July 4th Weekend NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 7/3/21-7/4/21

July 4th Weekend New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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Saturday, July 3 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Yarn Bee
Ages 10+

Whether starting a new hobby or working on an old project, all are welcome to this gathering on Saturday at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel! The relaxed atmosphere means no pressure - you can knit or crochet at your own pace, and farm staff will be on hand to assist those wanting to learn a new skill. Bring your own supplies or borrow ours for the session. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $5 per person; cash or check only. This event run from 12:00 noon - 2:30 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, July 3 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Ice Cream Party

Children Friendly Event

Farmer Jim and his crew will use a "hit and miss" engine to churn gallons of ice cream in the shade of a maple tree...while live music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, kids’ games, and farmhouse tours add to the fun on the front lawn. Ice cream, surrey rides, and a children's craft are available for purchase.

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, July 3 - 4 - Wall Township, Monmouth County

American Flag Celebration

Children Friendly Site

Come celebrate the Fourth of July at Allaire!

Your ticket includes the Chapel to see Allaire's unique and one-of-a-kind American flag collection on display this weekend ONLY! There will be over five historic flags on exhibition (rare and one of a kind!), the oldest flag dating back c. 1850 and authenticated by the Smithsonian Institute!

To visit the historic village, experience early 19th century industrial community life, and explore the village grounds EAST of the Mill Pond, a ticket for General Admission is required for Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Advanced Purchase "General Admission" Ticket for ages 4 and up - $5 Each. In purchasing your General Admission Ticket, you will be able to see our historic trades in action including our blacksmiths and tinsmiths as well as tour our period homes to see how each class in the village lived. All of this in addition to other pop up demonstrations are all available to you when you visit The Historic Village at Allaire!

Please note the following for admission into The Historic Village at Allaire:

* Masks are Requested Upon Entering the Historic Buildings.

* Please print out your e-mail ticket confirmation (with the bar code) after completing your purchase and bring it with you upon visiting. This will help achieve a contact-less point-of-sale check-in process at the onsite village admission booth AND Allaire State Park Toll Booth.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.allairevillage.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 3 - 4 - 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 and 3:00 pm and Sunday at 11:45 am and 1:45 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, July 3 - 4 - 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, July 3 - 4 - 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 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, July 3 - 4 - 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, July 3 - 4 - 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, July 3 - 4 - 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, July 3 - 4 - 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, July 3 - 4 - 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, and 2:15 pm and Sunday at 11:45 am, 12;30 pm, 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, July 3 - 4 - Cape May, Cape May County

Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate all things American at Historic Cold Spring Village’s annual Independence Day Celebration, which will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. A variety of patriotic family activities, programs, and music will be taking place and the Village’s restored historic buildings will be open, featuring demonstrations of Early American trades and crafts.

At 12:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday at the Dennisville Inn, there will be a Militia Muster for children ages 5 to 12. This will be followed by a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1:30 pm. On Saturday from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm the John Walter Cape Community Band will perform American heritage tunes at the Friends Pavilion. On Sunday at 2:30 pm, learn some of the history of the American Flag at the Welcome Center. Kids can also take part in the “Patriot Spy Game,” visiting Village buildings to look for clues using a real Revolutionary War cipher.

The Village is located 735 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, Village Bakery, Ice Cream Parlor, Cold Spring Brewery and Cold Spring Grange Restaurant. For more information on events, membership, volunteering, or booking private affairs, call 609-898-2300, ext. 10, or visit www.hcsv.org.

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Saturday - Monday, July 3 - 5 - 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, July 4 - Morristown, Morris County
July 4th Hike to Revolutionary War Powder Mill

Celebrate our nation’s birth with a hike along Patriots’ Path to the archaeological site of Jacob Ford Jr.’s Powder Mill. A visit to the archaeological site of the oldest remaining Revolutionary-Era powder mill site located along the Whippany River will offer insight into how a small wooden structure with a dirt/rock-lined floor was crucial in our fight for independence.

A vital resource during the Revolutionary War, recent research has shown evidence that the mill was used for the critical remanufacture of damaged gun powder. The remanufactured powder was then disbursed to troops in the field and to General Henry Knox’s cantonment near Pluckemin.

Visitors will meet at 11:00 am at Acorn Hall and walk about one-quarter of a mile to the site of the mill and return. The hour-long event is free.

Morris County Historical Society is located at Acorn Hall, 68 Lafayette Avenue, Morristown, and is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, and Sundays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Admission, which includes the exhibits and landscaped grounds, is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for students, and is free for children under 12 and MCHS members. For more information, call MCHS at (973) 267-3465 or visit www.MorrisCountyHistory.org.

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Sunday, July 4 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Independence Day Celebration
Children Friendly Site & Event

On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to attend the Independence Day celebration. Independence Day was a festive time in the 1890s - patriotism was celebrated with music and games. Join the staff at Longstreet Farm as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests. 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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Sunday, July 4 - Westfield, Union County

Patriotic Readings

Westfield Historical Society to Hold Patriotic Readings from the Porch of the Reeve House on July 4th – all are invited. Kick off Independence Day with patriotic readings. At 10:00 am on Sunday, July 4th, the Westfield Historical Society will hold 20-30 minutes of patriotic readings broadcast from the porch of the Reeve House at 314 Mountain Avenue.

The public is invited as are scouts and patriotic organizations. The readings are:

* The Declaration of Independence (recording by J. F. Kennedy)

* Original Bill of Rights

* Lincoln’s second inaugural address

Plans are to have a flag ceremony and singing of the National Anthem to begin the program.

For further information on the Westfield Historical Society and its activities, or to volunteer, call 908-654-1794 or visit www.westfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

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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