NJ Memorial Day Weekend Historical Happenings: 5/26/18

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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Friday - Saturday, May 25 - 26 - Hopewell, Mercer County
Memorial Day Weekend Events

On Memorial Day Weekend, multiple organizations across Hopewell Valley will present programs and events that celebrate its rich heritage.

On Friday will be the opening reception for Hopewell Valley Heritage Weekend. This kick-off event will be held at 6:00 pm at the historic Hopewell Train Station located at 2 Railroad Place, Hopewell, NJ. It will provide an excellent opportunity to get an overview of the weekend events. This event is sponsored by the Hopewell Valley Historical Society and the Hopewell Public Library.

On Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, the Hopewell Museum will partner with Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum to present a historical reenactment of a Civil War encampment by the 6th Regiment Infantry USCT on the grounds of The Hopewell Museum, located at 28 East Broad Street, Hopewell, NJ. The 6th Regiment US Colored Troops Reenactors, Inc. (6th USCT) is a reenactment group that recaptures a proud American and local heritage, portraying the historic 6th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry (6th Regiment USCI), an African-American battle regiment which fought for freedom in the Civil War. The regiment saw action in Virginia as part of the Richmond–Petersburg Campaign and in North Carolina, where it participated in the attacks on Fort Fisher and Wilmington and the Carolinas Campaign. Several regiment enlistees were decorated with the Medal of Honor for their service.

We are excited to announce the return of Kellee Green Blake, retired Director of the National Archives, Mid-Atlantic region, to Hopewell Valley. Also on Saturday, May 26th at 2:00 pm, Kellee will present, "No Slave Beneath That Starry Flag: Civil War Heroes of the Pennington African Cemetery." The lecture will take place at The Hopewell Museum and is sponsored by The Hopewell Museum in partnership with the Pennington African Cemetery Association.

Additional details are available at www.thehopewellmuseum.org/hvhw.

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Saturday, May 26 - Westfield, Union County

Aunt Carrie's Attic Sale

Housewares, books, furniture, linens, toys, and more will be available for sale at the Miller Cory House Museum's annual "Aunt Carrie's Attic Sale" on museum grounds (rain or shine). The sale is scheduled for Saturday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, rain or shine. All proceeds benefit the museum. No early birds please.

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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Saturday, May 26 - Princeton, Mercer County

Historic Princeton Memorial Walking Tour
Children Friendly Tour

From the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Princeton honors those who served their country. This one-hour tour will visit local tributes to war veterans and famous Princetonians.

Admission: $5 per person. Tour begins at the Princeton Battle Monument, Princeton, NJ. Tour begins at 12:00 noon and ends at 1:00 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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Saturday, May 26 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Haying and Hayrides
Children Friendly Site

Old fashioned weather forecasting will be put to the test when the farmers at Howell Living Farm do what they do when the sun shines: make hay!

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the weather will be sunny and warm when they hitch their horses to old fashioned mowers, rakes and loaders to bring in another crop of the all-important forage product. Although they chose the date back in January, they’re confident that the forecast will pan out.

Visitors to the 130-acre farm can watch, photograph and even help as farmers work in hayfields and put loose hay in the mow of a barn with a pulley-operated hayfork. Mow filling and raking operations will take place during the morning; mowing and hay loading are planned during the afternoon.

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, May 26 - Morris Township, Morris County
Plant Bean Poles & Meet the Servants at The Willows
Children Friendly Event and Site

On Saturday at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, become a farmer and stake poles and plant a variety of beans. When harvested, the beans are dried and saved for winter cooking. You may even learn some skills for your own vegetable garden! Program takes place from 10:30 - 11:30 am and 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

At 1:00 and 2:00 pm, during a hands-on guided tour, learn about the role of the domestic servants at the Foster home, The Willows, during the WWI era. Help the maid with household chores, and learn it was a full workout to keep a proper house. At the end of the tour, you can help the cook prepare historic foods using the wood-burning cook stove.

