire’s youngest daughter Maria and her beau, Thomas Andrews. You are cordially invited to her wedding ceremony and village frolic.  The Ceremony begins at  1:00 pm at the Allaire Home. Cake, punch, and dancing to follow the wedding. The festivities end at 4:00 pm.

The Historic Village at Allaire is located at 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ. For more information, contact the Allaire Village office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, at 732-919-3500 or visit www.allairevillage.org.

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Through June 2017 - Ocean Township, Monmouth County
Presidents at the Monmouth County Shore Exhibit

One hundred years ago this September, 25,000 people gathered on the grounds of what is today Monmouth University—then a private estate called Shadow Lawn—to see Woodrow Wilson officially accept the nomination of the Democratic Party for a second Presidential run. Wilson was following a popular tradition among American Presidents to retreat to our slice of the Jersey Shore to escape the heat and hubbub of Washington. At the Eden Woolley House, this major exhibit tells the wide-ranging stories of eleven Presidents who spent time here, at the Monmouth County shore.

Mrs. Lincoln got the ball rolling
There’s a case to be made that it all started with Mary Todd Lincoln. Mrs. Lincoln travelled to Long Branch in the summer of 1861, probably at the invitation of William Newell, family friend and then supervisor of the life-saving services in New Jersey. Long Branch was already a popular resort, and national coverage of the First Lady’s visit added immeasurably to its fame and appeal.

That fame and appeal continued to draw the wealthy and influential—including the seven presidents who vacationed in resort city, starting with Ulysses Grant.

Seven Presidents in Long Branch
In 1870, a group of wealthy businessmen who summered in the Elberon section of Long Branch presented President Grant with an oceanfront cottage where he vacationed for the next 15 years. When Grant died in 1885, city officials feared the resort might lose its cachet. They needn’t have worried. Six of the next ten Presidents--Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, McKinley, and Wilson--chose to spend time in Long Branch.

The most tragic of these Presidential visits was James Garfield’s last. Mrs. Garfield was in Long Branch recuperating from illness, when, on July 2, 1881, Garfield was shot by an assassin in the Washington train station. He was taken to the White House, where his condition worsened. In hope the sea air might help, Garfield was taken to Elberon. Famously, locals worked through the night to build the spur to carry the President’s railroad car from Elberon Station to the ocean side cottage. He died there 12 days later, September 19.

Beyond Long Branch
Long Branch was not the only Monmouth County destination of Presidents. Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, and Richard Nixon visited our area, if only, in some cases, for a political rally. And then, of course, there’s Warren Harding, whose local connection was a bit less public and a good deal more scandalous. Join us June 26 to learn the full story. The new exhibit is on view through June 2017.

The Township of Ocean Historical Museum offers exhibits on the history of coastal Monmouth County and a full calendar of events. The Museum also houses a library and archive of local history. It is open, free of charge, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Thursday evenings, and 1:00 - 4:00 pm the first and second Sundays of each month. The Township of Ocean Historical Museum is located at 703 Deal Road, Ocean, NJ. For more information, visit www.oceanmuseum.org.

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Sunday, February 19 through Sunday, June 25, 2017 - Morristown, Morris County
1917: World War, Women’s Rights, and Weaponry Sciences Exhibit Opening

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I, Morris County Historical Society offers a provocative exhibit highlighting The Great War’s impact on Morris County. The new exhibit 1917: World War, Women’s Rights, and Weaponry Sciences, displayed throughout Acorn Hall, will be available from Sunday, February 19 through Sunday, June 25, 2017. Stories of Morris County’s brave men and women during the WWI era will be complimented by authentic WWI uniforms, weaponry and militaria, period clothing, and ephemera.

Focusing on sacrifices of Morris County residents, the exhibit honors the men and women who gave their lives during the war, highlights the culture clash of women seeking recognition as equals and the right to vote, and features the tremendous advances in weaponry science credited to the work of men and women at Picatinny Arsenal and throughout Morris County.

The Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, and on Sundays from 1:00- 4:00 pm. For a tour of Acorn Hall and to see the exhibit is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for students, and Free for children under age 12 and MCHS members. To see the exhibit, only, is one half of the price of admission.

The Morris County Historical Society, founded in 1946, is a member-supported, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Acorn Hall, an Italianate Villa, is located at 68 Morris Avenue, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-267-3465 or visit www.acornhall.org.

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Sundays through June 30, 2017 - Piscataway, Middlesex County
A Revolutionary Legacy: the Cornelius Low House 275 Exhibit

The newest exhibit to open at the Middlesex County Museum exhibit delves into the history of the Low family and the role they played in the shaping of the United States. A Revolutionary Legacy: the Cornelius Low House 275 exhibit is housed inside the County’s Historic Cornelius Low House/Middlesex County Museum. 

This seven-room exhibit contains artifacts that date to the 1700s and includes handcrafted furniture from New Brunswick, paintings by artist Micah Williams, a document signed by Cornelius Low and his wife Johanna, portrait miniatures of several Low family members, and a chair that George Washington used on a visit to the New Brunswick area. These items are on loan from the DAR Jersey Blue Chapter Buccleuch Mansion, the Suffolk County Historical Society and private collections.

The Cornelius Low House/Middlesex County Museum is open on Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm and is located at 1225 River Road, Piscataway, NJ. For more information, call 732-745-4177 or visit www.middlesexcountynj.gov.

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Through September 3, 2017 - Madison, Morris County
Garden State: Living Off the Land in Early New Jersey Exhibit
Family Friendly

How far is the distance from farm to table? For families in early New Jersey it was measured in inches. These families did not make their living “by bread alone.” They relied not only on wheat and corn, but also on bees, cows, apples, and vegetables to support themselves and their communities. The Garden State: Living off the Land in Early New Jersey explores the technology and tools, from bee smokers to cradle scythes, that farmers in 18th and 19th century New Jersey utilized in order to survive. The exhibit also features a new generation of Garden State farmers who are working to make the distance from farm to table a little bit shorter for today’s families.

This exhibit is on display through September 3, 20017 at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts located at 9 Main Street, Madison, NJ. Admission: Adults – $5; Students, children and adults 65+ – $3; METC members and children under 6 – FREE; Family maximum rate – $15.00. For more information, call 973-377-2982 or visit www.metc.org.

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Last Sunday of the month through Fall 2017 - Woodbury, Gloucester County
White Lace and Promises: Two Centuries of Weddings Exhibit

White Lace and Promises: Two Centuries of Weddings, is the Gloucester County Historical Society Museum's most comprehensive wedding exhibit to date! This gorgeous exhibit features over 50 wedding gowns from the museum’s collection, representing the time period from the 1810’s through most of the 20th century. From the hooped dresses and bustles of the 19th century, to the many variations of gowns during the 20th century, nearly every popular wedding gown style is represented. Also showcased are bridal accessories including headpieces, veils, shoes, fans, lingerie, and jewelry. Documentation such as invitations and wedding certificates, along with beautiful photographs from many of these weddings, are also on display. This extensive exhibit will be up until fall of 2017 – do not miss it!

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. If interested in scheduling a private tour during non-public hours to see this exhibit, this may be organized for you and/or your group with advance. 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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Some event listings courtesy of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey