NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 9/28/19 - 9/29/19

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings
A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com
Want to submit an event? Use our event submission form.


Saturday, September 28 - Atlantic City, County
First Annual Pumpkin Patch at the Absecon Lighthouse
Children Friendly Event

Absecon Lighthouse will host North Beach Atlantic City’s First Annual Pumpkin Patch on Saturday from 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm, with a rain date of Sunday, September 29.

North Beach AC will host a fun-filled day offering free pumpkins and activities to the residents of Atlantic City, limiting one pumpkin per household with proof of residency.

The North Beach AC partners - Ocean Casino Resort, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, Steel Pier, Made Atlantic City Chocolate Bar, The Iron Room, Rhythm & Spirits, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Absecon Lighthouse, and Showboat Atlantic City - will also have a Pumpkin Contest via the North Beach AC Instagram page. For more information on North Beach AC’s Fall Festivities, visit www.AtlanticCityNorthBeach.com. The Absecon Lighthouse is located at 31 S. Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ.

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Saturday, September 28 - Mount Tabor, Morris County
Mount Tabor's 26th Annual Victorian House Tour

The Mount Tabor Historical Society's annual House Tour will take place on Saturday. The self-guided tour will be held rain or shine 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. 

This walkable tour of the Mount Tabor Historic District provides visitors an inside look at the unique charm of this historic community with more than 15 private houses, plus several historic buildings open to the public. Annual features include a furnished replica Camp Meeting Tent and the Richardson History House, a camp meeting cottage museum. Stop by the gift shop, which is stocked with Mount Tabor souvenirs and vintage items. For our visitors, lunches and beverages will be for sale. 


This event is the largest fundraiser for the Mount Tabor Historical Society. The non-profit organization puts all event proceeds back into the community through beautification, educational, and restoration projects, including the restoration of the Richardson History House.

Founded in 1869, the Mount Tabor Historic District embodies the distinctive characteristics of a permanent Methodist Camp Meeting Ground that evolved into a summer residential community. Particularly notable is the architecture of the early camp meeting Stick-Style and Gothic Revival-influenced cottages with their prominent steep gables, open porches and elaborate gingerbread embellishments.

Parking will be provided at the Mount Tabor School, located on Park Road, Morris Plains, off Route 53 (GPS: use 864 Park Road, Morris Plains, NJ) where a shuttle bus will be available for transport into the heart of Mount Tabor. Mount Tabor is located in Morris County along Route 53 between Denville and Morris Plains. Visitors who prefer mass transit can take the NJ Transit Morris & Essex line to the Mount Tabor stop.

Tickets can be purchased for $30 on the day of the tour or $25 in advance online. For advance tickets, information about the community, photos, and directions, visit www.www.mounttabornj.org or call 973-975-0001.

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Saturday, September 28 - Paterson, Passaic County
8th Annual Art in the Park
Children Friendly Event

Attention all ‘chalk’ artists! Help us celebrate National Public Lands Day with Art in the Park at Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park! Paterson artist Mohamed Khalil and the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park are hosting the eighth annual chalk art competition on Saturday from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The event will be held within view of the falls in Overlook Park.

The program at the Great Falls will help draw attention to the national park by using art to interpret its natural, historic, and cultural stories. Each artist will be given their own ‘canvas’ and use their creativity to tell a visual story about the park and the city of Paterson.

The rain date for this event is Saturday, October 5. If you have any questions you may contact Mohamed Khalil at mkart419@gmail.comPaterson Great Falls National Historical Park is located at 72 McBride Avenue, Paterson, NJ. For more information, call 973-523-2210 or visit www.nps.gov/pagr.

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Saturday, September 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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Saturday, September 28 - Morristown, Morris County
4th Annual Speedwell Games!
Children Friendly Event & Site

On Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, enjoy games, and play with toys that were used in the bygone era of the Vail Family.

Admission: $5/adult, $4/senior (65+), $3/child (ages 4 -16). FREE for children under age 4. 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, September 28 - Morristown, Morris County
Meet the Servants at the Willows and Wool for Kids
Children Friendly Event & Site

On Saturday at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, discover the life of domestic help at the Foster home on a guided tour. Assist the maid with household chores and see what the cook has prepared using the wood-burning stove. Two tours times available: 1:00 - 2:00 pm and 2:00 - 3:00 pm.

