NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 4/27/19

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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Friday - Sunday, April 26 - 28 - Paterson, Passaic County
Victorian Tea

From Friday through Sunday, the Passaic County Historical Society will host its annual Victorian Tea fundraiser at Lambert Castle, home of the Passaic County Historical Society. Enjoy an afternoon of tea and conversation in the historic atmosphere of Passaic County’s only Victorian Castle. Two sessions are available each day at 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm. The Victorian Tea features freshly brewed tea and refreshments by Sally Lunn’s Tea House and musical entertainment by the Four Old Parts Barbershop Quartet.

Tickets for all sessions of the Victorian tea are $45 per guest. Please call 973-247-0085 ext. 201. Our reservation form is also available on our homepage at www.lambertcastle.org. Seating for each session is limited and reservations are required. Please be advised that some sessions sell out sooner than others.

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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Saturday, April 27 - Franklin Township, Somerset County
George Washington Remembers NJ

David Emerson has been embodying George Washington in New Jersey and elsewhere for many years. The expertise and ease in his portrayal creates a strong illusion of stepping back into the 18th century and actually meeting the General. This has been the case at Rockingham, several times in the past, most recently in the fall of 2017.

On Saturday at 1:30 pm in the Dutch barn at Rockingham, Mr. Emerson returns once again to present "George Washington Remembers New Jersey." Washington was no stranger to New Jersey. From Trenton to Princeton to Morristown to Monmouth to Middlebrook, (and more-Rockingham!), the General spent more time here than in any other state. Join General Washington as he reminisces about his brightest and darkest moments during the battles and encampments of the "Cockpit of the Revolution." In this presentation, participants will learn more about New Jersey's role in the American Revolution from the perspective of George Washington. Refreshments will be available after the presentation and reservations are Strongly Suggested. Please call 609-683-7132.

Rockingham is located at 84 Laurel Avenue, Kingston-Rocky Hill Rd. (Rte. 603) in Franklin Township, 1 mile north of Rte. 27 in Kingston, and 1 mile south of Rte. 518 in Rocky Hill. For more information, call 609-683-7132 or visit www.rockingham.net.

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Saturday, April 27 - Hammonton, Burlington County
Vintage “Base Ball” Game at Historic Batsto Village
Children Friendly

The boys of summer - actually in the tradition of the boys of many summers ago - will take to the diamond at Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest on Saturday for the third annual Vintage Base Ball game.

The game begins at 12:00 noon and there is no admission fee. Playing this year will be the Hoboken Nine versus the Bog Brandywine. The teams are part of the Vintage Base Ball Association, a Columbus, Ohio-based organization founded in 1996 which includes more than 200 teams from around the U.S. The mission of the VBBA is to promote the games of “Base Ball” as it was known - and played - during the sports’ formative years in the 19th century.

At the April game at Batsto, players - sometimes called ballists - will wear reproduction period uniforms which will consist of either a long trouser and shield shirt or a later-style lace shirt and knickers.

The teams will recreate the game based on rules and research of the how the sport was played during the various decades of the mid-tolate 1800’s. Playing on open grass fields or modern baseball diamonds, vintage baseball is a growing pastime with thousands of participants playing at open-air museums like Batsto, special tournament re-enactments, and city parks.

Many teams that are VBBA members have been playing since the 1980’s and choose to play the game based on rules from the 1850’s through the 1880’s and note that proper rules interpretation is one of the most important aspects of the newfangled old sport.

Both baseball aficionados and those with casual interest in the sport will find the considerable differences between the mid-nineteenth century game and today’s baseball fascinating. At the vintage game, they have a chance to note how most ballists played bare-handed and fair or foul balls caught on one bound were considered outs. The sport evolved as experienced catchers in the 1860’s eschewed their raw handed play and donned buckskin gloves and the more skilled players always attempted to catch the ball “on the fly” and eventually the “bound” rule became unnecessary.

The game will be played at Batsto Village which was a former bog iron and glass-making industrial center from 1766 to 1867. The village consists of 33 original historic structures, including the Batsto Mansion, gristmill, sawmill, general store, worker’s homes, and post office.

Batsto is located in the Pinelands of Burlington County, South Jersey approximately 7 miles east of Hammonton on Route 542 and about 15 miles west of Exit 50 on the Garden State Parkway. Further information may be obtained by calling the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024 or visit www.batstovillage.org.

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Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, May 11 - Somers Point, Atlantic County
Dollhouse Donation and Open House

This dollhouse was enjoyed in the 1920s by Mary Suzanne Somers who was the daughter of the Somers Lumber Co. family, which later became the Atlantic City Lumber Co. The dollhouse was built by the employees of the lumber company for Suzanne, as she was called. It was donated to the Atlantic County Historical Society by Suzanne's two daughters.

