NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 7/18/20 - 7/19/20

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

Want to submit an event? Use our event submission form.

Saturday, July 18 - Westfield, Union County
Westfield Historical Society Walking Tour: Mixed Used and Multi Family Residential Buildings – Do They Fit In?

On Saturday from 9:00 - 11:00 am, the seventh in a very popular series of architectural walking tours will take place along Prospect Street and along South Avenue. Scale, proportions, and materiality will be discussed. The intent of this tour is to look at the diverse architectural styles of mixed use buildings including retail, multi-family residential, and business that exist throughout Westfield’s business district. Gregory Blasi, R.A. local architect and principal of Vincentsen & Blasi Architects and Westfield Historical Society President, will lead the tour and answer questions.

Mr. Blasi will discuss how more recent buildings may or may not fit in with the character of Westfield’s existing pre-WW2 charm due to a variety of reasons.

The tour will accommodate 20 attendees, but additional tours will be scheduled if interest warrants. It will take place rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to wear face masks, bring hand sanitizer, and practice appropriate social distancing. The tour meet-up location will be provided to registrants. Please RSVP by email to westfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 908-654-1794.

A donation to the Westfield Historical Society would be appreciated: $10 for members, and $20 for non-members, and will be collected at the start of the tour. Membership information will be available.

For more information, visit http://westfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

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Saturday, July 18 - Cape May, Cape May County
Historic Haunts House Tour
Family Friendly Tour

Visit the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate to learn about the Victorians' fascination with spiritualism and today's method of "ghost hunting." This is a 30 minute tour of the first and second floors of the museum. The tour is held at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Tours will be at 6:30 and 7:30 pm on Saturday. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children (ages 3-12). Tickets can be purchased online or at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Sponsored by Cape May 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, July 18 - 19 - Cape May, Cape May County

Historic Cold Spring Village Open
Family Friendly

Cold Spring Village is now open! While at Historic Cold Spring Village, masks are to be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors. Please practice physical distancing (6 feet) and be mindful of other guests and Village staff.  For more information, please review the signs at the admission gates for information regarding activities at the Village. Please also understand that due to Covid-19 restrictions not all buildings on Village grounds will be accessible. The Route 9 entrance is closed; the Village Seashore Road (Route 626) entrance is located adjacent to the Cold Spring Grange Restaurant and Cold Spring Brewery at 735 Seashore Road, Cold Spring, Cape May, NJ.

The village is located, three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Cold Spring Brewery and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, call 609-898-2300, ext. 10, or visit www.hcsv.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 18 - 19 - Wildwood, Cape May County

George Boyer Museum Open

The Wildwood Historical Society's George Boyer Museum will be open during the summer on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm.

It's FREE to visit the Wildwood Historical Society! Voted the 5th best attraction in Wildwood according to TripAdvisor, we make an excellent rainy day activity. Ask for our scavenger hunt -- children love it! Park in our parking lot to avoid parking meters. The George Boyer Museum is located at 3907 Pacific Ave, 3907 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ. For more informatio, call 609-523-0277, email wildwoodhistoricalsociety@hotmail.com, or visit www.WildwoodHistoricalMuseum.com.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 18 - 19 - Camden, Camden County

Battleship New Jersey Fire Power Tour
Family Friendly

This self guided tour of the overall view of the Battleship New Jersey takes guests five levels up and two decks below. The Main Deck features an Exhibit Museum that encompasses the 48 years in and out of service. Guides are available for questions in the Captain's Quarters and CEC.

Active Military, World War II Veterans and former Crew Members of BB-62 are asked to stop at the Box Office in the Battleship NJ Visitor's Center. Proudly inform our Ticketing Staff of your service to our Great Nation and receive a complimentary ticket to board the "Big J".

* All guests will be screened in the Visitors Center before entering the Battleship’s Pier, must wear a face covering and practice social distancing.
* Please check your email after purchase for your ticket to either print or save to your mobile device and take with you for check-in in the Visitors Center.

Firepower tour tickets are available to use at any date and time we are open for tours. Admission: Adult are $24.95 and children ages 5-11, veterans, and seniors (62+) are $19.95. Tickets can be purchased online. Battleship New Jersey is located at 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ. For more information, call 856-966-1652 or visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 18 - 19 - Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Absecon Lighthouse Open
Family Friendly

Absecon Lighthouse will be open every day July and August, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Thursdays until 8:00 pm through Labor Day, with the last climb 1/2 hour before closing. 