From 1:00 - 3:00 pm, learn about Fosterfields 100 years ago as you meet the sheep. Help clean, card, and spin wool. Try knitting, an important home-front activity that helped the troops during World War I.

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.

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Saturday, September 28 - Morristown, Morris County
Cards in the Parlor

Calling card game enthusiasts! Join us in the parlors of the historic Vail House on Saturday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm, and play rounds of Whist, Hearts, and Poker, all games played in the 19th century.

Admission: $5/adult, $4/senior (65+), $3/child (ages 4 -16). FREE for children under age 4. 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, September 28 - Delran, Burlington County
Delran History Day


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Saturday, September 28 - Sandy Hook, Monmouth County
Battery Potter Tours
Children Friendly Tour

Join a park ranger guided tour of Sandy Hook's oldest gun batteries. Completed in 1895 it was the first concrete disappearing gun battery built in the United States. This free tours begin at 1:00 pm and runs continuously until 4:30 pm. Battery Potter is located with the Fort Hancock Historic Post at Sandy Hook. Sandy Hook is part of Gateway National Recreation Area. For more information, call 732-872-5970 or visit www.nps.gov/gate.

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Saturday, September 28 - Plainfield, Union County
Tri-County History Fair


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Saturday, September 28 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Cookstove Demonstration
Children Friendly Event & Site

On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to see what is cooking on the woodstove in the out kitchen. Discover how food, receipts, cooking techniques, and the kitchen itself has changed since the 1890s. This free events run from 11:00 am - 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, September 28 - Cranbury, Middlesex County
Historic Cranbury, NJ House Tour


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Saturday, September 28 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County
Fall Craft Market
Children Friendly Site

Over 90 crafters, Allaire artisans, flowers, historic demonstrations, and more to kick off the holiday season in style!

Join us for our Fall Festival that includes a huge Craft Market and Historic Demonstrations throughout the village. Local artists will be demonstrating their work. Paintings, pottery, textiles, and more! We will have hearth cooking at the Manager's House, craft demonstrations at the Carpenter, Blacksmith, and Tinsmith shops! General Store, Bakery, Food Truck - Pilsen Gourmet and the Enameling Building Gift Shop will be open throughout the day!

Admission is $5 per adult, $3 children 2 - 12 years. Under 2 FREE! All proceeds of the day to benefit the educational programming at the Historic Village at Allaire! There are NO parking fees.

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, September 28 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Quilting  & Quilt Show
Children Friendly Event

On Saturday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, the Charles Fish Barn at Howell Living Farm will become a maze of colorful quilts during this not-to-be missed exhibit featuring antique and reproduction pieces on loan from area collectors. Throughout the day, visitors of all ages can experience the stages of quilt making from piecing scrap fabric on a treadle-type sewing machine to joining the Farm staff around an antique quilt frame.

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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Saturdays through September 28 - Byram Township, Sussex County
Summer at Waterloo
Family Friendly



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Saturday, September 28 - Cape May, Cape May County
Underground Railroad Trolley Tour

On Saturday at 10:00 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, September 28 - Cape May, Cape May County
Cape Mayhem & Victorian Oddities Trolley Tour

They Did What??!! Headless Photography? Electric Corsets? Coffin Torpedoes? Explore some of the strange beliefs, superstitions, oddities,  fads, curiosities, and mysteries from the end of the 19th century - the Victorian era - in this half hour trolley tour through the gaslit streets of Cape May. Hear stories from Cape May’s history that are bizarre, unexplained or just downright weird! This Saturday tour at 8:45 pm begins and ends at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street. Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $8. 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, September 28 - Cape May, Cape May County
Whalers Cottages at Batts Lane Self-guided Tour

On Saturday between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm, take a self-guided tour of two beautifully restored, historic cottages that Chris & Dave Clemans have just donated to Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Owen Coachman House incorporates a c. 1700 “Whalers Cottage” - one of the oldest surviving structures in Cape May County. It was moved to this site in 1846 by Owen Coachman, a free black man who purchased land here for a farm. A tour of this site brings to life the important story of our county’s free African American community in the years before the Civil War. Admission is $10 per adult and children (ages 3-12) $5. 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, September 28 - 29 - 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, 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm, and 3:30 pm. Tours on Sunday at 11:45 am, 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm, 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, September 28 - 29 - 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 11:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 1:45 pm and Sunday at 11:00 am and 1:30 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, September 28 - 29 - Lower Township, Cape May County
Climb the Cape May Lighthouse
Family Friendly Site