There will be an open house for this dollhouse Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, May 11. Hours will be from 10:30 am - 3:00 pm both days at the Atlantic County Historical Society building located at 907 Shore Road, Somers Point, NJ. Vintage toys will also be on display. Light refreshment will be available, and there is no charge for this event.

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Saturday, April 27 - Roebling, Burlington County

10th Annual Car Show
Children Friendly Event and Site

The Roebling Museum is proud to announce its 10th Annual Car Show on Saturday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Antique fire trucks and safety vehicles, multiple food vendors and a variety of merchandise vendors will make this year’s event a treat for all who attend.

Teaming up again with the Movin’ on Kruzers car club to put on the show this year’s judges will award more than 70 trophies and specialty awards in all vehicle classes! Music throughout the day will be provided by Tom E. Tunes. A full day of family entertainment is planned, including tours of the museum and a gift shop featuring t-shirts, books and other Roebling Museum related memorabilia.

Included in the $5.00 Spectator admission to the show is access to the Roebling Museum which is dedicated to telling the story of John A. Roebling’s Sons Company, the village of Roebling, and the innovations and technological achievements of the family that changed the industrialized world. Children ages 12 and under get into the Car Show for FREE. Day-of-only show entry fee is $20 per participating vehicle. Classic and current fire, rescue and service vehicles welcome from all companies and collectors at no charge.

The Roebling Museum is located at 100 Second Avenue, Roebling, NJ. Ample parking is available in the Museum lot off Hornberger Avenue, adjacent to the Roebling River Line parking area. The River line has a Roebling stop just behind the museum. Visitors are encouraged to take the New Jersey Transit River Line to avoid traffic congestion. The museum is a short walk from the Roebling stop. Visitors are also encouraged not to park on 2nd Avenue on the residential side of the building. Rain date for this event is Sunday April 29, 2018. For more information, call 609-499-7200 or visit www.roeblingmuseum.org.

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Saturday, April 27 - Harmony Township, Warren County

Spring Open House
Children Friendly Event and Site

The Harmony Township Historical Society and the Historic Preservation Commission of Harmony Township invite the public to attend their annual Spring Open House at the historic VanNest-Hoff-Vannatta Farmstead on Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission is free. The farmstead is located at 3026 Belvidere Road, Route 519, just north of the Municipal Building in Harmony Township, NJ.

- Watch live fiber arts and craft demonstrations
- Children’s Activities
- Visit with Spruce Run State Park Naturalist
- Open Hearth Cooking in the Summer Kitchen
- War Reenactors

Come see the progress being made at the farmstead. The event will include tours of the circa 1750s main house, the restored wagon houses, and the one of a kind Dutch style barn. For more information, visit www.hoffvannattafarm.org.

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Saturday, April 27 - Haledon, Passaic County
Workers' Memorial Day

The general public is invited to the American Labor Museum's annual Workers' Memorial Day observance on Saturday at 1:00 pm. In addition to the traditional Candlelight vigil, Irwin Nack, Associate Professor of History (retired) at William Paterson University, will discuss "The Trump Program verses a Pro-Labor Agenda."

The Botto House National Landmark, home of the American Labor Museum, is located at 83 Norwood Street, Haledon, NJ. It was the meeting place for over 20,000 silk mill workers during the 1913 Paterson Silk Strike. The museum offers a free lending library, restored period rooms, changing exhibits, museum Store, old world gardens, educational programs and special events. The museum’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm and by appointment. For more information, call 973-595-7953, e-mail labormuseum@gmail.com, or visit www.labormuseum.net.

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Saturday, April 27 - Montague, Sussex County
Spring Fling

The Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History (M.A.R.C.H.) is pleased to welcome the public to celebrate with M.A.R.C.H. and the Montague Grange at our annual Spring Fling event. In collaboration with the Montague Grange, the historic Foster Armstrong house will be open for house tours and old-fashioned craft demonstrations during the Spring Fling event on Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

The Foster-Armstrong House, circa 1790, a two story Dutch colonial, is located on SC521/ 320 River Road, about 1 mile north of the Milford/Montague Bridge. It is listed on the State Historic Register of NJ and is a National Historic Register Site. Ten rooms are set up with local history displays in each room. Rooms contain an original bee hive oven, native Indian artifacts, Duke Mortimer's Dramatic Art Workshop collection, a military room, a quilt room and to scale model covered bridges of the northeast United States.

