NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 8/29/20 - 8/30/20

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


Saturday, August 29 - Franklin Township, Somerset County
Fennel for Fleas: 18th-Century Kitchen Gardens, Plants, and Their Uses
Family Friendly

Eighteenth-century kitchen gardens can be thought of as the supermarkets of their times, but in one's own backyard. They were filled with plants that provided food for the household (peas and carrots, anyone?). But they also provided ingredients for household and personal use, such as for keeping fleas from your bed or cleaning your skin, as well as for medicinal use for ailments and injuries.

Join us to learn more about kitchen gardens in colonial times and to explore the Rockingham kitchen garden to see what is growing as well as the uses of various plants.

Pre-registration is required by emailing rockingham1783@yahoo.com and including:
1. your last name
2. tour name and date
3. number of people in your group
4. phone number 

The garden tour starts at 11:00 am and is limited to 10 people. Meet in the kitchen garden. Masks are required when social distancing is not possible, so make sure to bring them along. Also, since the tour is held outdoors, please dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes as part of the tour will be off walkways. If sunny, we recommend bringing a hat or sunshade, sunscreen, and water. Steady rain and/or lightening will cancel a tour as will extreme heat and/or humidity.

Rockingham is located on Rte. 603 (Laurel Avenue/Kingston-Rocky Hill Road), one mile north of Route 27 in Kingston and one mile south of Route 518 in Rocky Hill.  For more information, call 609-683-7132 or visit www.rockingham.net.

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Saturday, August 29 - Franklin Township, Somerset County
Rockingham's Evolution: Architecture, History and Location
Family Friendly

Rockingham did not just spring from the ground spontaneously and fully formed because George Washington needed a place to stay in 1783 and it certainly was not originally found at 84 Laurel Avenue. The property had multiple owners over its three-hundred-plus-years-long history, changed in size and scope and was moved three times. The house grew in stages from a small two-room-plus-lean-to home to its present size (with some reconstruction) and switched orientation.

Come along on an exploration of Rockingham's history, its changing architecture and address, varied owners, and property lay-out with help from the exterior of the house itself, maps, and period images.

Pre-registration is required by emailing rockingham1783@yahoo.com and including:
1. your last name
2. tour name and date
3. number of people in your group
4. phone number

The architecture tour starts at 10:00 am is limited to 15 people. Meet in the barn. Masks are required when social distancing is not possible, so make sure to bring them along. Also, since the tour is held outdoors, please dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes as part of the tour will be off walkways. If sunny, we recommend bringing a hat or sunshade, sunscreen, and water. Steady rain and/or lightening will cancel a tour as will extreme heat and/or humidity.

Rockingham is located on Rte. 603 (Laurel Avenue/Kingston-Rocky Hill Road), one mile north of Route 27 in Kingston and one mile south of Route 518 in Rocky Hill.  For more information, call 609-683-7132 or visit www.rockingham.net.

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Saturday, August 29 - 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 7:45 and 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  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, August 29 - 30 - Byram Township, Sussex County
FREE Canal Village Outside Walking Tours at Waterloo Village
Family Friendly

FREE Canal Village Outside Walking Tours and outside exhibits will be open in the Lenape Indian Village. Join us Saturday and Sunday for the next three weekends (August 15/16; 22/23,  and 29/30). Canal village tours will be available at 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. They are approximately 45 minutes long. The Lenape Indian Village exhibits will be open from 11:00 - 2:00 pm. Restrooms are open from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Masks and social distancing required. Reservations for tours suggested but not required. Waterloo Village Historic Site is located within Allamuchy Mountain State Park on Waterloo Road, Stanhope NJ. For more information and to make reservations, call the office at 973-347-1835.

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Saturday - Sunday, August 29 - 30 Cape May, Cape May County
Historic Cold Spring Village Open - A Gathering of Pirates
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.

A gathering of pirates will feature pirates, music, and family fun. The Village buildings will be open, featuring historically clothed interpreters who will demonstrate the trades, crafts, and lifestyles of Early America. Kaptain Kristian and Red will be present to tickle your funny bone. Captain CorteZ and his crew Pirates of the Approaching Storm will be on board for all ages. Bayman Dan will be teaching all ye scurvy dogs the ways of the fishermen and how he makes his authentic fishing nets. On SATURDAY only Jolly Shore Leave will be on deck to entertain all you scallywags! Musically that is!

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, August 29 - 30 - 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, August 29 - 30 - 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, August 29 - 30 - 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, August 29 - 30 - 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 and Sunday at 11:45 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:15 pm. Sponsored by the 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, August 29 - 30 - Cape May, Cape May County
Emlen Physick Estate Tour
Family Friendly Tour

Take a guided tour of Cape May's Emlen Physick Estate, the magnificent Stick Style mansion attributed to renowned Victorian architect Frank Furness. A tour of the 15 beautifully restored rooms gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle of this Victorian-era Cape May family. Physick Estate Tours take approximately 45 minutes and end with a visit to the 1876 Carriage House where you can see the current exhibit in the Carroll Gallery. Tours will be at 11:15 am, 12:30 pm, 1:45, and 3:00 pm on Saturday and 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, 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, August 29 - 30 - 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! Participate anytime between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm.

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. 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, August 29 - 30 - 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 9:00 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). 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, August 29 - 30 - 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, August 30 - 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.

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 more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Sunday, August 30 - Cape May, Cape May County
Welcome to Cape May Trolley Tour

This 45 minute 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. Tour on Sunday at 6:30 pm. 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 more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Sunday, August 30 - Titusville, Mercer County
Songs and Stories of the American Revolution Performed by Matthew Dodd

Dressed in colonial clothing and performing rousing period songs and stories, Matthew Dodd will take you back in time to the days of the American Revolution. Mr. Dodd sings and plays the guitar, banjo, mandolin and recorder throughout the show. The outdoor performance will take place at 2:00 pm at Sullivan’s Grove next to the Visitor Center Museum at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, NJ. Parking is available at the Visitor Center Museum. A vehicle Park entrance fee applies.

Washington Crossing State Park can be reached from I-95 by taking the Trenton/Lambertville Exit (this is the first exit in N.J. heading north and the last exit heading south). Head north on Route 29 for 2 ½ miles and turn right at the first traffic light. Park Entrance will be on your left in a ½ mile. Enter the park and follow the signs to the Visitor Center Museum. For more information, call 609-737-0623.

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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 Cape May 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

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