NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 10/10/20 - 10/11/20

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com
Want to submit an event? Use our event submission form.


Friday - Saturday, October 10 - 11 - Wall Township, Monmouth County
An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe

Allaire Village is presenting a dramatic rendition of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"written by Washington Irving and performed by Helen McKenna-Uff. The performance takes place in the Allaire Village Chapel on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm.

The tickets are available for $25 per person. Advance registration is required as this is a very popular event and sells out in advance EVERY year! Limited Seating Available. No refunds on tickets purchased. Performance takes place in the Chapel. Please print out tickets or check in with tickets on your cellular device.

Please be mindful of social distancing and wear a mask while inside the Chapel. For information, call 732-919-3500. Tickets can be purchased online at www.allairevillage.org.

The Historic Village at Allaire is located in Allaire State Park, 4265 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, October 10 - 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, October 10 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Yarn Bee
Ages 10+

Whether starting a new hobby or working on an old project, all are welcome to this gathering on Saturday at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel! The relaxed atmosphere means no pressure - you can knit or crochet at your own pace, and farm staff will be on hand to assist those wanting to learn a new skill. Bring your own supplies or borrow ours for the session. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $5 per person; cash or check only. This event run from 12:00 noon - 2:30 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, October 10
Archaeological Evidence of Native American Life 
Virtual Event

The new date for Trent House Association’s virtual talk on archaeological evidence of Native American life on what is now the site of the Trent House is Saturday at 1:00 pm. The illustrated talk by Richard Adamczyk will be presented via Zoom at https://bit.ly/2HdXghT with questions and answers following.

Mr. Adamczyk, an archaeologist with the historic preservation consulting firm Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc., is the Second Vice President of the Archaeological Society of New Jersey. Richard completed his graduate studies at Monmouth University researching and analyzing Native American occupation at the Trent House site. The presentation will provide an overview of prehistoric archaeology in New Jersey, present artifacts illustrating evidence of the extensive period that Native Americans occupied the Trent House site, and describe how the site fits into the greater complex of ancient archaeological sites in Trenton and surrounding area.

Celebrating 300 years, the 1719 William Trent House Museum is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to bringing the 1720s alive for the 21st century. For more information, visit www.williamtrenthouse.org.

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Saturday, October 10 - 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 - Sunday, October 10 - 11 - 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, October 10 - 11 - 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, October 10 - 11 - 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, October 10 - 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 2:15 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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Saturday - Sunday, October 10 - 11 - Sussex County
Sussex County Heritage Weekend


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Saturday - Sunday, October 10 - 11 - Somerset County
Somerset County Weekend Journey Through the Past
Children Friendly Sites

Somerset County's fifteenth annual Weekend Journey through the Past, a collaborative heritage tourism program, will showcase a number of historic sites countywide that will be open to the public free of charge on Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm. There will be a wide range of tours and activities to provide an enjoyable free weekend outing for the entire family.

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission asks that all visitors, and all participating historic sites and their attendant organizations comply with the current State and County health, safety and social distancing protocols during this event.

This year’s event features two newly participating historic sites: the Fisher Family and St. Andrew's Cemeteries in South Bound Brook and the Van Duyn-Van Wickle House in Somerset.

This annual event, initiated and widely promoted by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission in cooperation with the county Board of Freeholders, brings the past to life through the dedicated efforts of the many participating historical societies and organizations, municipal historic commissions and their enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers.

For comprehensive details and participating historic sites featured this year (including two new, first-time participating sites), call 908-231-7110 or visit www.SCHistoryWeekend.com.

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Saturday - Sunday, October 10 - 11 - South Bound Brook, Somerset County
Weekend Journey to the Past: Abraham Staats House
Family Friendly


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Saturday - Sunday, October 10 - 11 - Cape May, Cape May County
Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate
Family Friendly

Once again, the grounds of the Physick Estate will be transformed for a spooky Halloween, and Scarecrow Alley showcases homemade scarecrows -- from the ghoulishly gruesome to the foolishly funny! VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE! Visit the Carriage House Gallery at the Physick Estate during hours of operation and cast your vote for your favorite scarecrow.