Study displays and pictures of many treasured Montague sites from the past, examine the life a small Civil War era camp on the front lawn or sit for a spell during a chair caning demonstration. Learn about the tools used for spring planting and study the quilting, weaving and sewing techniques used on the original homesteads. Don’t miss the National Park Service exhibit for more services and attractions as well.

After your tour is finished, visit our friends just up the road at the Montague Grange for agricultural attractions and children’s games celebrating another beautiful spring! The Montague Grange Hall is located on 280 River Road, a few blocks north of the Foster Armstrong House. This year the Montague Grange is hosting a vast free seed exchange with 1000’s of heritage and heirloom seeds! There will also be plants, crafts, activities and much more available!

The Foster-Armstrong House is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/MontagueNJHistory.

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Saturday, April 27 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Potato Planting
Children Friendly Event

On Saturday, Howell Living Farm invites the public to join forces with its staff and volunteers to plant a special crop of potatoes to be donated to the Greater Mercer Food Cooperative and other local hunger projects.

Visitors to the Farm can join the field crew, planting seed potatoes in furrows opened with horse drawn equipment between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

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, April 27 - North Plainfield, Somerset County

Vermeule Mansion Giant Yard Sale

Saturday from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm is your chance to find the perfect item for yourself, home or office at a great price! Come to our Giant Yard Sale, hosted by the Friends of Vermeule Mansion, Inc. (FOVM). All kind of items are being sold - from china, to kitchen appliances, clothing to home decor.

Hungry? Friends of Vermeule will have coffee and breakfast snacks and hot dogs for sale at lunch starting around 11:30 am. All proceeds go to help fund the historical and musical programs sponsored by the Friends of Vermeule Mansion, Inc. (FOVM). The Vermeule Mansion is located at 614 Greenbrook Road, North Plainfield, NJ. Rain Date: Sunday, April 28 at the same hours. Street parking available.

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Saturday, April 27 - Holmdel, Monmouth County

Cookstove Demonstration
Children Friendly Event

On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, to see what is cooking on the wood-fired stove. Discover how food, recipes, cooking techniques and the kitchen itself has changed since the 1890s.

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, April 27 - Greenwich, Cumberland County

Movie Night

Movie night will be held at 6:00 pm at the Warren and Reba Lummis Genealogical & Historical Library located at 981 Ye Greate Street, Greenwich, NJ. The film, The Red House, is from the novel written by George Agnew Chamberlain. Light refreshments will be served. Free admission! For more information, call 856-455-8580 or visit www.cchistsoc.org.

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Saturday, April 27 - Mr. Tabor, Morris County
Mt. Tabor's Tabernacle Swing

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Saturday, April 27 - Morristown, Morris County
Dig It! Beginners Archaeology
Children Friendly Program - Ages 7 - 11

Do you dream of finding an arrowhead in your backyard, becoming a famous archaeologist, or traveling the globe to find hidden treasures? Learn the basics of archaeology while discovering some treasure at Historic Speedwell. Ages 7 - 11. Preregistration is required. To register, call 973-285-6550.

The program runs from 2:00 - 4:00 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.

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Saturday, April 27 - Morris Township, Morris County
Born to Be Shorn
Children Friendly Event and Site

On Saturday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township join a fun and unique experience of turning fleece into woolen fiber. Watch a live sheep shearing as it was done in the past without electricity, enjoy hands-on activities, such as weaving, spinning, and crafting. Meet the cute baby lambs and tour The Willows.

Admission: $8 for adults; $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children ages 3 – 16. FREE for children under age 3. Friends members half price with a current membership card. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-326-7645 or visit www.morrisparks.net.

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Saturday, April 27 - Cape May, Cape May County
Underground Railroad Trolley Tour

On Saturday at 10:15 am, join the Center for Community Arts' (CCA) Community History Committee on a trolley tour of the places where escaped slaves sought refuge and help to continue their journeys to freedom. Hear the stories and visit some of the places connected with the Underground Railroad, including: a look at the Owen Coachman House; a walk in a historic cemetery where our earliest free Black settlers are buried; and a glimpse of the summer home of Stephen Smith, a leading businessman, abolitionist and unsung hero of the Underground Railroad. Learn how Harriet Tubman found Cape May as a resource for earning money to fund her work. Board the trolley at the Washington Street Mall information booth at Ocean Street for this 2-hour tour. Admission is $25 per adult. 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, April 27 - 28 - Cape May, Cape May County
Welcome to Cape May Trolley Tour

This tour is designed for the first-time visitor to Cape May who wants a quick introduction to the many cultural, historical, and natural attractions on the island. From Cape May Harbor to Sunset Beach, tourgoers will learn all they need to know to make the most of their Cape May visit. Tours begin and end at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth.

Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $8. Tours on Saturday at 12:45 and 3:15 pm and Sunday at 12:15 and 2:45 pm. 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 - Sunday, April 27 - 28 - Lower Township, Cape May County
Climb the Cape May Lighthouse
Children Friendly

On Saturday, the Cape May Lighthouse, Oil House and Museum Shop reopens for the season. The lighthouse is an 1859 structure with 199 steps to the watch gallery for a panoramic view of the Jersey Cape and Atlantic Ocean. For those who choose not to climb, the Oil House contains a fully-accessible Visitors' Orientation Center and a Museum Shop stocked with maritime accessories and lighthouse memorabilia. Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Saturday. Cape May Point State Park is located in Lower Township, NJ. Admission to the Visitors' Orientation Center and the ground floor of the lighthouse is free. Tower admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 3-12). 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, April 27 - 28 - 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. Tours will be at 11:15 am and 12:30 pm on Saturday and 12:30, 1:45, and 3:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is $15 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 - Sunday, April 27 - 28 - Cape May, Cape May County
Physick Estate Scavenger Hunt
Family Friendly

Have an adventure the whole family will enjoy at the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate! Use our map to explore the grounds and find the answers to questions about the Physick family and life in Victorian times on this educational scavenger hunt. Turn in your answer sheet at the Carriage House Museum Shop and receive a prize!

$5 includes map and clues. Maps and clues available at the Hill House office or the Carriage House Visitors Center at the Emlen Physick Estate. The Emlem Physick Estate is located at 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 - Sunday, April 27 - 28 - Cape May, Cape May County
Cape May Historic District Trolley Tour

Enjoy a 45 minute guided tour with entertaining and enlightening stories about the nation's oldest seaside resort and how it survived. Accessible trolley available with advance notification. Tours begin and end at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth.

Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $8. Tours on Saturday at 10:30 am, 11:45 am, 1:15 pm, and 2:30 pm and Sunday at 11:45 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:15 pm. 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 - Sunday, April 27 - 28 - 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, 27 - 28 - Lambertville, Hunterdon County
Shad Fest
Children Friendly Event

On Saturday and Sunday, celebrate the annual return of the shad to Lambertville. In its 38th year, the Shad Festival has evolved from a local art show into a nationally recognized award-winning event. Shad Fest features the area's finest artists and crafters, great food, live music from local bands, and family entertainment, but the two-day extravaganza also serves as a venue for local non-profit organizations to raise necessary operating funds. The festival will run from 12:30 - 5:30 pm each day, rain or shine. There will be over eighty arts and crafters, a food court, face painting, cotton candy, sand art, and other children’s activities. For more information, visit www.shadfest.com.

The Lambertville Historical Society will offer walking tours of Lambertville on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Saturday’s tour is geared toward children while Sunday’s will be a traditional tour. The tour starts at the Marshall House, 60 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ. This is a 60 to 90 minute tour that focuses on architecture and social history. Suggested donation is $5 but members are free. For more information about the tours, e-mail info@LambertvilleHistoricalSociety.org or call 609-397-0770.

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Saturday - Sunday, 27 - 28 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Wool Days Spring Festival Celebration
Children Friendly Event & Site

For more than 400 years, the arrival of spring in Monmouth County has been celebrated through community gatherings centered around the making of wool, and woolen textiles, from sheep. As both a matter of self-reliance and survival as well as a commercial venture, the role of domesticated sheep and wool-making in the 13 colonies was so important that the number of sheep in North America grew from 400 head in 1630 to more than 100,000 in just ten years.

The Monmouth County Historical Association, in partnership with the Monmouth County Park System, is continuing this seasonal tradition at the 2019 Wool Days, where families can enjoy an immersive experience and learn “by doing” how our ancestors made wool from sheep here in New Jersey in colonial times. Wool Days is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Holmdel Park, from 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm. All events are open to the public and admission is free.

Wool Days begins at Historic Longstreet Farm, where the resident sheep will be shorn of their winter coats, in the age-old springtime custom. Following demonstrations of canine shepherding skills and the techniques of veteran shearers, participants can take a wagon ride to the Holmes-Hendrickson House, built in 1754, located a half-mile away.

There, costumed interpreters will demonstrate spinning and weaving practices from the 18th century, while visitors can take a turn at the loom, pitch in and “card” recently cropped wool, and learn the art of indigo dyeing, creating a unique keepsake to take home. Docents will conduct tours of Holmes-Hendrickson House, a rare surviving example of Georgian and Dutch vernacular architecture that illustrates 18th century everyday farm life in Monmouth County.