Parking, exhibits & Keeper’s Cottage museum are free. Admission to climb the 228 steps to the top is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $6 for children 4-12, and $5 for Atlantic City residents; active military are free. Dogs on leashes are welcome on the two-acre lawn and in the museum space. Masks and social distancing are required, plexi glass shields are installed in the gift shop and Watch Room at the top for your safety, and plastic gloves will be issued to climbers. 

First lit in 1857, Absecon Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third tallest in the country. It is the oldest man-made structure in Atlantic City, boasts a first-order Fresnel lens still in place at the top, and offers fabulous views of Atlantic City and Brigantine.

The Absecon Lighthouse is located at 31 South Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ. For more information, call 609-449-1360 or visit www.abseconlighthouse.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 18 - 19 - 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 10:00 and 11:15 am and 1:45 and 3:00 pm on Saturday and 9:30 and 11:00 am and 1:45 and 3:00 pm on Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children (ages 3-12). Tickets can be purchased online or at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Sponsored by Cape May 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, July 18 - 19 - 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!

Price is $5 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). Purchase tickets online or at the Carriage House Museum Shop. 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, July 18 - 19 - Lower Township, Cape May County
Climb the Cape May Lighthouse
Family Friendly Site

The Cape May 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 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). Children under 3 and active military are FREE. Sponsored by Cape May MAC. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 18 - 19 - 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 - 2:30 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 Cape May MAC. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Sunday, July 19 - Cape May, Cape May County

Painted Ladies, Porches & More! Walking Tour

Take a walk from the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate to the Washington Street Mall with a knowledgeable guide and experience charming Cape May, a National Historic Landmark city, up close. Delight in beautiful gardens as you learn about Victorian architecture and Cape May’s colorful history along the way. Discover the interesting features of various Victorian styles and learn why front porches were so important to Victorian social customs. Comfortable shoes recommended. 

The tour lasts 45 minutes and begins at 9:30 am.  Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 per child ages 3-12 years old. The tour begins at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ.

Tickets are limited to help maintain social distance. We ask that you bring and wear your own mask during the tour. Tickets will be refunded and admission denied to ticket holders, for whatever reason, decline to or cannot wear a mask. Refunds will be handled by phone or mail.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.capemaymac.org. Cape May MAC is a multifaceted not-for-profit organization committed to promoting the preservation, interpretation, and cultural enrichment of the Cape May region for its residents and visitors. Cape May MAC membership is open to all. For information about year-round schedule of tours, festivals, and special events, visit Cape May MAC’s website at www.capemaymac.org.

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Sunday, July 19

"Stranger Stop and Cast an Eye"
Virtual Program

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Sunday, July 19

Congregating on The Front Porch
Virtual Program

Join Bradley Beach Local 2020 of The Professional Porch Sitters Union on Sunday at 3:00 pm during our virtual Porch Tour and Story Hour. Congregating on The Front Porch, BBHS’ annual summer event, will celebrate oral story-telling, which has a long history of transmitting traditions, culture, rituals and customs from generation to generation. Via Zoom, Bradley lovers will share stories of how the front porch has served as the "original Neighborhood Watch,” promoted romance and fostered instant communication among neighbors.

According to the Porch Sitters Union, the porch is a magical place where you are transported to a better state of mind and memories are born. Membership is open to everyone who enjoys sitting and shooting the breeze. There are no rules, no dues, and no minutes.

BBHS has collected photos of many Bradley porches with details of the house, including age and ownership. During the virtual Porch Tour, guests dropping by to sit awhile will be encouraged to share rules from their porch as well as examples of their favorite porch signs. For once, attendance will not be limited by the availability of seating such as rockers, swings, or wicker sofas. REGISTER HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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Through Sunday, November 1 - Cape May, Cape May County
50 Years of MAC: 1970 - 2020
Family Friendly

The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) was born in 1970 when a small band of passionate volunteers committed themselves to save the Emlen Physick Estate from demolition. In the 50 years since, the organization has grown to become a leading interpreter of Cape May history, culture and the arts. This landmark exhibit will highlight the organization’s history and its contribution to the preservation of historic Cape May, telling the story of an organization that has helped Cape May not only survive, but thrive.

This exhibit will be held at the Carroll Gallery on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate. Admission to the exhibit is free. 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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Some event listings courtesy of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey