NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 11/21/20 - 11/22/20

  New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, November 21 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Logging & Firewood Cutting

Children Friendly Event

While farmers use horses to skid saw logs out of the woods and haul firewood to the sap house in preparation for maple sugaring season, visitors can cut and chop firewood, split locust logs into fence rails, and make real barn pegs for use in barn frames around the farm!

At the sawmill, farmers will be cutting boards for horse stalls, fences, and a new hog shed.

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, November 21

Remembering Plainfield’s WWI Soldiers

Virtual Program

Join Plainfield historian Nancy Piwowar, President of The Historical Society of Plainfield, for her presentation about Plainfield during World War I and the influenza pandemic, based on the Drake House exhibit. In commemoration of Veterans Day, we dedicate this program to the memory of the 45 soldiers and their Gold Star Families from Plainfield and the surrounding area who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during WWI. Some were born in the United States and others were immigrants, but all served their country with courage, bravery, and valor. This program will take place from 10:30 - 11:30 am via Zoom. Co-hosted by Plainfield Public Library and the Historical Society of Plainfield / Drake House Museum. This is a FREE VIRTUAL program. Email sarah.hull@plfdpl.info or drakehouseplainfieldnj@gmail.com for details. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_89vsOMDTSlC_EeB8S43HPA

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Saturday, November 21 - Wall Township, Monmouth County
Our Day of Thanks! A 19th Century Thanksgiving Celebration!

Children Friendly Event

Celebrate an early 19th Century Thanksgiving with the villagers of James P. Allaire's Howell Iron Works Company on Saturday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm! The historic homes, craft shops, and retail buildings will be open to welcome you for a special "Day of Thanks." Special program on the village green, craft demonstrations (Blacksmith, Tinsmith, Carpentry, Leather-Making and more), cooking at the Allaire Mansion, and other special activities for adults and children. Bakery and General Store open for early holiday shopping. Early 19th century period cooking and other activities to "give thanks" will be spread throughout the village! 

COVID-19 VISITOR RULES

* ALL VISITORS MUST WEAR A MASK inside the historic buildings and throughout the village grounds.

* 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.

General admission: $5 per adult (ages 4+). NO Refunds

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, November 21 - Cape May, Cape May County

Holiday Lights Trolley Ride

Children Friendly Event

Ride through Cape May’s Historic District to see festively decorated inns and homes as guides talk about Victorian Christmas traditions, lead sing-alongs, and play Christmas music. Rides last about 30 minutes. Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $10. Trolley rides on Saturday at 5:30, 6:15, 6:30, 7:15, 7:30, and 8:15 pm. 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, November 21 - 22 - 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, November 21 - 22 - 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, November 21 - 22 - Lower Township, Cape May County

Fall Walking Tours at Historic Cold Spring Village

Enjoy beautiful autumn weather as you take a guided walk through a portion of Historic Cold Spring Village and experience the mystique of days gone by. Learn the history of several of the museum buildings and the lifestyles of those who worked and lived in the village. Visit the Country Store where you may purchase a unique souvenir of the Village.

Tour ends at Cold Spring Brewery (beer, sarsaparilla, or water) and a delightful box lunch from

Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. Tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am. Tours are $20 per person and include box lunch. $18.00 for children ages 3-12. Members receive a $2 discount. Tours begin at the Seashore Road/Rt.626 Gate House. MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON VILLAGE GROUNDS.

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. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, call 609-898-2300, ext. 10, or visit www.hcsv.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, November 21 - 22 - 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, November 21 - 22 - 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, November 21 - 22 - 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 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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Saturday - Sunday, November 21 - 22 - Cape May, Cape May County
Physick Family Christmas House 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 Saturday at 12:30, 1:45, and 3:00 pm and 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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Saturday - Sunday, November 21 - 22 - Cape May, Cape May County

Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Ride

A member of the East Lynne Theater Company regales you with a Victorian holiday ghost tale as you ride through Cape May’s festively decorated Historic District. Rides start and end at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth

Adults $15 and children (ages 3-12) $8. Tour on Saturday at 8:30 pm and Sunday at 8:30 and 9:15 pm. Advance reservation strongly recommended. 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 22 - Bridgewater, Somerset County

Somerset County Historical Society Hike

The Somerset County Historical Society invites you to join them for a casual hike in the Wetland Mitigation Lands along the Raritan River near Manville. It was once the front yard of the Van Veghten farm, now our headquarters. The hike will begin Sunday at 2:00 pm. Meet at Van Veghten House, 9 Van Veghten Drive, Bridgewater, NJ. Come out for exercise, nature, learning a little about the history of the land, birding, wild flower observation, and meeting new friends. Each season has its own surprises. The route is on level ground and can take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the route that is chosen. If the weather has been wet, it can be a bit muddy. Pets on a leash are welcome.

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Sunday, November 22 - Sparta, Sussex County

"Thomas Edison: The Person, The Vision, His Genius"

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Sunday, November 22 - River Edge, Bergen County

244th Anniversary of the Retreat to Victory at Historic New Bridge Landing

Join the Bergen County Historical Society as they celebrate the 244th Anniversary of the Retreat to Victory at Historic New Bridge Landing on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ.

In the Steuben House, Marta Black will be giving three 20-minute talks on political cartoons of the 18th century. Reservations for the talk will be required. Space is limited and there is no additional charge. Times will be announced on the society’s website.  

Also, on display for viewing in the Steuben House will be Revolutionary War artifacts from the society’s collection.

Members from four reenactment groups; Outwater’s Militia, IV Battalion NJ Volunteers, 3rd NJ Regiment, and 3rd NJ Greys will be on site demonstrating military life.

Stop by the Westervelt-Thomas Barn to see a broom making demonstration and be sure to visit with the blacksmith on site to see what he is making.

Take a peek at the treasures on the gift shop table while you enjoy donuts and hot cider which will be available for purchase outside the tavern.

Don’t forget to visit the society’s authentic Jersey Dutch out-kitchen where interpreters will be cooking seasonal 18th century recipes on the open hearth.

A scavenger hunt with a prize for children will be available throughout the afternoon.

Face masks are required and please practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart.

Ticket reservations are required: $12 adults, $7 students, and BCHS members free.

Free parking available on site. Dogs on are permitted on the grounds on a leash (not in the houses). For event and talk reservations visit the society’s website www.bergencountyhistory.org. For more information, email contactBCHS@bergencountyhistory.org or call 201-343-9492 (leave a message).

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Saturdays and Sundays through January 10, 2020 - Princeton, Mercer County

Festival of Trees

Morven Museum and Garden's annual Festival of Trees is an annual highlight of the holiday season showcasing a juried collection of  trees and mantles displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, upstairs and down. This year’s Festival opens earlier and stays open even longer into 2021! 

Festival of Trees is open to the public during regular museum hours, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The museum will close from 1:00 - 1:30 pm for cleaning. Timed admission tickets are available for purchase and will be given priority. Walk up admission tickets will be by availability in the museum shop. Please be prepared for possible museum entrance delays in observance of CDC guidelines ensuring reduced crowd sizes.

Morven Museum & Garden is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Admission $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (60+) and students and children 6 and under and active military personnel are free. Friends of Morven, free. Please note that during the Festival of Trees in December and early January, no formal tours are given, but docents are available to answer any questions. Morven Museum and Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ. For more information, call 609-924-8144 or visit www.morven.org.

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