Holmes-Hendrickson House is located at 62 Longstreet Road and Longstreet Farm at 44 Longstreet Road both in Holmdel, NJ. Wool Days activities at Holmes-Hendrickson House will take place rain or shine. Please check with Longstreet Farm, 732-946-3758, for any schedule changes there due to inclement weather.

Monmouth County Historical Association is a private non-profit organization that has been working to preserve history and provide educational opportunities since its founding in 1898. The Historical Association’s Museum and Library is located at 70 Court Street in Freehold, NJ. Museum hours are: Tuesdays - Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Library is open Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Historic House museums are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from May 1 through September 30, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For further information about the Association, call 732-462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory.org.

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Sunday, April 28 - Upper Freehold, Monmouth County
Cross Stitch Sampler

Eleven-year-old Elizabeth Waln Wistar, granddaughter of Richard and Elizabeth Waln of Walnford, created a beautifully executed cross stitch sampler in 1799. Now in a private collection, it has been meticulously recreated for us by award winning needle worker Elizabeth Dey. This afternoon she will explain what makes this sampler special, how she charted, then stitched this historical recreation and show how you can chart and stitch a sampler. This free program runs from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

While there, visit the 19th century gristmill and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road, 08501. For more information, call 609-259-6275 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.

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Sunday, April 28 - 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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Sunday, April 28 - Westampton, Burlington County
Mrs. Harker's Tea

The first published African-American poet and female published writer, Phillis Wheatley's life began in West Africa. Sold into slavery when only seven, she was bought by the affluent and well-connected Wheatley family of Boston. Mrs. Wheatley found the girl "uncommonly intelligent," educated Phillis and had her work inside the house. Through the Wheatleys she met Benjamin Franklin, attended balls, and wrote a poem for George Washington. The very talented Dr. Daisy Century will portray Phillis Wheatley. Tea, sandwiches, and cookies will be served. This is a seated buffet tea.

Program begins at 2:00 pm. Admission is $20 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 register, call 609-267-6996, e-mail colonialdamesnj@comcast.net, or visit www.colonialdamesnj.org.

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Sunday, April 28 - Bridgewater, Somerset County
Somerset County Historical Society Walking Tour

The next walking tour sponsored by the Somerset County Historical Society will be held on Saturday. If you've missed the other three tours, we tour the protected property behind the Van Veghten House. During the tour, we will mainly be enjoying the beauty that lies behind the house and then also talking about how the land was used over the past 400 years. The tour will start at 2:00 pm, but if you'd like to join us for some coffee and donuts at 1:30 pm before we start, we'd love to have you. The tour will end approximately 3:00 pm. Meet at the front of The Van Veghten House, 9 Van Veghten Drive, Bridgewater, NJ.

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Sunday, April 28 - Westfield, Union County
Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival
Children Friendly Event

Springtime on an early American farm was the real beginning of the new year, the time when the cycle of seasons began. It brought numerous outdoor chores after the long winter – preparing the fields, building fences, early planting… and sheep shearing. On Sunday, follow the sounds of sheep bleating to the Sheep to Shawl Festival at the Miller-Cory House Museum.

The process of sheep shearing will be demonstrated by a master shearer, using hand shears as was done in early America. The process of turning wool into cloth will continue with demonstrations of spinning and weaving. Visitors may also watch the performance of 18th century farm tasks such as wash day and soap making. Children can enjoy various crafts. An herb sale and a bake sale will be conducted. Free refreshments will be served.

The museum will be open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and includes tours of the fully restored circa 1740 farmhouse museum. Admission is $4 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 3-12, and free age 2 and younger. The Miller-Cory House Museum is located at 614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield, NJ. For more information, call 908-232-1776, e-mail millercorymuseum@gmail.com, or visit www.millercoryhouse.com.

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Sunday, April 28 - Montclair, Essex County
Rosedale Cemetery Tour

Founded over 175 years ago, Rosedale Cemetery marked the beginning of a new movement in how America took care of its deceased. We’ll venture into the new section for this guided tour, discussing grave imagery as well as the people who are buried there. Led by Executive Director Jane Eliasof. Admission is $10 per person, registration required. Call 973-744-1796 or send a note to mail@montclairhistorical.org. Tour begins at 1:30 pm at the Rosedale Chapel for a brief introduction. The address is 408 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ. Carpooling is suggested due to limited parking on site. Tour is about 2 miles of walking. For more information, call 973-744-1796 or visit www.montclairhistory.org.

