NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 9/19/20 - 9/20/20

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


Saturdays, September 19 and 26 - 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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Saturdays, September 19 and 26 - 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 19 - Wall Township, Monmouth County
Apple & Fall Festival

The Harvest has been gathered and now it is time for the families of the Howell Iron Works to relax. Please join the villagers in celebrating the harvest on Saturday from 1100 am - 4:00 pm and try your hand at apple cider pressing, apple pie baking contest, strolling villagers, historic demonstrations, games and so much more! Come and listen to the the band Kickin' Nash and learn line dancing from Dancemaur! There will also be demonstrations of blacksmithing, carpentry, fiber arts, tinsmithing, and weaving throughout the day. Our Historic Buildings, Pilsen Gourmet Food Truck, Bakery, and General Store will be open for you to visit.

* All patrons, visitors, vendors must wear masks.
Please practice Social Distancing and maintain 6’ from you and other individuals at ALL times.
Please follow all directional signs and guidance from our event staff when entering the event.
All guests must adhere to proper hand washing practices. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the village.
Any visitor or vendor who violates any of these rules or regulations will be asked to leave the event.
Pet Friendly Event.

Admission: Adults: $8.95 each. Children: $4.95 each (ages 3 -12 years), 2 Years & Under FREE. 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 19 - Cape May, Cape May County
Underground Railroad Trolley Tour

On Saturday at 9:30 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 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 $20 per adult and $15 for children ages 3-12. 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, September 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 12:30 pm, 1:45, and 3:00 pm on Saturday. 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, September 19 - 20 - Wildwood, Cape May County
George Boyer Museum Open

The Wildwood Historical Society's George Boyer Museum will be open during through Halloween on 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, September 19 - 20 - Atlantic City, Atlantic County
Absecon Lighthouse Open
Family Friendly

Absecon Lighthouse will be open Thursdays through Mondays, from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, with the last climb 1/2 hour before closing. 

Parking, exhibits, and 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, September 19 - 20 - 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 and Sunday tour at 7:45 and 8:45 pm each day 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, September 19 - 20 - 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, September 19 - 20 - 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, September 19 - 20 - 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, September 19 - 20 - 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 - 3:00 pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12) (one child free with paying adult). The World War II Lookout Tower is located on Sunset Boulevard in Lower Township, near Cape May Point. Sponsored by Cape May MAC. For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Sunday, September 20 - 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, September 20
Ocean County Historical Society Lectures Return
Virtual Event

On Sunday at 2:00 pm, enjoy via Zoom a free, illustrated talk by Specialist Professor of Public History at Monmouth University, Melissa Ziobro, without leaving the comfort of your home! Learn the fascinating history of Toms River’s Camp Albocondo: Then and Now, a story of recreational patterns, community service, philanthropy, and environmentalism. Register for the program by emailing your name, zip code, and date of program (9/20) to oceancounty.history@verizon.net. You will be contacted with the link to Zoom a few days before the event.

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Sunday, September 20 - Hopewell, Mercer County
Hopewell Valley Historical Society Annual Meeting
In-Person & Virtual Event

The Hopewell Valley is blessed with a rich architectural and cultural heritage that helps makes it such a great place to live. And our neighbors and volunteers serving on the local municipal Historic Preservation Commissions are on the front lines of protecting and enhancing this rich heritage.

This year's annual meeting of the Hopewell Valley Historical Society will feature a panel session with the chairs of the three local Historic Preservation Commissions: Alison Baxter of Hopewell Borough, Max Hayden of Hopewell Township, and Eric Holtermann of Pennington Borough (pictured above). They will discuss the current state and future of preservation of our local historic landmarks and districts.

This event will be held on Sunday, outdoors at the historic Granzow home (1765 Jeremiah Woolsey House), 237 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ. The HVHS business meeting will be at 2:30 pm, with the program following at 3:00 pm. All are welcome. If you choose to attend in person - social distancing will be observed. Please bring your own chair and mask. The rain date is September 27. In the event of inclement weather, check the HVHS website and social media for updates beginning 24 hours before the meeting.

You can attend this meeting in two ways: in person, outdoors with social distancing, or online, as an Internet webinar streaming via Zoom. For more information, and to register for online access: https://www.hopewellvalleyhistory.org/programs.html.

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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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