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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Saturdays through September 1, 2018 - Cape May Point, Cape May County
The Keeper's on Duty
Children Friendly Event

What's it like to be a Lighthouse Keeper? If you’d like the answer to this question and others, join us for The Keeper's On Duty, at the Education Center at Cape May Point State Park (adjacent to the Cape May Lighthouse) on Saturday at 1:15 pm. The Keeper of the Cape May Lighthouse presents an informative and entertaining half hour talk on the history and lore of the famous 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. Suited for everyone from children to lighthouse buffs, it’s the perfect introduction to your lighthouse climb! All Keeper's on Duty are free and open to the public. Cape May Point State Park is located at 215 Light House Avenue, Cape May Point, NJ. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and Cape May Point State Park. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturdays through September 1, 2018 - Cape May Point, Cape May County
Lighthouse Storytime
Children Friendly Event

Bring your young children to the Education Center in Cape May Point State Park (adjacent to the Cape May Lighthouse) to listen to nautical tales and lighthouse adventure stories on Saturday at 12:30 pm. Free admission. Cape May Point State Park is located at 215 Light House Avenue, Cape May Point, NJ. SCo-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and Cape May Point State Park. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday, May 26 - Cape May, Cape May County
Underground Railroad Trolley Tour

During the Underground Railroad Trolley Tour on Saturday at 10:15 am, you will hear how legendary anti-slavery fighter, Harriet Tubman walked the streets of Cape May, as did businessman and former slave, Stephen Smith, whose railroad cars carried hundreds to freedom. Includes a guided tour of the Owen Coachman house (a historic free black's house). Admission is $15. Co-sponsored by the Center for Community Arts and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday, May 26 - Cape May, Cape May County
Historic Haunts House Tour
Family Friendly

Get into the spirit of things on a guided tour of the historic (some say haunted) Physick Estate, which includes a discussion of Victorian spiritualism on Saturday at 8:45 pm. This is a limited tour. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children (ages 3-12). Tickets can be purchased at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday, May 26 - Cape May, Cape May County
Historic Haunts Combo Tour
Family Friendly

Combine the Ghosts of Cape May trolley tour with a visit to the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, where you will visit a home séance room of the 1890s and learn of the Victorians' fascination with spiritualism on Saturday at 8:15 pm. Admission is $22 for adults, $14 for children (ages 3-12). Tickets can be purchased at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday, May 26 - Cape May, Cape May County
Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour
Family Friendly

Take this spine-tingling, 30-minute evening trolley ride through the streets of Cape May with a guide who relates the paranormal findings of medium Craig McManus on Saturday at 7:15 pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children (ages 3-12). Tours leave from the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, May 26 - 27 - Lower Township, Cape May County
World War II Tower Lookout Museum and Memorial Open
Family Friendly

Fire Control Tower No. 23 on Sunset Boulevard is New Jersey's last freestanding World War II tower, part of the immense Harbor Defense of the Delaware system known as Fort Miles. After an award-winning restoration in 2009, visitors can climb to the 6th floor spotting gallery while learning about the homeland defense efforts during World War II. The ground floor of the tower, the All Veterans Memorial, and boardwalk interpretive panels are fully accessible. Open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12) (One child free with paying adult). The World War II Lookout Tower is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township, near Cape May Point. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Sunday, May 27 - Sparta, Sussex County

Life Along the Wallkill River

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Sunday, May 27 - Hoboken, Hudson County
WWI Talk

On Sunday at 4:00 pm, the Hoboken Museum will host another WWI talk by reenactor Brandon English, a former Hobokenite, who will talk about his experiences as a reenactor and what the life of a typical doughboy was like. Hoboken was an important hub during the Great War, as a port of embarkation for about 2 million U.S. soldiers shipping to and from Europe. Admission for the talk is $5; free for Hoboken Museum members. The Hoboken Historical Museum is located at 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken, NJ. For more information, visit www.hobokenmuseum.org.

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Sunday, May 27 - Bridgewater, Somerset County
World War I Monuments- Little Pieces of Untold and Forgotten History

We hope you can join us at the Van Veghten House in Bridgewater for our third presentation of the year! At the talk we will have displayed a letter from a soldier who was killed in War and a special display from the Bound Brook Library. Richard Veit, professor of anthropology at Monmouth University, will discuss World War I monuments in New Jersey. The talk will take place from 1:30 - 4:00 pm at the Van Veghten House, 9 Van Veghten Drive, Bridgewater, NJ.

