NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 5/5/18 - 5/6/18
New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings
A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com
Want to submit an event? Use our event submission form.
Friday, May 4 - Middletown, Monmouth County
Daffodils & Daiquiris Open House
The Monmouth County Historical Association is throwing open the doors of the Taylor-Butler house in Middletown for the annual Daffodils & Daiquiris Open House on Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. All are welcome to join in toasting the arrival of spring and the kick off of Weekend in Old Monmouth.In addition to enjoying drinks and lite fare at this historic house museum, attendees will have the opportunity to view the current exhibit featuring oil paintings of Monmouth County residents dating from the 1800’s curated from the MCHA permanent collection.
Taylor-Butler House is an elegant Victorian mansion situated on five wooded acres within the beautiful Middletown Village Historic District and was built in 1853 by Joseph Dorset Taylor and his bride, Mary Holmes Taylor. The house reflected the wealth and status that they had acquired in New York’s China trade, as well as their pride as descendants of one of Monmouth County’s oldest families.
Taylor-Butler House is located at 127 Kings Highway in Middletown. The house is available for rent for private events and meetings. Daffodils & Daiquiris is open to the public at no charge. For more information visit www.monmouthhistory.org.
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Friday - Sunday, May 4 - 6 - Ringwood, Passaic County
The Dixie Swim Club
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Saturday, May 5 - Nutley, Essex County
4th Annual Base Ball Classic at Yanticaw
Children Friendly Event
The Kingsland Manor Presents The Flemington Neshanock Base Ball Club Versus the Kingsland Colonels of Nutley Base Ball Club at the 4th Annual Base Ball Classic at Yanticaw, Boys Park, Nutley, NJ.
The Flemington Neshanock Base Ball Club plays by 19th Century rules, uses authentic replicas of 19th Century equipment and wears 19th Century uniforms. As was the custom in the mid-19th Century, all fielders play barehanded - they do not wear gloves. Today’s Neshanock were re-established in 2001 by Brad “Brooklyn” Shaw, proudly reviving the original name of the team.
The Nutley Colonels was a semi-professional base ball club that was managed by a local All-State baseball star, Anthony J. San Giacomo. The Kingsland Manor is re-establishing that classic base ball club, fielding a “Colonels” team against the Neshanock Base Ball Club at Yanticaw Park on Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
The Colonels team uniform will be white long-sleeved shirts and black pants and a pill-box styled base ball cap. Attendance is free Attendance. Donations by Pass the Hat. For more information, call 973-661-3410 or e-mail KingslandManorRestorationTrust@gmail.com.
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Saturday, May 5 - Montclair, Essex CountyChildren Friendly Event
The Kingsland Manor Presents The Flemington Neshanock Base Ball Club Versus the Kingsland Colonels of Nutley Base Ball Club at the 4th Annual Base Ball Classic at Yanticaw, Boys Park, Nutley, NJ.
The Flemington Neshanock Base Ball Club plays by 19th Century rules, uses authentic replicas of 19th Century equipment and wears 19th Century uniforms. As was the custom in the mid-19th Century, all fielders play barehanded - they do not wear gloves. Today’s Neshanock were re-established in 2001 by Brad “Brooklyn” Shaw, proudly reviving the original name of the team.
The Nutley Colonels was a semi-professional base ball club that was managed by a local All-State baseball star, Anthony J. San Giacomo. The Kingsland Manor is re-establishing that classic base ball club, fielding a “Colonels” team against the Neshanock Base Ball Club at Yanticaw Park on Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
The Colonels team uniform will be white long-sleeved shirts and black pants and a pill-box styled base ball cap. Attendance is free Attendance. Donations by Pass the Hat. For more information, call 973-661-3410 or e-mail KingslandManorRestorationTrust@gmail.com.