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Sunday, April 28 - Maplewood, Essex County
Shuttles, Spindles, and Flyer Wheels

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Sunday, April 28 - Princeton, Mercer County
Princeton Battlefield Tours Begin
Children Friendly Event

The annual Princeton Battlefield tour program, sponsored by the Princeton Battlefield Society and guided by certified Historical Interpreters, will begin on Sunday. There will be 12 scheduled dates in 2019, ending on October 20. Information, tour dates, and tour registration are available on the Society’s website, www.pbs1777.org.

As Turner Lee Wilkerson of the Ohio Sons of American Revolution observed following a 2018 battlefield tour, “Standing in the shoes of our patriot ancestors is the only way to grasp the events of our history and the achievements of our ancestors.”

“Our comprehensive tour program began in 2018 with a grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust’s Discover NJ History License Plate Fund for Heritage Tourism,” explained Roger Williams, coordinator of Historical Interpreters. “While these bi-monthly tours end in October, our premier educational program, the Real Time Tour, will occur in December, near the January 3 anniversary of the Battle.”

Each tour provides opportunities to learn first-hand about the battlefield landscape and the American army’s victory at Princeton on January 3, 1777 that climaxed the “ten crucial days” of the Revolutionary War. “Our Historical Interpreters walk the field and explain the events that unfolded on the hallowed battlefield. We love telling the story and encourage questions,” added Williams. A tour package of information, including the Society’s “Battle of Princeton” brochure, is available to all attendees.

The 2019 program continues to be partially funded by the New Jersey Historic Trust’s 2018 grant and by members of the Princeton Battlefield Society. For more information, visit www.pbs1777.org.

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Sunday, April 28 - Sparta, Sussex County

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Sunday, April 28 - Allendale, Bergen County
John Fell’s Arrest Reenacted

Join the Friends of the Fell House as we host a day of free history and Earth Day oriented events. At 12:30 and 2:30 pm, the Heard’s Brigade will reenact John Fell’s historic arrest by the British Loyalists on April 22, 1777 and explain its significance. Eighteenth Century Country dancers will perform and give dance lessons in period correct costumes! There will also be colonial history activities and Earth Day activities throughout the day.

Hours for the event at 11:30 am - 3:30 pm. The John Fell House is located at 475 Franklin Turnpike Allendale, NJ. For more information, call 201-760-0804 or visit www.johnfellhouse.org.

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Sunday, April 28 - Morristown, Morris County
Curator’s Tour at Macculloch Hall

Join guest curator Alfred Giraldi on Sunday at 2:00 pm for a guided tour of Anchors Aweigh: Macculloch Hall and U.S. Naval History.

The Navy has played a significant role in the Macculloch family’s history. A grandson of George and Louisa Macculloch, Henry William Miller (1836-1904), a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1853, served on the USS Mohican at the battle of Port Royal and participated in the blockade of Charleston, South Carolina during the Civil War. He resigned from the Navy in 1866 with the rank of lieutenant commander.

Henry’s younger brother, Jacob William Miller (1847-1918), graduated the Naval Academy in 1867. As a lieutenant, he was sent to Nicaragua to explore a possible canal route, and in 1877 he served on the USS Vandalia where he was assigned to escort President Grant and his wife on their tour of the Mediterranean. He later helped found the New York State Naval Reserve and became its commodore.

After purchasing Macculloch Hall in 1949, W. Parsons Todd (1877-1976) added many items related to the Navy to its collection. This interest may have sparked by the memory of his uncle, Henry Davis Todd (1838-1907), who graduated the Naval Academy with Henry William Miller and served with him on the USS Minnesota during its cruise to China.

This naval tradition is part of Morristown’s history. In a speech given by Jacob William Miller at Macculloch Hall for the first meeting of the Admiral Radford Section of the Navy League in 1906, he declared that “if a circle of less than one mile were described around the place we are now sitting, it would embrace the homes, or former residences, of over 40 naval officers who have lived among us.”

The tour is FREE with museum admission and for members. Admission is $8, Adults; $6, Seniors and Students; $4, Children 6-12; and free for Members and children under 5. Macullouch Hall is located at 45 MacCulloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-538-2404 or visit www.maccullochhall.org.

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Through Sunday, May 12, 2019 - East Amwell, Hunterdon County

Florence Moonan Exhibit
Family Friendly

Florence Moonan is a New Jersey artist who is passionate about painting and music. When she was a child growing up in Lambertville, her heart was set on performing, but a set of acrylics gifted from her dad redirected her focus and she began painting at home while raising four children. Today, her home and studio are located in Stockton.