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 - 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. 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, September 28 - 29 - 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, September 28- 29 - 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 on Saturday 1:45 and 3:00 pm and on Sunday at 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, September 28- 29- Lower Township, Cape May County
World War II Tower Lookout Museum and Memorial Open
Family Friendly Site

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 - 4:00 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, September 28 - 29 - Pennsville, Salem County
15th Annual Historic Soldiers Weekend
Children Friendly Event

Historic Soldiers Weekend is a historical encampment, featuring reenactors, and their equipment, from every American conflict, spanning from the French and Indian War to the Vietnam War. In some instances, both sides of the conflicts will be present, such as the Revolutionary War loyalists and "redcoats", Civil War confederate units, and WWII German infantry units. Hours for Saturday are 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Admission is free.

Re-enactment units will be camping out for the weekend at Historic Fort Mott, living as their ancestors did. Journey back in time to give yourself and your children, students and guests a chance to see, hear and touch real history through the life of a typical soldier during the French & Indian War, Civil, World Wars and beyond. This event is free to the public. Fort Mott is located at 454 Fort Mott Road, Pennsville, NJ. For more information, call 856-935-3218 or visit www.historicsoldiersweekend.com.

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Saturday - Sunday, September 28 - 29 - Greenwich, Cumberland County
48th Annual Greenwich Artisans' Faire & Marketplace
Children Friendly Activities

Presented by the Cumberland County Historical Society on the grounds of the c. 1730 Gibbon House, 960 Ye Greate Street, Greenwich, NJ 08323. This year is bigger and better, as we are featuring 90 vendors, artisans, craftspeople and historic displays. 

Joining us this year are the Wheaton Arts Glass Blowers; children's tent; guided walking tours, antique bicycles, pirates; and reenactors. On Saturday there will be a British Invasion Car Show from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm along with entertainment from Buckshutem Country Band and Libby Prison Minstrels. On Sunday there will be an American Classic Car Show with selected cars from 1910 to 1980 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Hours are Saturday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Take a step back in time when you walk on the grounds of the Gibbon House at this year's Artisans' Faire and Marketplace. Stroll around and meet the many artisans and visit the demonstrators that help bring yesteryear alive. From blacksmithing to chair caning, you are sure to find something to pique your interest.

Admission: $5 (children 12 and under FREE). Tickets may be purchased at the Doctor's Office located at the entrance of the Faire grounds. Rain or shine. Ample free parking along Ye Greate Street. For information, call 856-455-8580 or visit www.cchistsoc.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, September 28 - 29 - Tuckerton, Ocean County
37th Annual Ocean County Decoy and Waterfowling Show 
Children Friendly Site

Join the Tuckerton Seaport as they celebrate the 37th anniversary of the show during this exciting two day event highlighting the culture of the area! Demonstrations, contests, seminars, crafters, carvers, over 300 waterfowling exhibitors and vendors, food, refreshments, a decoy auction, music, entertainment, and lots of fun. Delmarva Dock Dog Competition as featured on ESPN! Two great locations: Tip Seaman County Park and Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum. This event is free to the public! The show is open Saturday from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm. Rain or shine.

Admission to the show is free. Free off-site parking and a free shuttle bus will be available to take visitors between Tip Seaman County Park and the Seaport. Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen's Museum, 120 West Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ. For more information call 609-296-8868 or visit www.tuckertonseaport.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, September 28 - 29 - Woodbridge, Middlesex County
Uncovering Woodbridge History


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Sunday, September 29 - Sandy Hook, Monmouth County
Mortar Battery Tours

Join a park ranger guided tour of the Mortar Battery and learn about the first Endicott era (1894 - 1910) concrete gun battery that defended New York and its harbor against attack by enemy warships. This free tours begin at 1:30 pm and runs continuously until 4:30 pm. Mortar Battery is located with the Fort Hancock Historic Post at Sandy Hook. Sandy Hook is part of Gateway National Recreation Area. For more information, call 732-872-5970 or visit www.nps.gov/gate.

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Sunday, September 29 - Raritan Township, Hunterdon County
Prohibition Talk at Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market

Toast the centennial anniversary of Prohibition with a free program led by historian, researcher and author Brian Armstrong at the Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers' Market on Sunday at 10:30 am in the Dvoor Farm wagon house.

