NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 10/31/20 - 11/1/20

   New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, October 31 - Union Township, Union County

Pumpkin Patch Day

Children Friendly Event

Join Liberty Hall for their annual Pumpkin Patch Day - a fall tradition for so many families that offers a variety of fall activities appropriate for all ages in a single, convenient day trip!

In addition to pumpkin picking, carving and painting, children will experience a good old-fashioned hayride and make Halloween crafts. There is an additional charge for pumpkins.

An all-day event, from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Admission is $12 for children and $8 for adults, and children under 3 are free. Reservations are required - no walk in traffic will be accepted this year. To reserve online, visit www.kean.edu/libertyhall. Liberty Hall is located at 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ. For more information, call 908-527-0400, e-mail libertyhall@kean.edu, or visit www.kean.edu/libertyhall.

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Saturday, October 31 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Osage Orange Day

Children Friendly Event

Planting and pruning is only finished when the Osage orange hedgerow is ‘horse high and hog tight.’ Help farmers trim these natural fences, and gather fallen oranges for use in the farmhouse basement .where their scent is thought to discourage insects and spiders from taking up residence. 

Discover evidence of Pleasant Valley's historic landscape by joining farmers for hedgerow walks and talks, and learn about a project to map the Osage orange hedgerows of Mercer County. After, enjoy live music performed by the Jugtown Mountain String Band and a bowl of Ice Cream Jim's famous ice cream. This event runs from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

**Please note that fall 2020 Saturday programs will be modified to encourage social distancing and reflect current State guidelines for public events. Visitors are required to carry masks at all times, and wear them when social distancing isn't possible.

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, October 31 - Trenton, Mercer County

William Poland, The Greatest Trenton Architect You’ve Never Heard Of

On Saturday at 10:00 am, urban planner David Bosted, joined by On the Forefront Curator Karl Flesch, will lead a walk along State Street to Montgomery Street in Trenton to view five buildings and the sites of three others designed by Poland. Closing out the walking tour we’ll take a short drive to Junior No. 1 to view the school’s outdoor architecture.

The tour is limited to 25 participants. There is a $10 donation per person requested. Park on West State Street near the New Jersey State Library and Museum. Please wear your mask. The rain date is November 1 at 10:00 am. To register, visit https://ellarslie.org/walking-through-history-at-ellarslie-and-downtown.

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Saturday, October 31 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County
Halloween at Allaire

Children Friendly Event

Come to Allaire Village on Saturday between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm to experience fun, family friendly Halloween activities!

Activities include:

* Spooky Story Telling

* Children's Costume Parade

* Pet Costume Parade

* Scavenger Hunt

* Fortune Telling

* Bubble Witch

* Other Children's Activities

There will be historic demonstrations which include blacksmithing, woodworking, and tinsmithing. There will be tours of the historic homes.

COVID-19 Visitor Rules:

* ALL VISITORS MUST WEAR A MASK.

* 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.

Tickets are required. There will be NO Refunds. Reserve tickets here. 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 31 - 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, October 31 - 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 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, October 31 - 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. The tour 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, October 31 - 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 Saturday 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 31 - November 1 - 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 31 - November 1 - 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, October 31 - November 1 - 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 31 - November 1 - 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 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). 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 31 - November 1 - 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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Sunday, November 1 - 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 and 1:00 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, November 1 - 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 and 1:45 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, November 1 - Jefferson Township, Morris County
Open House

The Jefferson Township Museum, also known as the George Chamberlin House, will have an open house on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Learn about the Jefferson Township Historical Society. Our award-winning costumed docents are available to help on your tour. Admission is free. Masks will be required.

For our 2020 season, the Museum will focus on a variety of displays encompassing the lineage of our founding families, their contributions, and support during the development and growth of the Township. The displays will run through November.

Be sure to visit Miss Elizabeth’s Shoppe in the basement, which was the original kitchen of the house. The Shoppe is packed with new and vintage items for sale. Also be sure to visit the Museum’s lovely gardens.

The Jefferson Township Museum is located at 315 Dover-Milton Road, Jefferson Township, NJ. For further information, call 973-697-0258 or visit https://www.jeffersontownship.net/360/Historical-Society.

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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