She was employed at The College of New Jersey (previously known as Trenton State College) over 30 years. During that time she began taking art courses through their tuition-waiver program. One semester she registered for a studio class with a remarkable professor who taught her to express her inner thoughts and emotions through color and texture. It was a revelation and she began working in an abstract manner. Using acrylic paints and mixed media, intuitive paintings began to spring up from bits and pieces from her memory. Family mementos, loss, travel, and above all, music, began to inform her work. It was a turning point. She was learning a new language. Today, she is known for colorful abstract venetian plaster paintings. Through this medium she learned to create bold new ways of mark making using metal scrapers and various tools. Visual surfaces of color and motion emerge after multiple layers of hand-tinted plaster were added and subtracted. The surfaces are hand burnished and the results produce a tactile texture as smooth as a stone tossed by the sea. Her paintings evoke a range of moods from playful to mysterious. A mystery waiting to be revealed to her and to be interpreted by the viewer.

Moonan advanced in her career at The College while continuing her studies and building a professional art portfolio. In December 2002 she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts summa cum laude. She retired in 2007 and began painting full time.

Her artwork was selected for the 2017-2018 New Jersey Emerging Artists Series at Monmouth Museum. Her paintings have been selected for numerous juried shows, invitationals, and group exhibitions throughout the United States including: D & R Greenway Land Trust (First Place Award); Phillips Mill, New Hope Arts Center, Prallsville Mills; Ellarslie at Trenton City Museum; 11th GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, (First Prize Award) Reading, PA; The Center for Contemporary Art, Bedminster, NJ; Hunterdon Art Museum, NJ; Maryland Federation of Art, MD; Chautauqua Institution, NY, and the Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Commission’s Invitational Biennial.

The East Amwell Historical Society will present the Florence Moonan Exhibit at the East Amwell Museum 1053 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ. The opening reception will be held on Friday, April 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Admission to the East Amwell Museum and exhibit will be free and open to the public on weekends from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The exhibit will be on display from April 6 through May 12, 2019. For more information, visit www.eastamwellhistory.org.

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Through June 2019 - Ocean Township, Monmouth County
"Wet as the Atlantic Ocean: Prohibition in New Jersey”

The 18th Amendment—the measure that made the manufacture, sale, or transport of alcoholic beverages a federal offense for the 13 years, 10 months, 19 days, and 17 hours of Prohibition—was repealed in 1933. It is the only Constitution Amendment ever to be undone. And its doing and undoing were the results of a tug-of-war between the “Wets” and the “Drys” that played out across the country.

A new exhibit opening to the public Sunday, in the Richmond Gallery of the Eden Woolley House reveals where New Jersey stood in that tug-of-war. “Wet as the Atlantic Ocean: Prohibition in NJ” brings the debates, glamour, and violence of the Roaring Twenties home.

How did it happen?
The prohibition debate had been argued across the country for nearly a century before the 18th Amendment outlawed alcohol nationwide. Maine passed the first state prohibition law in 1846 and by the Civil War, several other states had followed suit.

So what happened in the first decades of the next century to elevate debate into a campaign for a Constitutional Amendment—that took the fight national?

• Drunkenness was a real problem. The proliferation of saloons fueled a drinking culture, and between 1900 and 1913, beer and alcohol consumption soared. Women and families suffered.
• Women had been campaigning for abstinence since the early 1800s, By the turn of the century they were finding their voice, stridently advocating for the vote-— and increasingly for prohibition. Organizations like the Women’s Christian Temperance Union were gaining ground.
• Many Americans felt threatened by the influx of immigrants whose cultural norms around alcohol threatened prevailing white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant values.
• On the global scene, the unthinkable carnage of the First World War and the alarming success of the Russian Revolution fueled a nostalgic longing for control and order.

Under these conditions, pro-prohibition sentiment grew. By 1919 more than half the country lived in dry states, counties, or towns. If the 18th Amendment were to be passed, it needed to happen before the 1920 census, the results of which would give greater power to the anti-prohibition cities.

The last state to Ratify
Ours was the last state to ratify the 18th amendment and it did so in 1922, two years after the measure was in effect. (Rhode Island and Connecticut never ratified.) We fought Prohibition in court. New Jersey joined Rhode Island in a losing challenge before the Supreme Court (1920). And we were back in 1931, when the Supreme Court overruled a New Jersey federal judge’s decision invalidating the 18th Amendment.

