NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 6/19/21-6/20/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, June 19 - Maplewood, Union County
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom

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Saturday, June 19 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

People of Pleasant Valley Tours

Children Friendly Event

The history of a rural farm community will be the focus of this program, which features tours of the houses in the Pleasant Valley Rural Historic District.

A Howell Farm interpreter leads visitors on a tour to the homes of gristmiller John Phillips, his farmer-son Henry, Henry’s blacksmith-son Lewis—as well as the Pleasant Valley one-room schoolhouse—and tells their stories along with those of other members of the community. Additionally, shorter tours of the Howell Farm farmhouse will be scheduled throughout the day.

People of Pleasant Valley Tours (90 minutes): 11:00 am, 2:00 pm

Farmhouse-Only Tours (30 minutes): 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm

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

The site is open 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 19 - 20 - 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 19 - 20 - 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 19 - 20 - 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 19 - 20 - 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 19 - 20 - 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 19 - 20 - 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 19 - 20 - 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 19 - 20 - 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 at 11:45 am, 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm, and 3:00 pm 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 - Sunday, June 19 - 20 - Manalapan, Monmouth County

Living History Encampments and Programs

Monmouth Battlefield State Park and Friends of Monmouth Battlefield are sponsoring a series of Revolutionary War troop encampments and programs from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, days previously set aside for the reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778) at the State Park in Manalapan and Freehold townships, Monmouth County.

The annual mid-June battle reenactment at the park has again been canceled because of Covid-19 concerns. Instead, reenactment groups will open camps and demonstrate camp life, weapon drills, and battle tactics.

At 1:00 pm on both days, historian Stacy Roth will speak about Molly Pitcher, the name given to the wife of a cannoneer who brought buckets of water to artillery men to quench their thirst on the extraordinarily hot day of the battle and to help cool down cannons after firing. Stacy will speak outside the Visitor Center.

Children’s infantry and artillery drills will also be conducted on both days. The Visitor Center will remain closed, as it has been for the past 15 months. The Friends will offer for sale a small number of souvenirs and books. Sutlers offering sales of Rev War garb and books will also be available.

Walking tours of the battlefield will be offered at 2:15 pm on both days. A program schedule for the 2 days is posted on the Friends website, at http://www.friendsofmonmouth.org/newsletters.html; click on the June 2021 issue.

Visitors will be asked to maintain 6-foot spacing, but face masks will not be required. Contact the park office for information, at 732-462-9616.

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Saturday - Sunday, June 19 - 20 - Manalapan, Monmouth County

Military Timeline Weekend

Interested in the Civil War or World War II? Want to learn about the weaponry and tactics used in the American Revolution? Or maybe you are just a history buff who loves it all. Historic Cold Spring Village will host its annual Military Timeline Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 19th and 20th, which will feature encampments, weaponry displays and demonstrations from living history groups depicting various conflicts throughout the centuries. Military Timeline Weekend is generously sponsored by VFW Peterson-Little Post No 386 and Victorian Abstract Agency.

Historic Cold Spring Village is a non-profit, open-air living history museum that portrays the daily life of a rural South Jersey community of the Early American period. It features 27 restored historic structures on a 30-acre site. Thursday through Sunday, from July to early September, historically clothed interpreters and artisans preserve the trades, crafts, and heritage of “the age of homespun.” 

The Village is located on Route 626, Seashore Road three miles north of Victorian Cape May and a mile and a half west of the southern terminus of the Garden State Parkway. Admission during the season is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner’s Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. Visit the Country Store, Bakery, Cold Spring Brewery, and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, or booking private affairs, please call 609-898-2300, ext. 10, or visit the Village website at www.hcsv.org.

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Saturday - Monday, June 19 - 21 - 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 20 - Manalapan Township, Monmouth County

Lafayette’s March to Monmouth Battlefield

Friends of Monmouth Battlefield is leading a road tour of General Lafayette’s advanced force march from Cranbury to attack the rear guard of General Henry Clinton’ Army marching across to New Jersey to consolidate British troops in New York City. Lafayette set out from Cranbury with about 1,500 troops early on the morning of January 26, 1778, reaching Robin’s Tavern late in the afternoon, not knowing that the British with 10,000 troops had camped at the tavern site the night before.

For years, the nature of the maneuvers of the British Army and Lafayette’s advance force was not known because the location of the tavern which Lafayette called Robin’s was not known, The mystery was resolved about 20 years ago in a tenacious study by historian Robert Craig, of the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office and Monmouth County archivists. This is the tale of Craig’s paper, the Search for Robin’s Tavern.

Participants with vehicles assemble at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitors Center in Manalapan, Monmouth County, at 1:30 pm, or at the Elizabeth Wagner History Center, 6 S. Main Street, Cranbury, Middlesex County, at 2:00 pm, for the start of the tour. The tour takes about 2 hours.

A program schedule for June 19-20 is posted on the Friends website, at http://www.friendsofmonmouth.org/newsletters.html; click on the June 2021 issue.

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Sunday, June 20 - Somerville, Somerset County

Songs of WWI with Linda Russell at the Wallace House

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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