Armstrong will discuss the "noble experiment" that constitutionally banned the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages a century ago. He’ll cover the back story on how Prohibition came to be passed, the problems with enforcement, and how it ultimately was repealed. He also will tell some interesting tales about New Jersey and Hunterdon County during the Prohibition era.

Armstrong holds a BAs in history and political science from American University. He's the vice-president, Central Region, for the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey and past president of the South River Historical & Preservation Society.

Farmers’ Market Yoga will be led by Lauren Theis in the wagon house at 9:00 am. Cost is $15; no registration is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat. 

The Farmers’ Market, open from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, features more than 20 local farmers and vendors offering organic produce, all-natural beef, pork, chicken, honey, artisan breads, fresh-cut flowers, cheese, eggs, locally roasted coffee, native plants and more. Visitors can enjoy a flatbread pizza made with ingredients provided by local farmers while listening to live music.

The program and market will be held at the Dvoor Farm, 111 Mine Street, in Flemington, NJ. For more information, visit www.hunterdonlandtrust.org.

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Sunday, September 29 - Princeton, Mercer County
Historic Princeton Walking Tour
Children Friendly Tour

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

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

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Sunday, September 29 - Fieldsboro, Burlington County
Tours of White Hill Mansion

Over the years plenty of people have lived their lives at the White Hill Mansion. Some of them may still be here.  On Sunday, learn about the people who lived and died in the house from 1:00 - 3:00 pm with the Friends of the White Hill Mansion. Tours are $8 per person and last approximately 45 minutes. White Hill Mansion is located at 217 4th Street, Fieldsboro, NJ. For more information, e-mail whitehillinfo@yahoo.com or visit www.whitehillmansion.com.

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Sunday, September 29 - Bridgewater, Somerset County
Somerset County Historical Society Explores Local Spy Story

The Somerset County Historical Society is pleased to announce the last in the 2019 series of History Talks: “John Honeyman, Washington’s Patriot Spy?” by filmmaker Tim Stollery on Sunday for a suggested donation of $5. The program will be at the society’s headquarters in the Historic Van Veghten house, located on the dead end of 9 Van Veghten Drive, Bridgewater, NJ.

Come and discover the story of Somerset County’s John Honeyman, a Griggstown NJ businessman, who according to legend became a spy for General George Washington. His home still stands along the D&R canal. And the story is still being written! Tim Stollery is an Emmy-award winning filmmaker, who researched a two-part TV feature series for NJN News in 2000 called “The General and the Spy.”

Doors at the Van Veghten House will open at 1:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available. As space is limited, please RSVP by calling 732-425-2751 or send an email to PR@somersethistorynj.org advising the number of people coming.

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Sunday, September 29 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
1890s Harvest Home Festival
Children Friendly Event and Site

An old-fashioned country fair reminiscent of the 1890s will be held at Historic Longstreet Farm on Sunday from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. It takes visitors back in time when neighbors gathered to accomplish work, harvest, and spend time socializing and enjoying each others company. It calls not only for the exhibition of the best products that have been grown and the best needlework that has been done in the community, but also for games, athletic contests and similar features of recreational or educational value. Experience old-fashioned fun as it was a century ago with wagon rides, games, and live entertainment. See craft demonstrations that will inspire you to start a new hobby or career. Enter one of many competitions ranging from needlework to baked goods to homegrown vegetables. Each person entering in a competition will have a chance to win a prize ribbon.

Admission and parking are free. 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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Sunday, September 29 - Titusville, Mercer County
The 2019 Annual Meeting of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society

The Annual Meeting of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society will open with a business meeting for HVHS. Members will be asked to vote on a slate of officers and new trustees. After the business meeting, Pam Cain will present a program based on her experience conducting the historical society’s House Lineage program in the 1980s and 1990s. Her presentation will discuss her methodology for doing the research, with examples, and include some of her interesting findings. The HVHS “house plaques” on more than 100 Hopewell Valley properties were a direct result of Pam’s research.

Pam served the historical society as treasurer and valued board member for many years. The society was founded in 1975 and early on planned a house tour. Pam and her husband Fred were then living in a Pennington house built in 1839, which they had carefully restored. Pam wanted to learn more about house history, so she got involved in the house tour. Under the direction of the late Phyllis D’Autrechy, archivist for Hunterdon County and noted local historian, she learned how to do the necessary research. When HVHS embarked on the House Lineage Program, Pam discovered that she could do the research while raising her infant daughter. Pam’s extensive research usually began with the deed and titles of the property. She also examined historical maps, census records, tax records, newspapers, church and cemetery records, and went wherever else her research took her in tracking down the first owners or builders of a building.

