NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 4/17/21 - 4/18/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, April 17 - Union Township, Union County

Family Fun Day: Arbor(etum) Day!

Join New Jersey's newest Arboretum for some fun and exciting Arbor Day events this April! To celebrate Arbor Day and kick off their Arboretum, Liberty Hall invites you to our Family Fun Day: Arbor(etum) Day on Saturday at 11:30 am. Liberty Hall enjoys the benefit of lots of trees – even before William Livingston moved to the property, he was ordering trees to be planted for enjoyment and study. Although so much has changed at the property over the last 250 years, our love of trees has not! Join us for activities, games & crafts on the grounds as we open our new arboretum and continue what the Livingston family began!

Adults and 1 child are $10. Additional children are $4 each. Register here.

Liberty Hall Museum is located at 1003 Morris Ave, Union, NJ. For more information, call 908-527-0400 or visit https://libertyhall.kean.edu.

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Saturday, April 17 - 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, April 17

We Are Still Here:” The History and Continuing Culture of New Jersey's Indigenous Tribal Communities

Virtual Program

The Trent House Association presents a virtual presentation by Rev. Dr. J. R. Norwood, Jr., on the history and culture of the Lenni-Lenape people and their descendants in New Jersey today. The program will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday via Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rtFwRG. A pay-as-you-wish donation of $10 is suggested and can be made by PayPal at www.williamtrenthouse.org/donation.html.

The land on which the Trent House was built is part of the traditional territory of the Lenape, called “Lenapehoking.” The Lenape people lived in harmony with one another upon this territory for thousands of years before European colonization. During the colonial era and early federal period, many were removed west and north, but some remained among the three continuing historical tribal communities of the region: The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation; the Ramapough Lenape Nation; and the Powhatan Renape Nation. The Trent House acknowledges the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their historic and continuing relationship with their territory.

The Rev. Dr. J.R. Norwood, Jr., is an ordained Christian clergyman and founding pastor of the Ujima Village Christian Church of Ewing, New Jersey. A member of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, he served as an elected Tribal Councilman from 2004 to 2019, is currently the first Principal Justice of the Tribal Supreme Court of the Nation, and represents the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape in the National Congress of American Indians, where he serves as co-chairman of the Task Force on Federal Acknowledgment. 

For more information, visit www.williamtrenthouse.org.

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Saturday, April 17 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Plowing, Harrowing & Wash Day

Children Friendly Event

Want to know how it feels to put your hand to the plow? This is your chance! 

Farmers in the field will be using horses to plow and harrow the ground to prepare it for planting corn. There will be opportunities for visitors to step into the furrow and try out the plow—something that could come in handy for those attending the farm's fall plowing match, when visitors of all ages and abilities can win ribbons and prizes for turning good furrows. This program runs from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

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, April 17

Trenton's Majolica Mania - Potteries of Trenton Society Ceramic Lecture

Virtual Program

The Potteries of Trenton Society is pleased to partner with the Bard Graduate Center and the New Jersey State Museum to present our annual ceramics history lecture. Dr. Laura Microulis, Research Curator at the Bard Graduate Center in New York City, will discuss “Trenton’s Majolica Mania” for the meeting to be held on Saturday beginning at 1:30 pm. The lecture will be a virtual webinar, and is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

In her lecture, which is funded in part by the New Jersey State Museum Foundation, Lucille M. Paris Fund, Microulis will briefly review the global phenomenon of majolica and preview the upcoming Majolica Mania exhibition, then explore Trenton’s role in this mania from the American pottery displays at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia to the financial demise of the last majolica factory in Trenton in 1897. She will demonstrate the importance of immigrant craftsmen, as well as how new foods and fashions for the table, Aesthetic movement principles, and the widespread interest in botany impacted the design and decoration of the ware.

Click here for more information, and here to register.

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Saturday, April 17

When Women Lost the Vote: A Revolutionary Story: 1776-1807

Virtual Program

To register for this program: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-program-when-women-lost-the-vote-a-revolutionary-story-1776-1807-tickets-146652312013?aff=MVEVENTBRITE

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Saturday, April 17 - 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 $20 and children (ages 3-12) $15. Tour on Saturday at 1:00 pm. 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, April 17 - 18  - 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 and Sunday at 11:15 am and 12:30 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, April 17 - 18 - 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 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

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, April 17 - 18 - 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 $8 for adults, $5 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, April 17 - 18 - 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 11:00 am - 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 $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, April 17 - 18 - 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, April 17 - 18 - 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, April 17 - 18 - 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 10:30 and 11:45 am. 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, April 17 - 19 - 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/1041698

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, April 18

“Mills of the Passaic” Zoom Program

Virtual Program

The Chatham Historical Society (CHS) and the Chatham Township Historical Society (CTHS) invite the public to a Joint Program via Zoom on Sunday at 2:00 pm entitled "Mills of the Passaic." Secrets of the history of Chatham have recently been revealed along the banks of the Passaic River. Young archaeologists from Drew University have collected fascinating artifacts from the site where George Shepard Page built the Stanley Felt Mill, housing for immigrant workers, and a store stocked with creature comforts from their homelands.

Dr. Maria Masucci, Professor of Anthropology at Drew University, and her students will share their artifact analysis and historical research for their current exhibit “Life Along the River: Revealing the Impact of Industrialization on Chatham Township 1890–1920.” Susan Allen of CHS will give a brief illustration with early photos, maps, and the history of the mills. Pat Wells of CTHS will share her collection of oral histories, and personal reflections.

Everyone is welcome to join the event via the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83129233866

If joining by phone: Call 646-876-9923

Meeting ID  831 2923 3866

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Sunday, April 18

The Kalmia Club and the Masonic Lodge: Unbroken Links to the Past

Virtual Program

Join Lambertville Historical Society in exploring the histories of The Kalmia Club and the Masonic Lodge. Lambertville has always been home to many organizations, societies, and clubs that join neighbors and serve the greater good. Two of them are still going strong, based in landmarks that contribute mightily to Lambertville's cityscape. This joint program of two virtual presentations will feature remarkable images, documents and publications.

Kalmia historian Kate Breuning will discuss the mission, activities, and vitality of one of New Jersey's oldest continuingly running women's clubs. Masonic Lodge Historian David Kois will discuss Freemasonry's rich local history and its deep links with Lambertville, its founders and commerce.

This Zoom event is free. Registration is required for security via this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtcuuupjIiGtEI4F8yO6bm2ZOxloq7GJeA

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