NJ Labor Day Weekend Historical Happenings: 9/1/18 - 9/3/18
New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings
A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com
Want to submit an event? Use our event submission form.
Saturday, September 1 - 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.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, September 1 - Toms River, Ocean County
Antiques and Collectibles Faire
Celebrate Labor Day with your family and friends at the Ocean County Historical Society's Antiques and Collectibles Faire on Saturday on the grounds surrounding the museum on 26 Hadley Avenue and the Ocean County Parking Garage on Madison Avenue in Toms River, NJ from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Join the fun as you shop for antiques and collectibles as well as items crafted by a local wool spinner, basket maker, and decoy carver. Buy a 50-50 raffle ticket sponsored by OCHS.
History buffs will be thrilled to know that they can chat with Civil War reenactors who make history come alive. Children are welcome to participate in games and crafts of the Civil War era. Families may visit the medical tent and learn more about the work of the full Union surgeon, carrying the rank of major, who will display surgical, dental, and other medical instruments and explain where the full surgeon worked during the Civil War.
The Artists' Garden and Music Garden will feature the fine arts. Several NJ authors will have their latest books available for sale and signing on the grounds. There will be food vendors and delicious baked goods made by OCHS volunteers. Other Historical Society volunteers will be selling OCHS publications, used books, genealogical research booklets, and interesting antiques. There's a treasure for everyone! Tour the OCHS museum and its current exhibitions. The event will be held rain or shine! For more information, visit www.oceancountyhistory.org.
-----------------------------------
24th Annual Tewksbury Flea Market
The Tewksbury Historical Society is hosting its 24th annual Flea Market, which is one of its main fundraisers, on Saturday, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Johnson Family/Cedar Lane Farm Field located ½ mile north of the village of Oldwick on County Route 517. The rain date will be Sunday, September 2. This is one of the largest flea markets in New Jersey on Labor Day weekend. There will be 113 vendors in attendance; all vendor spaces were sold out in mid-July. Last year saw over 1,200 people in attendance. There will be a $1/car suggested donation, collected at the exit. Vendors will display old and new items of all types including antiques, toys and collectibles, farm fresh produce, household items, and more. New this year is the Whitehouse First Aid & Rescue Squad serving breakfast and lunch for sale to raise funds for their organization. Admission to the Flea Market is $2 per car, collected at the exit. Early birds can gain admission from 7:00 am - 8:00 a.m. at a cost of $10 per person. Early Birds should enter the site via Homestead Road. The Tewksbury Historical Society booth has an eclectic mix of multiple items, all donated by Society members and residents of Tewksbury. All proceeds benefit the Society's building fund.
The Tewksbury Flea Market is easily accessible off Exit 24 of the Interstate 78. Following the signs for Oldwick/County Route 523/517 north or from Route 206 south from Chester. For more information, contact the Tewksbury Historical Society at 908-832-6734 or visit www.tewksburyhistory.net.
-----------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, September 1 - Toms River, Ocean County
Antiques and Collectibles Faire
Celebrate Labor Day with your family and friends at the Ocean County Historical Society's Antiques and Collectibles Faire on Saturday on the grounds surrounding the museum on 26 Hadley Avenue and the Ocean County Parking Garage on Madison Avenue in Toms River, NJ from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Join the fun as you shop for antiques and collectibles as well as items crafted by a local wool spinner, basket maker, and decoy carver. Buy a 50-50 raffle ticket sponsored by OCHS.
History buffs will be thrilled to know that they can chat with Civil War reenactors who make history come alive. Children are welcome to participate in games and crafts of the Civil War era. Families may visit the medical tent and learn more about the work of the full Union surgeon, carrying the rank of major, who will display surgical, dental, and other medical instruments and explain where the full surgeon worked during the Civil War.