New Jersey’s Resistance
It’s no surprise, then, that Prohibition enforcement in New Jersey was lax. Local fishermen and boaters shuttled bootlegged liquor to shore from rum-running ships lined up just outside the legal limit. Speakeasies thrived with little risk of raid. The state underfunded enforcement. Corruption was rampant. Local police turned a blind eye. Even the teetotaling and incorruptible Ira Reeves, the man put in charge of federal enforcement in New Jersey, resigned after eight months and took up the anti-Prohibition cause!

This exhibit runs through June 2019. 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 June 2019 - Morristown, Morris County
Iconic Culture: From Little Black Dress to Bell Bottoms

Morris County Historical Society’s upcoming exhibit, Iconic Culture: From Little Black Dress to Bell Bottoms, promises to be a one-stop spot for a stroll down memory lane.

From the timeless designs of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel to the trend-setting bell bottoms of Sonny and Cher, MCHS explores more than 50 years of cultural history through a retrospective featuring nearly 100 pieces from its historic textile collection. Iconic Culture will examine how changes in clothing styles mirrored the social climate of their time and the seminal moments and people who defined their decade – with a focus on New Jersey history.

In addition to the fashions, Iconic Culture will highlight cultural milestones in local, state, and national history that coincided with the Roaring 20s, Great Depression, World War II, Civil Rights Movement, and Vietnam Era.

This multimedia exhibit features music, television shows, and radio broadcasts. Visitors will also have an opportunity to share personal recollections about significant events, such as the assassination of President Kennedy.

The exhibit is available through Sunday, June 16, 2019. Morris County Historical Society is located at Acorn Hall, 68 Morris Avenue, Morristown, NJ and is open Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11:000 am - 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Admission, which includes the exhibits and landscaped grounds, is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for students, and is free for children under 12 and MCHS members. For more information, call 973-267-3465 or visit www.MorrisCountyHistory.org.

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Through Sunday, November 3 - Cape May, Cape May County
The Iconic Cape May Lighthouse Exhibit
Family Friendly

Illuminating the darkness over the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay for 160 years, Cape May’s lighthouse is the third beacon to guide mariners through the tumultuous waters at the confluence of the ocean and bay. Memories and historic images abound, from the keepers who dedicated their lives to maintaining the light, the MAC preservationists who restored it, and all those who’ve relied upon it for more than a century and a half.

This exhibit will be held at the Carroll Gallery on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission to the exhibit is free. Visit www.capemaymac.org/carriage-house-hours for exhibit hours. The Emlem Physick Estate is located at 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. 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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Through November 11, 2019 - Woodbury, Gloucester County
War to End Wars: Centennial of WWI & Veterans’ Day

War to End Wars: Centennial of WWI & Veterans’ Day, our new exhibit at the Gloucester County Historical Society Museum, honors the centennial of World War I and its veterans. Come view uniforms worn by local, youthful doughboys as well as original liberty bond and enlistment posters carefully preserved by our librarians for over one hundred years! The exhibit also honors veterans of all wars since World War I as Americans now celebrate the day the war ended as Veterans’ Day. The exhibit is now open and will run through Veterans’ Day. The exhibit will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The museum is also open on the last Sunday of each month September through April from 2:00 - 5:00 pm as well as Saturdays April 6 and May 4 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. 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 2019 - Ridgewood, Bergen County
Here Comes The Bride - Chronicling Two Hundred Years of Wedding Customs & Traditions

Something old. Something new. Something borrowed. Something blue. Tossing the bouquet. Bride and Groom cake toppers. Putting a sixpence in your shoe. Where did these traditions originate? Why do we still honor them today? Please join us as we walk down the aisle and trace the history of Ridgewood’s wedding traditions.

The Schoolhouse Museum celebrates the opening of its current featured exhibit “Here Comes The Bride - Chronicling Two Hundred Years of Wedding Customs & Traditions.” This new exhibit features items dating from 1789-1989, showcasing many beautiful wedding gowns from the museum's collection - some of which have never been on exhibit before.

While at the museum, see the curio cabinet exhibit “50 Small Things with Big Histories.” The exhibits are open until December 2019 and are free to the public with donations suggested at the door. Museum hours are Thursdays and Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm and Sundays from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

The Schoolhouse Museum is a historic one-room schoolhouse in Ridgewood, New Jersey, originally built in 1872, that has been turned into a gallery space which now houses the Ridgewood Historical Society. Entirely volunteer-run, the non-profit Historical Society presents annual exhibits, events and workshops in a community that values education, family and local and national history. The museum is located at 650 E Glen Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ.

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Through June 28, 2020 - Piscataway, Middlesex County
Mid-Century New Jersey Exhibit

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

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