NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 6/12/21-6/13/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, June 12 - Tweksbury, Hunterdon County
Tweksbury Biannual Garden Tour

The Tewksbury Historical Society will sponsor its biannual Garden Tour on Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, in Tewksbury Township, rain or shine. Six gardens located throughout the township will welcome visitors. All COVID-19 requirements applicable at that time will be followed.

A 1722 house sits amid a parklike garden of large grass spaces, rock paths, seating areas and mature trees. A cedar grape stake fence and a 100-foot dry stack stone wall define the areas. Swans call its pond "home".

In 1950, a 1773 house and an 1800 general store were joined, with the surrounding gardens developed in keeping with the structures. A smokehouse, believed to be the oldest building in Oldwick, several old stone-lined wells and a hand-pump are among the historic features of the gardens. They are composed of "public" spaces marked by color and variety and "private" spaces showcasing hues of serene green.  A Shade Garden beckons the visitor to sit, linger and think.

A 1790 home, whose present garden emerged from the devastation of Super Storm Sandy, showcases a large property featuring baby pin oaks, a stunning Japanese cherry tree, and multiple flower beds. They provide a "rolling" panorama of color throughout the year, with seating enclaves and contemplative vantage spots.

A contemporary private garden of big root geraniums, gooseneck loosestrife, golden ray hydrangeas, various species of viburnum and spirea flow down a hillside, ending at Frog Hollow Brook. Among the landscaping surrounding the house are butterfly bushes, various species of barberry, lambs' ear, catmint and cranesbill geraniums.

A private home, whose garden was designed by its previous owner, a Master Gardener, impressed the current owners enough to want to purchase the property. Based on the principles of pleasure, beauty and joy, it is tranquil and secluded.

Perennial gardens, wild flowers, community gardens, and a developing pollinator garden are features of a large tract of land, which is a hidden oasis of beauty in Oldwick. Hikers of every age enjoy its many miles of trails. A pond surrounded by seating is a quiet spot for relaxation.

Tickets are $50.00 on the day of the tour. Tickets are limited and can be purchased on-line thru PayPal at www.tewksburyhistory.net. Click on the Garden Tour page on the left.

All tickets, including those purchased in advance, and locator maps are to be picked up the day of the Tour from 9:30 am - 1:00 pm at Tewksbury Historical Society Headquarters, 60 Water St., Lebanon (Mountainville), NJ. For more information, email tewksburyhistory@earthlink.net. 

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Saturday, June 12
Saturday Morning History Chat: "Eliza Schuyler Hamilton"
Virtual Program

Elizabeth Hamilton was the wife of American founding father Alexander Hamilton, a defender of his works, a mother, and co-founder of the first private orphanage in New York City. Please join us as we meet the woman behind the man, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. She outlived her husband by 50 years and has only recently been re-discovered by the general public. You will be surprised to discover what an interesting and strong person she was. Alisa Dupuy of Ladies of History portrays this often-overlooked notable woman.

This program will be held at 10:30am via Zoom.

There will be time for Q&A following the presentation.

This is a FREE program. REGISTER HERE: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_h7DCNUkMRc6NV7E0ILgung

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Saturday, June 12 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Dairying

Children Friendly Event

Farmers invite you to join a local farmer as he demonstrates handling and milking a farm cow. Learn about cow breeds, milk and cream production, history, and more! In the farmhouse, you can also help make cheese and butter, before churning and tasting a batch of old-fashioned ice cream.

A children’s craft program will be available from 11:00 to 3:00 for a small materials fee.

The program will run 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 - Sunday, June 12 - 13 - 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 12:30 pm and Sunday at 12:15 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, June 12 - 13 - 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 12:30, 1:45, and 3:00 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, June 12 - 13 - 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 5:00 pm on Saturday and between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on 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, June 12 - 13 - 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, June 12 - 13 - 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 - 5:00 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, June 12 - 13 - 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, June 12 - 13 - 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, June 12 - 13 - 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, 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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Saturday - Monday, June 12 - 14 - 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, June 13 - Manalapan Township, Monmouth County

George Washington’s March to Monmouth Battlefield

Friends of Monmouth Battlefield is leading a road tour of George Washington’s March to Monmouth Battlefield, with approximately 6,000 American Army soldiers, to fight the June 28, 1778, Battle of Monmouth, in Freehold borough, Manalapan Twp.  

The public is invited to meet at 1:30 pm at the Visitor Center, Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, off Business Rte. 33; or to meet at 2:00 pm at the Elizabeth Wagner History Center, S. Main Street, Cranbury, NJ.

Members of the public will follow in the tour in their own private cars. For more information, contact George Dawson at dawson2013@hotmail.com.

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Sunday, June 13 - Sparta, Sussex County

Rita Joyce: Evolution of an Artist

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Until June 15, 2021

Historical Society of Princeton's Virtual House Tour
Virtual Program

The first ever Virtual House Tour is an immersive, digital reimagining of the Historical Society of Princeton’s beloved annual House Tour event. With a new house released each week, you will get to view four spectacular Princeton homes, plus special bonuses, on-demand for one month. Houses will remain available through June 15 once they are released.

Every house will offer an in-depth portal where you can dive into videos and descriptive details room-by-room, including spotlights on the house’s history, distinctive furnishings and artwork, impressive remodels and restorations, and extraordinary architectural features. Fascinating interviews with designers, architects, and artisans will illuminate the decision-making and painstaking work involved in preserving and updating a historic home.

To register and learn more about this year's featured houses, click here.

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Until July 31, 2021

Jockey Hollow: A Closer Look

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