The Artists' Garden and Music Garden will feature the fine arts. Several NJ authors will have their latest books available for sale and signing on the grounds. There will be food vendors and delicious baked goods made by OCHS volunteers. Other Historical Society volunteers will be selling OCHS publications, used books, genealogical research booklets, and interesting antiques. There's a treasure for everyone! Tour the OCHS museum and its current exhibitions. The event will be held rain or shine! For more information, visit www.oceancountyhistory.org.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, September 1 - Tewksbury, Hunterdon County
The Tewksbury Historical Society is hosting its 24th annual Flea Market, which is one of its main fundraisers, on Saturday, from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Johnson Family/Cedar Lane Farm Field located ½ mile north of the village of Oldwick on County Route 517. The rain date will be Sunday, September 2. This is one of the largest flea markets in New Jersey on Labor Day weekend. There will be 113 vendors in attendance; all vendor spaces were sold out in mid-July. Last year saw over 1,200 people in attendance. There will be a $1/car suggested donation, collected at the exit. Vendors will display old and new items of all types including antiques, toys and collectibles, farm fresh produce, household items, and more. New this year is the Whitehouse First Aid & Rescue Squad serving breakfast and lunch for sale to raise funds for their organization. Admission to the Flea Market is $2 per car, collected at the exit. Early birds can gain admission from 7:00 am - 8:00 a.m. at a cost of $10 per person. Early Birds should enter the site via Homestead Road. The Tewksbury Historical Society booth has an eclectic mix of multiple items, all donated by Society members and residents of Tewksbury. All proceeds benefit the Society's building fund.
The Tewksbury Flea Market is easily accessible off Exit 24 of the Interstate 78. Following the signs for Oldwick/County Route 523/517 north or from Route 206 south from Chester. For more information, contact the Tewksbury Historical Society at 908-832-6734 or visit www.tewksburyhistory.net.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, September 1 - Morris Township, Morris County
Explore the Farm Wagon Ride
Children Friendly Event and Site
Enjoy a leisurely open-air wagon ride at Fosterfields Living History Farm on Saturday around the historic farm and visit the animals, too! 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 $2for 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.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, September 1 - Morristown, Morris County
Go With The Flow!
Children Friendly Event & Site
Streams provided an important water supply to farms. On Saturday at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, follow a stream to see where it goes and what life it sustains with a guide. One hour programs at 1:00 and 2:00 pm.
Admission: $6/adult, $5/senior (65+), $4/child (ages 4 -16), $2/child (2 and 3). FREE for children under age 2 and Friends members, with a current membership card. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ. For more information, visit www.morrisparks.net.
-----------------------------------
Explore the Farm Wagon Ride
Children Friendly Event and Site
Enjoy a leisurely open-air wagon ride at Fosterfields Living History Farm on Saturday around the historic farm and visit the animals, too! 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 $2for 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.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, September 1 - Morristown, Morris County
Go With The Flow!
Children Friendly Event & Site
Streams provided an important water supply to farms. On Saturday at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, follow a stream to see where it goes and what life it sustains with a guide. One hour programs at 1:00 and 2:00 pm.
Admission: $6/adult, $5/senior (65+), $4/child (ages 4 -16), $2/child (2 and 3). FREE for children under age 2 and Friends members, with a current membership card. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ. For more information, visit www.morrisparks.net.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, September 1 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Plowing Match
Children Friendly Site
Howell Living History Farm will hold its Annual Plowing Match on Saturday and the public is invited to watch and participate in the event, which features old-fashioned plowing and log pulling competitions, a craft and pony rides for children, and lots of food, music and old fashioned fun.
A dozen teams of draft animals from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York are entered in the match, which tests the performance of farmers, their horses and oxen, and their plows as they turn furrows. Judging will take place from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon. Winners of the Fine Plowing Class will receive trophies, ribbons and cash prizes.
Members of the general public aged 16 and older can try their hand at plowing in the Visitor Plowing event. Winners receive ribbons.
Sheep, chickens and pigs can be seen in the farmyard area all day.
Beginning at 12:00 noon, hungry plowers and visitors can lunch on roast pork sandwiches, a chicken BBQ, Kosher franks and Howell Farm potatoes and sweet corn. Noontime festivities will include music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, door prizes, and plowing award presentations.
After the plowing competition, visitors can watch as teamsters use their animals to navigate an obstacle course. Cash prizes for professional classes are furnished by the Friends of Howell Farm, and made possible through donations.