Pam's research was a valuable help in the preparation of the book, Hopewell: A Historical Geography by Richard Hunter and Richard Porter, published by Hopewell Township in 1990. Bring a guest. Refreshments will be served.

The meeting will be held from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at the Titusville Presbyterian Church, Heritage Room, 48 River Drive, Titusville, NJ.

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Sunday, September 29 - Washington Township, Burlington County
Antique Glass and Bottle Show

The Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc. once again combines a bit of yesteryear and modern technology when it presents it fall Antiques, Glass & Bottle show. The popular Antique Glass and Bottle Show; held both in the spring and fall, will welcome shoppers beginning at 9:00 am and continue until 3:00 pm. Bottles, glass items, antiques and collectibles will be available from a variety of vendors. Food and beverages will be available throughout day.

There is no admission charge to enter the park for the day’s event and they are brought to you by the Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc.; the officially recognized friends organization of Batsto Village. Parking close to vendors will be plentiful.

The highly entertaining Michael Kane will be performing two acoustic sets of folk, country, bluegrass and oldies music on the porch of the Batsto mansion from 1:00 until 3:00 pm.

The historic Batsto mansion; home to the Richards family for nearly 100 years and later owned by Philadelphia Industrialist Joseph Wharton will be open from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm for guided tours. There is a $3.00 / person charge to tour the mansion.

The famous Batsto Post Office (one of only four in entire United States authorized to cancel mail without a zip code) will also be open to visitors.

Batsto Village is located in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County, South Jersey approximately seven miles east of Hammonton on Route 542 and 15 miles west of Exit 50 of the Garden State Parkway. For more information, call 609-561-0024 or visit www.batstovillage.org.

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Through Sunday, October 13, 2019 - East Amwell, Hunterdon County
“The Art of Natural Expression” featuring the art of Angela Marie Franco & Donna Foran

Angela Marie Franco’s career spans 44 years as an accomplished graphic designer, copywriter, database developer and marketer, specializing in corporate communications and branding. Her work includes designing hundreds of logos. She has lead corporate marketing departments in national and international companies and had her own advertising/marketing agency since the 1980s. She produced marketing seminars for business owners in New York City and was head of the Marketing SIG at the American Marketing Association and the Marketing Club at the  Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

Angela attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and earned two degrees - magna cum laud - in Graphic Design and Marketing Communications.

Since moving to Flemington, NJ in 2016, she has put aside her computer and is now creating multi-media art that is black ink centric and influenced by 1920s German Expressionism, M.C. Escher, Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles Rennie MackIntosh. She enjoys re-interpreting how the colorful Hunterdon County sky reflects in abstract scenes that are both ominous yet whimsical.

Donna Foran has been painting since the tender age of eight years old. A life-long resident of Hunterdon County, she attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and earned a degree in the Commercial Arts. Seeing beauty all around her, she is inspired by her surroundings from area landscapes, flowering fields and country side views of Hunterdon County.

Since 2009 Donna exclusively paints in oil colors and has refined her skills by continually learning and challenging herself. She is a regular participant in area art shows and has won several 1st place awards for her serene and colorful works. Donna is a member of Friends of Historic Flemington and the Creative Path Artists.

A meet the artist reception will be held Friday, September 13 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 September 7 through October 13, 2019. For more information, call 908-237-3303 or visit www.eastamwellhistory.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 Sunday, January 5, 2020 - Parsippany, Morris County
The American Arts and Crafts Chair: “A Message of Honesty and Joy”

The exhibition will feature thirteen exemplary examples of side chairs by handicraft-oriented furniture manufacturers--among them Gustav Stickley’s Craftsman Workshops, the L&JG Stickley Company, the Charles P. Limbert Company--as well as smaller, craft-oriented workshops such as Charles Rohlfs, the Roycroft Shops, Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, and Rose Valley Association. The exhibition will explore the usefulness and appealing designs of these vital products of the American Arts and Crafts movement and show how these chairs brought a message of honesty and joy to their makers and their possessors. Guest curator is David Cathers. 

