NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 11/16/19 - 11/17/19

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


Saturday, November 16 - Lambertville, Hunterdon County
From Saigon to Lambertville with Sandy Hanna

On Saturday at 3:00 pm, longtime Lambertville resident Sandy Hanna will discuss living in Vietnam from 1960-1962 and present extraordinary artifacts (vintage Vietnamese clothing, revelatory political documents and miscellanea) and paintings. This special event at Marshall House is based on Sandy's memoir, The Ignorance of Bliss: An American Kid in Saigon, published earlier this year. Due to limited space in the Marshall House, RSVP required to info@lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org. The Marshall House is located at 60 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ. Admission to the presentation is free; there is a $5 suggested donation.

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Saturday, November 16 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County
The Magic of Lionel at Allaire
Children Friendly Event & Site

Neill Hartley portrays Joshua Lionel Cowen in this magical one-man show about the founding and history of one of the greatest toy companies ever created! On Saturday from 4:00 - 5:30 pm, follow his climb to the top of the toy industry, as he creates Lionel Toy Trains, one of the most beloved and successful toy companies of all time.

Experience the magic of toy trains and the timeless pleasure of model railroading. Learn about Joshua Lionel Cowen's incredible skill at marketing with indelible images that have helped sell over 50 million train sets and more than 500 miles of track.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the performance. Performance takes place in the historic chapel. Seating is limited. No refunds. Not recommended for very small children. Advanced registration necessary. Tickets for each tour are $20 and can be purchased online.

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, November 16 - Titusville, Mercer County
“John Honeyman, Washington’s Patriot Spy: The Legend”

 The Washington Crossing (New Jersey) Park Association is pleased to announce that on Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm we will host: “John Honeyman, Washington’s Patriot Spy: The Legend,” by Tim Stollery. The program will be at the Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ.

 Come and discover the story of  John Honeyman, a Griggstown NJ businessman, who,  according to legend, became a spy for General George Washington around the time of the Battle of Trenton.  His home still stands near the D&R canal. Tim Stollery is an Emmy-award winning filmmaker, who researched the two-part TV feature series for NJN News in 2000 called “The General and the Spy.” Through his research, Stollery has discovered new primary documentation which reveals that John Honeyman was able to criss-cross enemy lines into  British-held New York apparently without suffering any consequences. 

 At the conclusion of the one-hour presentation, park visitors will watch  “The Secret Rebel, “ a 1961 NBC network broadcast special based on the Honeyman legend, starring Hugh O’Brian as John Honeyman. 

 For more information and to reserve a FREE seat, visit www.wcpa-nj.com. 

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Saturday, November 16 - Westfield, Union County
Fall into Crafts with the Westfield Historical Society
Children Friendly Event

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Saturday, November 16 - Newton, Sussex County
Construction of the Lackawanna Cut-Off

 On Saturday there will be a lecture on the construction of the Historic Lackawanna Cut-Off sponsored by the Sussex County Historical Society. This PowerPoint talk will cover the building of the Cut-Off from 1909 to 1912 by seven contractors working simultaneously, beginning in Sussex County and extending through Warren County.

 The Cut-Off was considered one of the engineering marvels of the world in 1912 because of the extensive use of concrete and the immense amount of earth moving (over 15 million cubic yards).

 The lecture will begin at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 110 Main Street, Newton, NJ (corner of Main Street and Liberty Street). Society members free, guests $5.00 per person. Any questions, call Wayne McCabe 973-579-2525.

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Saturday, November 16 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Children Friendly Site & Event

On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel and stop in the farmhouse to hear melodies from the 1890s played on the accordion. This free events run from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

Historic Longstreet Farm is located at 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, NJ. For more information, call 732-946-3758 or visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.

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Saturday, November 16 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Bacon, Sausage, and Scrapple Making
Children Friendly Event

If you work all week to bring home the bacon, sausage, and scrapple, but don't really know from whence they come, visit Howell Farm for their bacon, sausage and scrapple program. You will see these and other pork products made before your eyes. Farmers will demonstrate rendering lard, making pork products, and showing visitors the origins of different cuts of pork. Cracklin's and other delicacies will be free for the asking, and pork sandwiches will be available for sale.