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Saturday, May 5 - Princeton, Mercer County
Admission: $5 per person and includes farmhouse museum admission. Tours begin at the Updike Farmstead farmhouse, 354 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ at 1:00 pm and ends at 3:00 pm. Space is limited. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-921-6748 or visit www.princetonhistory.org.
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Stony Brook Walking Tour
Before there was a "Princeton," six Quaker families established a community on the fertile ground along Stony Brook. This two-hour hike explores the lives of the early settlers and the community they established, while following a portion of the trail George Washington took from Trenton to the Princeton Battlefield. Stops include the Stony Brook Meeting House and Burial Ground, walking a portion of the "hidden" back road into Princeton, and a view of the Battlefield.
Before there was a "Princeton," six Quaker families established a community on the fertile ground along Stony Brook. This two-hour hike explores the lives of the early settlers and the community they established, while following a portion of the trail George Washington took from Trenton to the Princeton Battlefield. Stops include the Stony Brook Meeting House and Burial Ground, walking a portion of the "hidden" back road into Princeton, and a view of the Battlefield.-----------------------------------
Upper Montclair Historic Walking Tour
Developed and co-led by the Friends of Anderson Park and the Montclair History Center, this 2 ½-hour walking tour chronicles the development of the area from a rural settlement in the 1880s to a burgeoning suburban town in the 1930s. Admission is $10 a person. The tour begins at 10:00 am. For day-of-event inquiries, call 973-495-9589. For reservations and starting location contact mail@montclairhistorical.org or 973-744-1796. Register online today and the starting location will be sent to your email. For more information, visit www.montclairhistory.org.
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Developed and co-led by the Friends of Anderson Park and the Montclair History Center, this 2 ½-hour walking tour chronicles the development of the area from a rural settlement in the 1880s to a burgeoning suburban town in the 1930s. Admission is $10 a person. The tour begins at 10:00 am. For day-of-event inquiries, call 973-495-9589. For reservations and starting location contact mail@montclairhistorical.org or 973-744-1796. Register online today and the starting location will be sent to your email. For more information, visit www.montclairhistory.org.
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Saturday, May 5 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County
Camp Burton at Allaire, 1929
Children Friendly Event & Site
Explore and learn about Allaire's history in the early 20th century when the Boy Scouts of America were allowed to create a special "reservation" and "camp" on the grounds of Arthur Brisbane's "Allaire Estate" - now known as the Historic Village at Allaire!
It's 1929 and the village is owned by famous Hearst editor, Arthur Brisbane. Each summer he invites thousands of Boy Scouts from all over the State to use the village buildings and grounds as their own special learning community. And now, nearly 100 years later they are coming back!
Activities available for all visitors of the village!
- Over a dozen "now and then" pictures displayed throughout the village from the early 20th century. See how the village has evolved - through the power of visual arts!
- Local Scout troops will be spread throughout the village to interact and share with visitors life saving skills, craft demonstrations, citizenship, wilderness survival, orienteering, "the monkey bridge," and MORE!
- Participate in a special scavenger hunt and get the "Allaire Boy Scout Badge!" Learn about the Boy Scouts of America!
- See, touch, and feel the elements of early 20th century Allaire as never done before. Explore the philosophy and creation of this outdoor learning adventure for the Scouts, known then as "Camp Burton at Allaire."
- Special presentation by Arthur Brisbane's grand-children that honor the many projects that the Boy Scouts of America did and continue to do at The Historic Village at Allaire!
- All historic homes, stores, buildings, craft shops, and exhibit halls will be open!
The day will run from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. General Village/event admission is $3 per person. Under 5 FREE. 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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Camp Burton at Allaire, 1929
Children Friendly Event & Site
Explore and learn about Allaire's history in the early 20th century when the Boy Scouts of America were allowed to create a special "reservation" and "camp" on the grounds of Arthur Brisbane's "Allaire Estate" - now known as the Historic Village at Allaire!It's 1929 and the village is owned by famous Hearst editor, Arthur Brisbane. Each summer he invites thousands of Boy Scouts from all over the State to use the village buildings and grounds as their own special learning community. And now, nearly 100 years later they are coming back!