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Through June 3, 2018 - Princeton, Mercer County
A Gentleman’s Pursuit: The Commodore’s Greenhouse

Morven Museum & Garden presents A Gentleman’s Pursuit: The Commodore’s Greenhouse, which reveals the remarkable findings at Morven from Hunter Research’s excavation of one of New Jersey’s earliest greenhouses on view from through June 3, 2018.

Research done in the 2000s, revealed that Commodore Robert F. Stockton (1795-1866) had built the greenhouse during his tenure at Morven. Account books showed that the Commodore had paid for the installation of gutters on the building in October 1854, placing its construction at approximately 1852-54. An inventory upon his death indicated that the greenhouse contained 15 lemon trees, 100 Japonicas, 10 cati, 4 azaleas, 3 Daphnes and “Misc. plants.” Based on research it is believed that the greenhouse was torn down in the 1880s.

Little else was known about the greenhouse until a 2013 archaeological dig conducted by Hunter Research, Inc., who is partnering with Morven for his exhibition, uncovered the brick and stone foundation of the structure. Excavations over the next two summers revealed thousands of cultural artifacts, including the remains of the cast iron furnace which heated the greenhouse, and glass from the window panes that allowed sunlight in. The greenhouse denotes the refined gentleman’s pastime of the Commodore, reflecting his social prominence and financial standing to enjoy such an exquisite hobby. Due to New Jersey’s gradual emancipation law, the Commodore no longer owned any enslaved people by the time the greenhouse was constructed. The maintenance of the structure and plants within was likely left to a trained gardener and paid farm hands.

“This exhibition is unique in that it allows visitors to follow the process of archaeologists and historians as they work their way from identifying archaeological digs, unearthing and dating artifacts, researching primary documents, and comparing contemporaneous sites to reveal a fuller picture of what Morven’s greenhouse would have been like,” says, Elizabeth Allan, Curator of Collections & Exhibitions.

“The exhibit shows how archaeology opens a fascinating window into the greenhouse that serviced Morven’s gardens,” says Richard Hunter, President/Principal, Hunter Research, Inc. For the past 30 years, Trenton-based Hunter Research, a historic preservation and cultural resources consulting firm, has been actively engaged in interpreting historic sites for the benefit of the general public.

A Gentleman's Pursuit: The Commodore’s Greenhouse is on view at Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ, through June 3, 2018. Admission: Adults - $10, Seniors (60+)/Students/Active Military Personnel - $8, Children 6 and under - Free, Friends of Morven - Free. Morven’s Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

For more information, call 609-924-8144 or visit www.morven.org.

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Through June 2018 - Ocean Township, Monmouth County
New Jersey and the Great War: Local Stories of World War I

Bringing World War One Home
Though overshadowed by its sequel, World War One had profound and lasting effects on politics, social order, and individual lives. “New Jersey and the Great War: Local Stories of World War One,” the exhibit opening to the public at the Eden Woolley House, Sunday, June 25, sets out to make that case—with particular emphasis on the people and happenings of our state.

The Big Picture
The Great War reshaped the world. The U.S. emerged a world power. The seeds were sown for the rise of fascism and the spread of communism. Middle Eastern national boundaries were redrawn, fueling ethnic conflicts that continue to threaten.

At home, the scope and power of the U.S. government grew. A national army took over state militias. National security clashed with civil rights. Ethnic tensions grew--as did opposing organizations that either fed or defended against them. Women entered the work force in unprecedented numbers—and developed a irreversible taste for independence.

New Jersey’s Role
New Jersey was an industrial powerhouse that supplied the Allies even before we entered the war—and for that drew the attention of saboteurs. Once in the war, we boosted our manufacturing output. The army built facilities here that played major roles in the war effort, including Camps Dix, Merritt (a major embarkation base), and Vail (later Fort Monmouth).

New Jersey supplied two high-profile figures of the war era, most notably, the President himself. Wilson was a former New Jersey governor who ran his presidential campaigns from right here in Monmouth County. His nemesis during the war years, Alice Paul, was a militant suffragist from Burlington County who labelled the president “Kaiser Wilson.” Her White House picketing and arrest drew national attention and in large part led Wilson to reverse his opposition to the 19th Amendment.

