NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 6/26/21-6/27/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, June 26 - Upper Freehold, Monmouth County

Antique Auto Display at Historic Walnford
Children Friendly Site & Event

The horseless carriage comes to Historic Walnford with these shining examples of pre-WWII automobiles displayed across our shady lawn, weather permitting. Admire these automobiles all made over 70 years ago and imagine when life in the fast lane never hit 50 mph. This free event runs from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.

While there, tour the large, elegant Walnford home built in 1774, the 19th century gristmill, and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road, 08501. For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.

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Saturday, June 26 - Lacey, Ocean County

Learn About Lacey History

All are invited to the Lacey Historical Society’s grand re-opening to be held on Saturday at the Schoolhouse Museum at 126 South Main Street, Rt. 9 (right behind Mrs. Walker’s Ice Cream).

The open house will begin at 10:00 am with guided complimentary tours until 1:00 pm. No reservations are required. The museum will unveil new displays to celebrate Lacey’s 150th Birthday!

Stop by any Saturday or Wednesday, 10:00 am - Noon. For more information, call 609-971-0467 or visit www.LaceyHistorical.org. 

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Saturday, June 26 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Wheat Harvest & Wheat Weaving

Children Friendly Event

When last fall’s wheat crop is finally ready to harvest, farmers will need your help in the field to follow behind the horses and gather up sheaves of wheat bundled by the McCormick Reaper-Binder. Next you’ll assemble the sheaves into shocks for drying outside. In the barnyard there will also be a wheat weaving demonstration.

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, June 26 - Pohatcong, Warren County
5th Annual Pohatcong Garden Tour

Family Friendly

Starting up our events again with a wonderful day in historic Pohatcong with fantastic gardens on Saturday from 9:00 - 4:00 pm! We are planning on a modified tour this year. It will be a self-guided experience allowing for social distancing out in the open, fresh air of the countryside. The Garden Tour will start at the historic Shimer Mansion, the main preservation effort of the Society. Click here to get more information and tickets.

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Saturday, June 26 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Spinning & Knitting Demonstration
Children Friendly Site & Event

On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to watch the art of spinning fleece and learn various methods of knitting. This free event runs 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, June 26 - Trenton, Mercer County

Celebrate the Culture of New Jersey’s Indigenous People at the William Trent House Museum

Children Friendly

The Trent House Association hosts a public archaeology day celebrating the culture and technology of New Jersey’s original people on Saturday from 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm. This is a free event with activities suitable for adults and children. All Museum visitors are required to wear face coverings until further notice.

Visitors will meet the archaeologists who have been working on the Museum’s grounds, view this year’s excavations, and see some of the artifacts left by native people thousands of years ago. Demonstrators will show how stone tools, pottery, and wampum were made and used by New Jersey’s first residents. Activities for children will give them hands-on experience in finding and identifying artifacts and they can see how native people grew food as well as some plants they would have gathered from the wild.

Event partners include Hunter Research, a Trenton-based archaeology and cultural management firm, the New Jersey State Museum, the Tulpehaking Nature Center, and the Friends for the Abbott Marshlands, where the Center is located. Each organization will have staff on site and materials about their programs and exhibits.

The 1719 William Trent House Museum, located at 15 Market Street, Trenton, NJ, is dedicated to sharing the authentic history of the house, property, and people with our communities, connecting the past with today and tomorrow. For more information, visit https://williamtrenthouse.org.

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Saturday, June 26 - Piscataway, Middlesex County
New Jersey Historical Storytelling Festival

Family Friendly

History, hearsay, hysterical - we have it all here! New Jersey and all of us: Perfect together, at last!

Join storytellers from New Jersey Storytelling Network for an afternoon of ’Stately’ themed tales on the grounds of East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway. Stories will feature New Jersey History! If the weather is inclement or the COVID-19 dragon rears its ugly head the event will become a Zoom event (link will be on our web site)!

The event will be held at East Jersey Old Town Village, 1050 River Road, Piscataway, NJ from 12:30 - 3:30 pm. For more information, visit http://www.njstorynet.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, June 26 - 27 - 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 26 - 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 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 26 - 27 - 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 26 - 27 - 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 26 - 27 - 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 26 - 27 - 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 26 - 27 - 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 26 - 27 - 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.

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 26 - 27 - Cape May, Cape May County

Quilt & Fiber Arts Show

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Saturday - Monday, June 26 - 28 - 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 27 - Sparta, Sussex County

Rita Joyce: Evolution of an Artist

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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