Activities available for all visitors of the village!
- Over a dozen "now and then" pictures displayed throughout the village from the early 20th century. See how the village has evolved - through the power of visual arts!
- Local Scout troops will be spread throughout the village to interact and share with visitors life saving skills, craft demonstrations, citizenship, wilderness survival, orienteering, "the monkey bridge," and MORE!
- Participate in a special scavenger hunt and get the "Allaire Boy Scout Badge!" Learn about the Boy Scouts of America!
- See, touch, and feel the elements of early 20th century Allaire as never done before. Explore the philosophy and creation of this outdoor learning adventure for the Scouts, known then as "Camp Burton at Allaire."
- Special presentation by Arthur Brisbane's grand-children that honor the many projects that the Boy Scouts of America did and continue to do at The Historic Village at Allaire!
- All historic homes, stores, buildings, craft shops, and exhibit halls will be open!
The day will run from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. General Village/event admission is $3 per person. Under 5 FREE. 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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Saturday, May 5 - Lambertville, Hunterdon County
Opening Day Celebration at the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead
Children Friendly Site & Event
On Saturday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, visit the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead for their opening day celebration. There will be craft/farm demonstrations of everyday existence skills in 1700 - 1800s. Examples of blacksmithing, letterpress printing, belt driven machine, shop rope twisting, and an international herb garden display. Tractors, cars, and engines will be running from the farmstead collection and some from the Delaware Valley Old Time Power Equipment group and the Central Jersey Antique Truck Club. For kids there will be hoops, quill pen writing, corn shelling, scale weighing, rope/bracelet making, and more. Come see our 8 Foot Chicken -"Mr. Famous." Hamburgers, frankfurters, and refreshments will be for sale. Free admission for all - donations appreciated ($5.00 per person). The Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum is located at 1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville, NJ. For more information, call 609-397-2752.
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Saturday, May 5 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Cookstove, Embroidery, & 19th Century Woodworking Demonstrations & Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Children Friendly Site & Event
On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to see what is cooking on the woodstove in the out kitchen. Discover how food, recipes, cooking techniques and the kitchen itself has changed since the 1890s.
Inside the farmhouse, lovely melodies from the 1890s will be played on the accordion. While in the house, appreciate the delicate craft of embroidery as it is demonstrated.
In the barnyard, see how 19th century woodworking tools were used to create various items.
These free events runs from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Historic Longstreet Farm is located at 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ. For more information, call 732-946-3758 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
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Opening Day Celebration at the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead
Children Friendly Site & Event
On Saturday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, visit the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead for their opening day celebration. There will be craft/farm demonstrations of everyday existence skills in 1700 - 1800s. Examples of blacksmithing, letterpress printing, belt driven machine, shop rope twisting, and an international herb garden display. Tractors, cars, and engines will be running from the farmstead collection and some from the Delaware Valley Old Time Power Equipment group and the Central Jersey Antique Truck Club. For kids there will be hoops, quill pen writing, corn shelling, scale weighing, rope/bracelet making, and more. Come see our 8 Foot Chicken -"Mr. Famous." Hamburgers, frankfurters, and refreshments will be for sale. Free admission for all - donations appreciated ($5.00 per person). The Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum is located at 1605 Daniel Bray Highway, Lambertville, NJ. For more information, call 609-397-2752.
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Saturday, May 5 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Cookstove, Embroidery, & 19th Century Woodworking Demonstrations & Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Children Friendly Site & Event
On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to see what is cooking on the woodstove in the out kitchen. Discover how food, recipes, cooking techniques and the kitchen itself has changed since the 1890s. Inside the farmhouse, lovely melodies from the 1890s will be played on the accordion. While in the house, appreciate the delicate craft of embroidery as it is demonstrated.