The Emlem Physick Estate is located at 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, October 10 - 11 - 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, October 10 - 11 - 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, October 10 - 11 - 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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Saturday - Sunday, October 10 - 11 - Cape May, Cape May County
Spirits & 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! Tours on Saturday at 7:15 pm and Sunday at 7:00 pm. The tours begin and end 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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Sunday, October 11 - 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 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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Sunday, October 11 - 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 Sunday at 12:30, 1:45, and 3:00 pm. 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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Sunday, October 11 - Sparta, Sussex County
"Thomas Edison: The Person, The Vision, His Genius"


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Sunday, October 11
"Trenton’s Urban Renewal and the Struggle for Community"
Virtual Event

The next meeting of the Ewing Township Historical and Preservation Society will be held on Sunday. Our past intern, Jordan Antebi, 2019 Recipient of the Paul A. Stellhorn New Jersey History Award, will present his research and work on “Trenton’s Urban Renewal and the Struggle for Community” at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom! This project will encompass Trenton and its surrounding communities – Ewing included! We are excited to hear what Jordan has worked so hard on and pleased that he will be presenting it via our medium! To receive the Zoom link, send an email to info@ETHPS.org by October 10 with the subject "October 11th Zoom Presentation". In your email, include your name and email address. For more information, visit www.ethps.org.

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Sunday, October 11 - River Edge, Bergen County
Washington and His Spies - An Outdoor Concert

The Bergen County Historical Society presents Washington and His Spies on Sunday (rain date Sunday, October 18) from 2:00 - 3:00 pm at Historic New Bridge Landing.

Musicians Ridley and Anne Enslow will be performing a lively 60-minute outdoor musical presentation at the Campbell-Christie House, an 18th century Jersey-Dutch sandstone house. The concert is about espionage during the American Revolution. Dead drops, invisible inks, secret codes, moles and double agents, incredible courage and outright betrayal were all part of spy craft during the Revolutionary War. Anne will introduce each musical piece with a narration that puts each song in context, and she spins tales of intrigue and deception drawn right from the pages of history.

Bring your own chairs and or blankets as seating will not be provided. Face masks are required and please practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart. Bathrooms will not be available at this event.

Reservations are required: $20 non-members, $15 BCHS members, $10 children. All proceeds go to support the soon to be built museum at New Bridge Landing. Free parking available on site.

Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1201 Main Street River Edge, NJ. For tickets and additional information visit www.bergencountyhistory.org. For more information, you can also email contactBCHS@bergencountyhistory.org or call 201-343-9492 and leave a message.

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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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Through Sunday, November 8 - Lambertville, Hunterdon County
Lambertville Then and Now

The Lambertville Historical Society, in conjunction with the Delaware River Towns Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lambertville, presents an all-outdoor, self-guided walking tour and exhibit called “Lambertville Then and Now.”

Lambertville, NJ was incorporated as a town in 1849 and as a city in 1872. From the mid-1800s to the early 1900s the ferry, the canal, the railroad and the Old York Road stagecoach route all contributed to the development and industrialization of Lambertville.

Visit Lambertville and walk through the city to view 20 poster-sized historic images in windows and in front of buildings, located at the sites where the historic images were taken. Become immersed in what it was like to be in Lambertville during its industrial heyday. The exhibit runs through Sunday, November 8, 2020.

These historic exterior images dating from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s include factory buildings, mansions, a theatre, stores, halls, and more.

If you have a QR-Code reader app on your mobile device, you will be able to use it to read more about the history of each site. Or, you can type the web page address shown on the poster into your mobile web browser to do the same.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit this lovely river town, one of New Jersey’s smallest cities. Visit shops, restaurants, antique stores and more, all following New Jersey’s guidelines for safe distancing. For more information, visit www.lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org/thenandnow where you will also be able to download a printable map.

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

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