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, November 16 - Cape May, Cape May County
Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour

A 30-minute evening ride through the haunted streets of Cape May as a guide recounts the paranormal findings of ghost writer Craig McManus. Accessible trolley available with advanced notice. Tours begin and end at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth.

 Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $8. Tour on Saturday at 8:30 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, November 16 - 17 - 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 11:45 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:15 pm. Tours on Sunday at 11:45 am and 1:00 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, November 16 - 17 - 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 12:00 noon - 3:00 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, November 16 - 17 - 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. On Saturday, tours will start at 12:30, 1:45, and 3:00 pm. On Sunday, the tours start at 12:30 and 1:45 pm. 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, November 16 - 17 - Upper Freehold, Monmouth County
Sleigh Selfies
Children Friendly Event & Site

 We provide a pretty little red sleigh with jingle bells, and a variety of historical styled hats, bonnets and scarves for you to create a “Currier & Ives” style photo against a backdrop of green holly. You provide the smiling faces and camera. Stop by between 1:00 and 4:00 pm each day. No fee! Please no professional photographers.
While there, visit the large, elegant Walnford home built in 1774, 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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Saturdays and Sundays through December 1 - Paterson, Passaic County
32nd Annual Lambert Castle Holiday Boutique

Through December 1, Lambert Castle, home of the Passaic County Historical Society will present the 32nd annual Lambert Castle Holiday Boutique. Open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, the boutique invites you to enjoy shopping for this year's assortment of festive holiday gifts, jewelry, seasonal decorations, crafts, collectibles, and gourmet food in the historic atmosphere and ambiance of Lambert Castle.

Admission to the show is $6. All admission fees include two return visits. Children under 12 years are admitted free of charge. No child strollers or carriages are permitted inside the Castle. Visa and Mastercard are accepted for purchases. The café will return to the third floor serving a variety of soups, sandwiches, as well as hot and cold drinks. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the Passaic County Historical Society.

The Passaic County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was founded to cultivate interest among individuals and the community-at-large in the rich history of Passaic County. To this end our museum in Lambert Castle showcases examples of the County's cultural and artistic diversity, as well as examples of the County's natural, civil, military, and ecclesiastical history. The Society also maintains a library and archive, which houses manuscripts, books and photographs of historical and genealogical interest.

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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Sunday, November 17 - Toms River, Ocean County
Owning New Jersey

On Sunday at 2:00 pm, Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ hosts Joseph Grabas, recognized locally and nationally as a Certified Title Professional and Forensic Expert in matters relating to real estate. After almost four decades of researching real property records, he will relate thrilling tales and fascinating history, from the bizarre to the mysterious, and discuss how to research your own house history. His book, Owning New Jersey: Historic Tales of War, Property Disputes and the Pursuit of Happiness will be available for sale at $20.00. Make your reservation by calling OCHS at 732-341-1880. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed. Refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.oceancountyhistory.org.

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Sunday, November 17 - 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, November 17 - Park Ridge, Bergen County
A History of Home Construction in the Pascack Valley

 On the suburban streets of the Pascack Valley you will find Dutch colonials, Victorians, ranches and McMansions, all reflecting the social mores, economic factors, and technological advances of different eras.

 On Sunday at 2:00 pm, architect William J. Martin, AIA, of Westwood, will teach us about how and why home styles have evolved throughout the history of the region, showing examples of different types of structures.

 Educated at Carnegie-Mellon University and Pratt Institute, Martin, owns his own architectural firm in Westwood and is a licensed architect in five states. He is chair of Westwood’s Zoning Board and a member of Bergen County’s Historical Preservation Advisory Board. He is chairman of the Pascack Historical Society's Historical Preservation Board.

 A question and answer period will follow the talk. Visitors are encouraged to bring photos of their homes to share with the audience. Complimentary coffee and cake will be served. This is one not to be missed! After hearing this informative talk, you will never look at the streets of the Pascack Valley the same way again.