One Man’s Story
Behind the headlines are the stories of people. The exhibit tells, among others, of Joe Marino (born Giuseppe Maranaccio). Joe ended up in Asbury Park, U.S. citizen, father of four, and owner of Marino’s Bar on Main St. But he started life in Accadia, Italy.

Italy, originally allied with Germany, remained neutral at the onset of war, then sided with the Allies. Nearly 6 million Italians served—including a teenaged Joe Marino. He was captured and imprisoned for years in Austria. Near the end of the war, he escaped and walked under cover of darkness the hundreds of miles back to his village. His sweetheart, assuming him dead, had married. Heartbroken, Joe moved to Rome where he worked three years to save the money to immigrate to the states.

This exhibit runs through June 2018. 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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Through Wednesday, October 31, 2018 - Cape May, Cape May County
Capturing Cape May's Architecture: The Making of a National Historic Landmark

In the early 1970s, a team from the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) produced pen and ink drawings of Cape May, NJ's most significant historic structures that were instrumental in saving this seaside town - "the best-preserved late 19th century resort in America." The drawings enabled Cape May to become a National Historic Landmark and a national tourist destination. Now, for the first time, these intricate drawings and the stories of the architects whose hands created them are on exhibit at the Carroll Gallery. Curator Karen Fox, author of The Chalfonte, provides visitors with a unique look at how a small band of preservationists saved not only the buildings, but a culture of the past creating a future. The exhibit "Capturing Cape May's Architecture: The Making of a National Historic Landmark" is on display at the Carroll Gallery in the Carriage House of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. The exhibit is presented by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and is open daily through Wednesday, October 31, 2018; times vary. Admission is free. MAC is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. MAC membership is open to all. For information about MAC's year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC's www.capemaymac.org.

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Through December 28, 2018 - Morristown, Morris County
George Washington’s Headquarters: Photographs by Xiomáro

Morristown National Historical Park (NHP) invites the public to view the exhibition George Washington’s Headquarters: Photographs by Xiomáro. The 22 large images of the Ford Mansion – Washington’s base of operations during the Revolutionary War winter of 1779-1780 – are on view in the museum until December 28, 2018. The exhibition of Xio’s photographs of Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters highlights the house’s dual role as a residence.

Xiomáro (pronounced “SEE-oh-MAH-ro”) is an internationally-recognized artist and speaker whose photography has been covered by The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and CBS Eyewitness News. His work has been widely exhibited at venues such as Harvard University and New York City’s Fraunces Tavern Museum. Next year, Arcadia Publishing is releasing Xio’s photo book, Weir Farm National Historic Site, about Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionist painting.

A free eBook of the photographs is available at www.xiomaro.com. The exhibit is at the Morristown National Historical Park’s Washington Headquarters Museum, 30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ. Admission is free. For more information. visit www.nps.gov/morr.

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Through 2018 - Woodbury, Gloucester County
Out of the Box: Rare & Unusual Objects

Intrigued about what might lie behind closed doors in a museum? Out of the Box: Rare & Unusual Objects, our new exhibit at the Gloucester County Historical Society Museum, will give visitors a peek into some of our most exceptional artifacts. Objects that have not been on view to the public for years will be out on display for all to see. We have chosen an array of unique items from every category imaginable in the museum’s collection. Most of these artifacts are between 100 – 200 years old, and haven’t seen the light of day in decades. Come to experience the rare, odd, quirky, beautiful, and even creepy treasures just waiting to be revealed. The exhibit opens on Sunday, April 29 when admission will be free that day! The exhibit will be closed on Mondays, and summer Sundays, but open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm from May 2 through the summer months. Monday hours will resume on September 5, 2018, along with last Sunday of the month hours. Please visit www.gchsnj.org for further details. The Gloucester County Historical Society Museum is located at 58 N. Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ. For more information, call 856-848-8531 or visit www.gchsnj.org.

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Through December 30, 2018 - Piscataway, Middlesex County
Over There, Over Here: New Jersey During orld War I

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

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NJ Memorial Day Weekend Historical Happenings: 5/26/18 - 5/28/18

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