In the barnyard, see how 19th century woodworking tools were used to create various items.
These free events runs from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
Historic Longstreet Farm is located at 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ. For more information, call 732-946-3758 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.
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Saturday, May 5 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Sheep Shearing
Children Friendly
On Saturday at Howell Living Farm, Eugene Sheninger of Rockaway Twp. will highlight the program with sheep herding demonstrations. Sheninger will use Border Collies to work the flock and to introduce visitors to herding techniques.
Keeping with the farm's time period, shearers will use hand shears during the sheep shearing demonstrations. Throughout the day, visitors can meet twin lambs and try their hand at spinning wool. Wool products and natural fleeces will be on display and for sale. Baked goods and lunch fare will be available in the visitor center throughout 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.org.
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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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Sheep Shearing
Children Friendly
On Saturday at Howell Living Farm, Eugene Sheninger of Rockaway Twp. will highlight the program with sheep herding demonstrations. Sheninger will use Border Collies to work the flock and to introduce visitors to herding techniques.Keeping with the farm's time period, shearers will use hand shears during the sheep shearing demonstrations. Throughout the day, visitors can meet twin lambs and try their hand at spinning wool. Wool products and natural fleeces will be on display and for sale. Baked goods and lunch fare will be available in the visitor center throughout 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.org.
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Saturday, May 5 - Morristown, Morris County
Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration: Museum Favorites
Children Friendly Program
Everyone has a favorite recipe, even museum staff! Experience this cooking demonstration as historic recipes are prepared on the open hearth. The program runs from 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm. Admission: $5/adult, $4/senior (65+), $3/child (ages 4 -16). FREE for children under age 4 and Friends members, with a current membership card. Historic Speedwell is located 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-285-6550 or visit www.morrisparks.net.
Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration: Museum Favorites
Children Friendly Program
Everyone has a favorite recipe, even museum staff! Experience this cooking demonstration as historic recipes are prepared on the open hearth. The program runs from 12:00 noon - 6:00 pm. Admission: $5/adult, $4/senior (65+), $3/child (ages 4 -16). FREE for children under age 4 and Friends members, with a current membership card. Historic Speedwell is located 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-285-6550 or visit www.morrisparks.net.
Saturday, May 5 - Morris Township, Morris County
Hitch a Ride and Farm Know How: The Arch and The Willows Architecture
Children Friendly Event and Site
On Saturday at Fosterfield's Living Historical Farm, join the farm staff for a leisurely open-air wagon ride around the historic farm from 10:15 am - 12:00 noon.
From 2:00 - 2:45 pm, meet at the Stone Arch and walk up to The Willows to look at its exterior Gothic Revival-style architecture. Find out what restoration projects are planned at the house in 2018.
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.
Hitch a Ride and Farm Know How: The Arch and The Willows Architecture
Children Friendly Event and Site
On Saturday at Fosterfield's Living Historical Farm, join the farm staff for a leisurely open-air wagon ride around the historic farm from 10:15 am - 12:00 noon.From 2:00 - 2:45 pm, meet at the Stone Arch and walk up to The Willows to look at its exterior Gothic Revival-style architecture. Find out what restoration projects are planned at the house in 2018.
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, May 5 - Cape May, Cape May County
Underground Railroad Trolley Tour
Underground Railroad Trolley Tour
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Saturday, May 5 - 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 7:45 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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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 7:45 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.-----------------------------------
Saturday, May 5 - 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 7:15 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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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 7:45 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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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 7:15 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 5 - Cape May, Cape May County
Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour
Family Friendly
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 7:45 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, May 5 - Salem County
Open House in Fenwick's Colony - Spring Tour
Open House in Fenwick's Colony - Spring Tour
Saturday - Sunday, May 5 - 6 - 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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Saturday - Sunday, May 5 - 6 - Princeton, Mercer County
Morven in May
One of New Jersey's most anticipated spring rituals, Morven in May, will take place Saturday and Sunday at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton. Morven in May is a juried exhibition and sale of contemporary, American-made fine craft and welcomes a select group of thirty-six professional fine craft artisans from around the country. Art mediums include glass, ceramics, decorative and wearable fiber, mixed media, jewelry, furniture and basketry, and all are displayed in gallery-style booths in a grand tent on the museum’s Great Lawn. All proceeds from Morven in May help fund the museum's exhibitions, historic gardens, and educational programs.