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.
-----------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------
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. 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.
-----------------------------------
Plowing Match
Children Friendly Site
Howell Living History Farm will hold its Annual Plowing Match on Saturday and the public is invited to watch and participate in the event, which features old-fashioned plowing and log pulling competitions, a craft and pony rides for children, and lots of food, music and old fashioned fun.
A dozen teams of draft animals from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York are entered in the match, which tests the performance of farmers, their horses and oxen, and their plows as they turn furrows. Judging will take place from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon. Winners of the Fine Plowing Class will receive trophies, ribbons and cash prizes.
Members of the general public aged 16 and older can try their hand at plowing in the Visitor Plowing event. Winners receive ribbons.
Sheep, chickens and pigs can be seen in the farmyard area all day.
Beginning at 12:00 noon, hungry plowers and visitors can lunch on roast pork sandwiches, a chicken BBQ, Kosher franks and Howell Farm potatoes and sweet corn. Noontime festivities will include music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, door prizes, and plowing award presentations.
After the plowing competition, visitors can watch as teamsters use their animals to navigate an obstacle course. Cash prizes for professional classes are furnished by the Friends of Howell Farm, and made possible through donations.
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.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, September 1 - 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.
-----------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------
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.
-----------------------------------
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. 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.
-----------------------------------
Saturday - Sunday, September 1 - 2 - Cape May, Cape May County
Emlen Physick Estate Tour
Family Friendly Tour
Take a guided tour of Cape May's Emlen Physick Estate, the magnificent Stick Style mansion attributed to renowned Victorian architect Frank Furness. A tour of the 15 beautifully restored rooms gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of this Victorian-era Cape May family. Physick Estate Tours take approximately 45 minutes and end with a visit to the 1876 Carriage House where you can see the current exhibit in the Carroll Gallery. The tour starts at 11:45 am and ends at approximately 12:30 pm. 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.
-----------------------------------
Emlen Physick Estate Tour
Family Friendly Tour
Take a guided tour of Cape May's Emlen Physick Estate, the magnificent Stick Style mansion attributed to renowned Victorian architect Frank Furness. A tour of the 15 beautifully restored rooms gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of this Victorian-era Cape May family. Physick Estate Tours take approximately 45 minutes and end with a visit to the 1876 Carriage House where you can see the current exhibit in the Carroll Gallery. The tour starts at 11:45 am and ends at approximately 12:30 pm. 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 - Sunday, September 1 - 2 - 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.
-----------------------------------
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, September 1 - 2 - Cape May, Cape May County
Hands-On History Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village
Children Friendly Event & Site
Two days of family-friendly, interactive and educational fun are planned for Historic Cold Spring Village’s ‘Hands-on History’ Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm. Children will be given a ‘Pastport’ at the start of their Village trip, which can be stamped at the buildings they visit after completing a take-home craft or activity, like writing with a quill pen, carding wool or making a pinch pot. Pastports can be redeemed at the Country Store for a free treat! The Family Activity Area will feature children’s dress-up clothes, historic games, and take-home crafts including corn husk dolls. Other family-friendly activities include nursery rhymes with Mother Goose, a seek and find, and live entertainment.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $14 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner's Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. For more information, call 609-898-2300, ext. 10, or visit www.hcsv.org.
-----------------------------------
Hands-On History Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village
Children Friendly Event & Site
Two days of family-friendly, interactive and educational fun are planned for Historic Cold Spring Village’s ‘Hands-on History’ Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm. Children will be given a ‘Pastport’ at the start of their Village trip, which can be stamped at the buildings they visit after completing a take-home craft or activity, like writing with a quill pen, carding wool or making a pinch pot. Pastports can be redeemed at the Country Store for a free treat! The Family Activity Area will feature children’s dress-up clothes, historic games, and take-home crafts including corn husk dolls. Other family-friendly activities include nursery rhymes with Mother Goose, a seek and find, and live entertainment.
The Village is located on Route 9, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $14 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner's Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. For more information, call 609-898-2300, ext. 10, or visit www.hcsv.org.
-----------------------------------