On view from: Saturday, June 1, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2020. Thursdays through Sundays 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm. Admission varies depending on the type of tour. Free to Members. Craftsman Farms is located at 2352 Route 10 West, Morris Plains, NJ. For more information, call 973-540-0311, email info@stickleymuseum.org, or visit www.stickleymuseum.org.

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


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Through 2020 - Ocean Township, Monmouth County
"Votes for Women: The Story of Suffrage"

When the Founders crafted the U.S. Constitution, they gave the authority to decide who could vote to the states. All but one decided it would be men—white, property-owning men, 21 years old and older.

The one exception was New Jersey. For the first few decades of our new nation, property-owning women in New Jersey could vote. But in 1807, state legislators took a step backward and rescinded the right. New Jersey women joined their sisters across the country who were shut off from the ballot.

The new exhibit, “Votes for Women: The Story of Suffrage” opening in the Woolley House, Sunday, tells of the remarkable campaign waged by women across the country to gain (and for New Jersey women, to regain) the vote.

The Start of a Movement
Most historians mark the start of the American suffrage movement from the 1848 Women’s Convention in Seneca Falls, New York, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Both women had discovered their political voice fighting for the abolition of slavery. Both had felt the sting of being shut out by male-dominated leadership. They were outraged, frustrated, and ready to take on the status quo. 

The status quo at the time was a sorry mess for women. Not only were they barred from public speaking and leadership positions, but married women could not own property, keep their own wages, or enter into any legal contract. Women were shut out of most professions. Divorce was near impossible, even in cases of abuse. A woman’s place was in the home—often an inherited home whose title had been ceded to her husband.

In 1851, three years after the Seneca Falls conference, Elizabeth Cady Stanton met Susan B. Anthony. Though strikingly unlike in appearance and temperament, they became lifelong friends. Together, they made a formidable team that reigned for more than 50 years as the iconic leaders of the suffrage movement.

Anthony and Stanton travelled the country making speeches and gathering support. When Stanton, mother of seven, cut back on travel, she stayed hard a work—writing Anthony’s speeches, organizing supporters, even rewriting the Bible from a feminist perspective.

Both women were bitterly disappointed when Congress refused, following the Civil War, to expand the language of the 15th Amendment to bar discrimination in voting based on both race and sex. Their outrage generated harsh statements from these former abolitionists that created a lasting racial rift among suffragists.

Anthony and Stanton did not give up. In 1878, they pushed for a 16th Amendment to guarantee women the right to vote. The “Susan B. Anthony Amendment,” as it became known, failed in this first attempt and was introduced anew to each session of Congress for the next 42 years! The (by then) 19th Amendment, granting women’s suffrage, was finally ratified in 1920.

They Didn’t Live to see It
Neither Stanton nor Anthony lived to see passage. Their efforts fell short of their goals. But the inroads they gained, the organizations they created, and the national awareness they built set the stage for the next generation—the early 20th century activists who carried the campaign for women’s suffrage to victory.

The Second Wave
Among this second wave of suffragists were the daughters of Elizabeth Stanton and Lucretia Mott—and newcomers, including Carrie Chapman Catt and New Jersey native Alice Paul. Catt and Paul were rivals. Their strategies and styles were at odds. Catt favored local campaigns to change state voting laws. She thought militant demonstration unpatriotic after the U.S. entered World War I in 1917.

In contrast, Paul took the fight for a U.S. Constitutional amendment to President Wilson’s doorstep. She lead an 18-month long picketing campaign at the gates to the White House. She welcomed arrest and used the mistreatment of imprisioned suffragists to build public sympathy. Faced with a public relations nightmare, Wilson gave in and threw his support in favor of the federal amendment.

Passage of the Anthony Amendment was “the greatest expansion of democracy on a single day the world had ever seen” (Eleanor Clift, Founding Sisters).

The Township of Ocean Historical Museum, founded in 1984, is a member-supported, non-profit organization. Its headquarters, the Eden Woolley House, is one of the few 18th century structures still in existence in the Township and is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (1:00 - 4:00 pm), Thursday evenings (7:00 - 9:00 pm - March 15 through December 15 each year) and the first and second Sundays of each month (1:00 - 4:00 pm). The Museum also maintains a library and archive, which houses manuscripts, books, and photographs of historical and genealogical interest. For more information, call 732-531-2136 or visit www.OceanMuseum.org.

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

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