Along with the beautifully crafted art objects, Morven offers for sale a distinct collection of plants for your garden. These include fragrant heirloom flowers, unique new varieties of annuals and perennials, carefully chosen flowering shrubs, and select plants propagated from Morven’s own garden.
A full list of the Morven in May exhibitors and images of their work is available on Morven's website, www.morven.org.
Morven in May opens to the public on Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday admission are available at the tent entrance and are $10, $8 for Friends of Morven. There is no charge for Plant Sale, only. For more information visit www.morven.org/events/event/morven-in-may.
A National Historic Landmark, Morven Museum & Garden is situated on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. This former New Jersey Governor's Mansion showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State through regular exhibitions, educational programs and special events. Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ . For more information, call 609-924-8144 or visit www.morven.org.
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Saturday - Sunday, May 5 - 6 - Monmouth County
Weekend in Old Monmouth
Children Friendly Sites
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The Monmouth County Historical Commission's annual self-guided tour of historic sites and museums will be held on its usual first weekend in May, this year Saturday, May 5 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday, May 6 from 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. The tour includes 46 sites and each illustrates a piece of local history. Historic sites and museums of every description are featured on the tour.
The tours also represent several historic themes:
All admission fees are waived for the weekend. The free tour book and map may be picked-up at the participating sites or previewed at https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=3464.
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Sunday, May 6 - Toms River, Ocean County
Author Gordon Hesse Comes to Ocean County Historical Society
On Sunday at 2:00 pm, the Ocean County Historical Society will feature author Gordon Hesse, who will present his new book, Island Beach: A Sonnet in the Sands. Christine Menapace writes that Island Beach: A Sonnet in the Sands, “Is a poetic love letter to Island Beach’s 3,000 acres and an important historical document on the march of time through the sands – from Lenni Lenape foraging and fishing to shipwrecks, Henry W. Phipps Jr., “Sedge House,” beach shacks, and even a WWII secret project.”
Gordon Hesse, raised in Roselle Park and Lavallette, New Jersey, is a public relations specialist, communications consultant, author, and longtime member of the Delaware Press Association.
There is no admission charge. Refreshments will be served. The Ocean County Historical Society is located at 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ. Call 732-341-1880 for reservations.
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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.-----------------------------------
Saturday - Sunday, May 5 - 6 - Princeton, Mercer County
Morven in May
One of New Jersey's most anticipated spring rituals, Morven in May, will take place Saturday and Sunday at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton. Morven in May is a juried exhibition and sale of contemporary, American-made fine craft and welcomes a select group of thirty-six professional fine craft artisans from around the country. Art mediums include glass, ceramics, decorative and wearable fiber, mixed media, jewelry, furniture and basketry, and all are displayed in gallery-style booths in a grand tent on the museum’s Great Lawn. All proceeds from Morven in May help fund the museum's exhibitions, historic gardens, and educational programs.
Along with the beautifully crafted art objects, Morven offers for sale a distinct collection of plants for your garden. These include fragrant heirloom flowers, unique new varieties of annuals and perennials, carefully chosen flowering shrubs, and select plants propagated from Morven’s own garden.
A full list of the Morven in May exhibitors and images of their work is available on Morven's website, www.morven.org.
Morven in May opens to the public on Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday admission are available at the tent entrance and are $10, $8 for Friends of Morven. There is no charge for Plant Sale, only. For more information visit www.morven.org/events/event/morven-in-may.