This presentation takes place at the Pascack Historical Society, 19 Ridge Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ. For more information, email info@pascackhistoricalsociety.org or visit www.pascackhistoricalsociety.org.

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Sunday, November 17 - Montclair, Essex County
Historic House Tours: Crane/YWCA & Shultz Open
Family Friendly

On Sunday you can visit ALL of the Montclair Historical Society’s properties, including the Shultz House at 30 North Mountain Avenue, Montclair, NJ. This amazing gem of a house is an intact time capsule of life in the early 20th century. Wait until you see the woodwork, the Delft fireplace surround, the science equipment in the library!

You can also discover history through the “many voices” who made our community what it is today at the Crane House and Historic YWCA at 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ. The people who lived, worked, and relaxed in this building tell the story of not only Montclair, but also New Jersey and nation from its early years of a fledgling country to a country embroiled in Civil Rights. While you’re here, make sure you see what’s growing at the farm, meet the chickens, and visit the Museum Shop for unique, one-of-a-kind treats.

Both houses are open from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Tours of the Crane House & Historic YWCA are on the hour, last tour at 3:00 pm. Tours of the Shultz House are on the half hour, last tour 3:30 pm. Admission is $6/adult; $5/student/senior with ID; $4/child; under 2 free, good for both sites. Members get in free! For more information, call 973-744-1796, e-mail mail@montclairhistorical.org, or visit www.montclairhistorical.org.

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Sunday, November 17 - Tewksbury, Hunterdon County
Barry Thomson Talk on "The Dillons" at Covered Dish Supper

 Clarence and Anne Dillion will be the subject of a talk by local historian W. Barry Thomson hosted by the Tewksbury Historical Society on Sunday at 6:15 pm, Fairmount Presbyterian Church Community House, 247 Old Turnpike Road, Fairmount section of Tewksbury. The free talk is open to the public. Preceding the talk is a covered dish supper at 5:00 pm, also open to the public, with a request to bring a covered side dish or dessert to share.

 Clarence Dillon, whose large family estate was "Dunwalke" in Bedminster, was one of the most successful and wealthiest investment bankers of the 1920s. His wealth and position enabled his family - Clarence, wife Anne, and children Dorothy and Douglas - to pursue their passions of public service, philanthropy, education, art, design, and architecture on a global scale.

 After briefly covering Dillon's personal background and his career at the investment firm of Dillon, Read & Co., Thomson will focus on the Dillon family's many accomplishments and outside passions, their homes and other built projects around the world in New Jersey, New York City, Paris and the Bordeaux wine region of France (the Dillon Family has owned the legendary Chateau Haut-Brion vineyard since the 1930s), Jamaica, the coast of Maine, churches in Peapack-Gladstone, Washington and Geneva and libraries in Bedminster and Paris.

 Thomson's presentation will include the career of the Dillon's son, Douglas, who served as ambassador to France and undersecretary of state under President Eisenhower, secretary of treasury under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and president of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 Born and raised in Peapack, Thomson received his undergraduate degree at Drew University, and took architecture and urban planning courses at Harvard University. He was a David Rockefeller Fellow, a Program sponsored by the New York City Partnership. He co-authored with the late Jack Turpin the two-volume work "New Jersey Country Houses: Somerset County".

 For more information and directions call 908-832-6734 and leave your name and phone number.

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Sunday, November 17 - Princeton, Mercer County
Roosevelt String Band Concert: The Pete Seeger Songbook
Family Friendly Event

 On Sunday at 2:00 pm, New Jersey’s Roosevelt String Band presents “The Pete Seeger Songbook," songs that Pete Seeger wrote and recorded, including "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?", "Turn, Turn Turn," "We Shall Overcome,": and many more. The band features David Brahinsky, now living in Princeton on guitar and vocals, Joe Pepitone, from Brooklyn on bass, Nancy Wilson from Ewing, NJ on vocals and Paul Prestopino from Roosevelt (the sole member of the Roosevelt String Band still residing in Roosevelt), on at least 4 or 5 string instruments and vocals.

