NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 2/27/21 - 2/28/21

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, February 27

"Open The Door, I’ll Get It Myself: The Great Migration To New Jersey"

Virtual Program

The Trent House Association presents a virtual illustrated talk, “Open the Door, I’ll Get It Myself: The Great Migration to New Jersey,” presented by Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps, noted history scholar and acclaimed speaker. The program will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday via Zoom at https://bit.ly/3o3DJAn. A pay-as-you-wish donation of $10 is suggested and can be made by PayPal at www.williamtrenthouse.org/donation.html.

New Jersey's African American population multiplied during what is known as the Great Migration in the early decades of the 20th century. Dr. Linda Caldwell Epps, president and CEO of 1804 Consultants and co-founder of the Sankofa Collaborative, will explore the factors leading African Americans to take on the challenges and risks of leaving communities and families in the South for an unknown, but hoped for, better future in the North. She will share stories of some of these migrants and discuss how their arrival changed life and culture in New Jersey's cities.

The Trent House Museum is beginning to collect oral histories of African American families who settled in Trenton after leaving the South or other regions and countries during the period of the Great Migration from 1916 to 1970. Anyone who would like more information or learn how to share their family's story is encouraged to contact the Trent House Association at trenthouseassociation@verizon.net or 609-989-0087.

For more information, visit www.williamtrenthouse.org. 

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Saturday, February 27 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Maple Sugaring
Children Friendly Event

Hundreds of sugar maple trees line the banks of Moore's Creek and the nearby woods at the foot of Baldpate Mountain...and in February farmers begin the annual work of sap collection and maple syrup production. Visitors are invited for self-guided tours through the barnyard, woods, and Sugar House, where farmers can answer questions about the maple sugaring process.

Visitors can also learn how to bring the operation into their own backyards, with tree tapping demonstrations at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Dress for the job: the work has sweet rewards, but it can be muddy, icy, and windy in the sugar bush.

Admission to the farm is free, but Tree Tapping Demonstrations are limited to 25 participants to comply with current State COVID-19 requirements. Advance reservations are full, however a limited number of spaces will be available at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Please note that all 2021 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, February 27 - Cape May, Cape May County

Emlen Physick 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 and 1:45 pm. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 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, February 27 - 28 - 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. 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 $12 for adults, $8 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, February 27 - 28 - 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 and college students, $6 for children 4-12, and $5 for Atlantic City residents; active military and children under 4 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, February 27 - 28 - 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 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Price is $5. 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, February 27 - 28 - 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 $20 and children (ages 3-12) $15. 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 - Monday, February 27 - March 1 - Tuckerton, Ocean County

Outdoor Strolling Admission: Tuckerton Seaport

Family Friendly Event

After much careful consideration and implementing enhanced safety measures, Tuckerton Seaport is open for strolling for long weekends. The Tuckerton Seaport will be open on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Reserved timed tickets will be required for everyone. This helps us limit capacity and maintain social distancing. Masks will be required at all times. Tuckerton Seaport reserves the right to make changes to the schedule or cancel at any time due to circumstances beyond our control at the discretion of the museum. Safety always comes first around here. In the event that we need to cancel any dates, guests who have pre-purchased tickets will receive a full refund.

How do you make reservations? Reservations can be made in two ways: Online or at the Welcome Booth!

Online:  Visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/35325/production/1036470

Tickets are just $5/person. Seaport Members can use the discount code Member20 for their complimentary tickets. Members will be required to bring their Membership Card with them when visiting or the discount will not be valid. Membership benefits for Seaport Family Members include two adults as well as any accompanying children under 18. Additional guests should reserve their tickets at the regular price online. Everyone needs a ticket for entry with the exception of children under age 5 who are complimentary.

The Tukerton Seaport is located at 120 W. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ. For more information, call 609-296-8868 or visit https://tuckertonseaport.org.

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Sunday, February 28

Coffee and Collections

Virtual Program

Featuring members of NSCDA-NJ's Collections Committee and guest speakers. The program begins at 12:00 noon and lasts until 1:00 pm. The topic on Sunday is "Forefathers and Foremothers."

One of the greatest secrets of any museum is what lives within its walls. You will have the chance to peel back that curtain and view never before seen historical pieces dating from the colonial times! Speak with the New Jersey Dames Collection Committee about some of their favorite quirky collection pieces and learn a little more about the life this country’s ancestors led.

Cost per participant is $10.00. Friends of Peachfield admission is free. To register, send an email to colonialdamesnj@comcast.net. Once paid, the Zoom link will be mailed to you.

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