A National Historic Landmark, Morven Museum & Garden is situated on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. This former New Jersey Governor's Mansion showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State through regular exhibitions, educational programs and special events. Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ . For more information, call 609-924-8144 or visit www.morven.org.
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Saturday - Sunday, May 5 - 6 - Monmouth County
Weekend in Old Monmouth
Children Friendly Sites
The Monmouth County Historical Commission's annual self-guided tour of historic sites and museums will be held on its usual first weekend in May, this year Saturday, May 5 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday, May 6 from 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. The tour includes 46 sites and each illustrates a piece of local history. Historic sites and museums of every description are featured on the tour. The tours also represent several historic themes:
- Shore: While the tour includes sites on the north, (Sandy Hook), central (Ocean Grove) and southern shores, (National Guard Militia Museum) the drive along the shore is one of the best ways to feel and appreciate Monmouth County's relationship to the Ocean.
- Faith: Architectural gems of each of the last three centuries, 18th century Christ Church in Shrewsbury, 19th century All Saints Memorial in Middletown and 20th century St. Catharine's in Spring Lake. In addition, Old Tennent Church in Manalapan is closely tied to the Battle of Monmouth and the Friends Meeting House in Shrewsbury represents one of the oldest worship traditions in Monmouth County.
- The Revolutionary War: The Revolution is visited here, not only the major sites in the Monmouth Battlefield area, but in lesser known places such as the Burrowes Mansion in Matawan, Marlpit Hall and the Murray Farm, both in Middletown.
- Military: There is Fort Hancock at Sandy Hook, the most heavily fortified installation on the East Coast for much of the 20th century, the National Historic Landmark Monmouth Battlefield in Manalapan and one of the more fascinating, but lesser known museums, the New Jersey National Guard Militia Museum in Sea Girt with museum exhibits and fighter aircraft and tanks.
- Preservation: Marlpit Hall in Middletown was the first restored house museum in the region, dating from its 1930s opening.
All admission fees are waived for the weekend. The free tour book and map may be picked-up at the participating sites or previewed at https://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.aspx?ID=3464.
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Sunday, May 6 - Toms River, Ocean County
Author Gordon Hesse Comes to Ocean County Historical Society
On Sunday at 2:00 pm, the Ocean County Historical Society will feature author Gordon Hesse, who will present his new book, Island Beach: A Sonnet in the Sands. Christine Menapace writes that Island Beach: A Sonnet in the Sands, “Is a poetic love letter to Island Beach’s 3,000 acres and an important historical document on the march of time through the sands – from Lenni Lenape foraging and fishing to shipwrecks, Henry W. Phipps Jr., “Sedge House,” beach shacks, and even a WWII secret project.”
Gordon Hesse, raised in Roselle Park and Lavallette, New Jersey, is a public relations specialist, communications consultant, author, and longtime member of the Delaware Press Association.
There is no admission charge. Refreshments will be served. The Ocean County Historical Society is located at 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ. Call 732-341-1880 for reservations.
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Sunday, May 6 - Westampton, Burlington County
Oney Judge – Runaway Slave of Martha Washington
Oney Judge was a dower slave owned by the estate of Martha Washington’s first husband. When Oney discovered that she was to be a wedding present for Martha’s granddaughter, she planned her escape. Hear the tale of Oney’s flight to New Hampshire and freedom as portrayed by Alexandra Ford of the American Historical Theatre on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.
Admission is $10 per person. Seating is limited; prepaid reservations are required to guarantee seating. 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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Oney Judge was a dower slave owned by the estate of Martha Washington’s first husband. When Oney discovered that she was to be a wedding present for Martha’s granddaughter, she planned her escape. Hear the tale of Oney’s flight to New Hampshire and freedom as portrayed by Alexandra Ford of the American Historical Theatre on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.Admission is $10 per person. Seating is limited; prepaid reservations are required to guarantee seating. 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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