 Ticket are $10 (Free for Friends of Morven) and includes same-day Museum admission. Click here to register.

 Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ. For more information, call 609-924-8144 or visit www.morven.org.

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Sunday, November 17 - Princeton, Mercer County
100 Years of RCA

 On November 20, 1919, the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America officially became the Radio Corporation of America, and on Sunday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, the Sarnoff Collection will celebrate RCA’s 100-year birthday with a series of events and activities that celebrate the company and the culture of innovation it engendered, much of it centered in New Jersey. For more information and a schedule of events, visit https://davidsarnoff.tcnj.edu/100years.

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Sunday, November 17 - Boonton, Morris County
Alice Paul and the Fight for Women's Suffrage

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Sunday, November 17 - Morris Township, Morris County
Thanksgiving Harvest Home and Armistice Observance
Children Friendly Event & Site

Step back in time and celebrate Thanksgiving and Armistice Day in 1918 at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm. Begin by following the enticing aromas to The Willows and Farmhouse kitchens where a Thanksgiving feast is being prepared. While the harvest has been gathered, there is still much to do on the farm. Help husk corn, saw the wood that is needed for winter heating and cooking, and make animal food with the one-cylinder gasoline engine operation. Be sure to take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the farm, visit the farm animals, and assist with egg collection. The Armistice, or cease fire that officially stopped the carnage of WWI, went into effect in Europe on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 am. Over the years, Armistice Day, later named Veterans Day, has honored the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces. At 1:00 pm, join in a special program honoring all U.S. military personnel and veterans to recognize the end of WWI.

Admission: $8/adult, $7/Senior (65+), $6/child (ages 4 to 16), and $4/child (ages 2 and 3) and free for children under 2 years of age. Half price for friends members with a current membership card. U.S. military personnel (past and present) admitted FREE. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at 73 Kahdena Rd, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-326-7645 or visit www.morrisparks.net.

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Sunday, November 17 - Morris Township, Morris County
Bradley Gardens Community Presentation

 The Somerset County Historical Society is pleased to announce a special celebration and history talk on Sunday at 2:00 pm at the Bradley Gardens Community Church, 124 Old York Road, Bridgewater, NJ.

 Mrs. Rita Jordan, one of the society’s oldest active members, will share updates to her history of the Bradley Gardens community via a slide presentation. Her book, originally published 20 years ago, has been a labor of love for this longtime community resident. She will share new information about William Bradley and the adventure of being a writer. Sales of her book recently took an upswing when a closed Facebook group, The Bradley Crew, composed of people who grew up in Bradley Gardens, discovered it.

 Doors open at 1:30. Light refreshments will be served. The facility is handicap accessible. Copies of the special printing, including an addendum, will be available for purchase.

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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 - Trenton, Mercer County
Preserving the Pinelands: Albert Horner’s Portraits of a National Treasure

The New Jersey State Museum is hosting  Preserving the Pinelands: Albert Horner’s Portraits of a National Treasure from through June 28, 2020 in the 1st floor East Gallery. The exhibit features images which capture the quiet beauty and intimate landscapes of New Jersey’s Pinelands National Reserve by photographer Albert Horner, and artifacts from the NJ State Museum’s collections which tell just some of the stories of the land, animals, people, and industries that make the Reserve a state and national treasure. Horner, a self-taught photographer from Medford Lakes, brings curiosity, reverence and a practiced eye to his craft, recording the forests, cedar swamps, meandering waterways and native wildflowers that make the Pinelands unique. In addition to being home to rare plant and animal species, the Reserve also contains archaeological sites and a vibrant cultural history of craftspeople, industry and agriculture.

The museum is open Tuesday - Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm. It is closed Mondays and on state holidays. The New Jersey State Museum is located at 205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ. For more information, 609-292-6300 or visit www.state.nj.us/state/museum/index.html.

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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
Location: New Jersey, USA

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