NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 7/24/21-7/25/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, July 24 - Flemington, Hunterdon County

Author Apara Mahal Sylvester Book Signing Day

Apara Mahal Sylvester will be signing John’s Best Day Ever (a train book) at Northlandz on Saturday, talking about her process for writing her books and will even be doing a few readings of John’s Best Day Ever throughout the day. This event runs from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

Apara Mahal Sylvester is a famous author living in New Jersey. Her most recent publications are children’s books. Her other children’s books are Cranky Frankie and The Lost Duck, Charlie The Baseball Cat, Lucy’s Way Home, and The Angel Tree. 

Northlandz is located at 495 US-202, Flemington, NJ. For more information, call 908-782-4022 or visit https://northlandz.com/events.

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Saturday, July 24 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Evening Livestock Chores

Children Friendly Event

Bring your boots and work gloves, because between 5:00 and 8:00 pm you’ll be learning just what it takes to keep farm animals...by picking up a pitchfork and doing evening chores! Help farmers feed and water the animals, bring in the sheep from the pasture, collect eggs in the henhouse, grind corn in the barn, scrub and fill water tubs, and clean the horses’ stalls for tomorrow’s breakfast.

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, July 24 - Atlantic Highlands, Monmouth County

Vintage "Base Ball" Doubleheader
Children Friendly Event

The Atlantic Highlands Historical Society will be hosting the Monmouth Furnace when they face off against the visiting Brooklyn Atlantics at Firemen’s Field on Saturday. The teams will play a doubleheader featuring two 90 minute games.

Gates open at 10:00 am with games for children and prizes up for grabs. This will be a day of fun for the whole family. Snacks will be available for purchase. The first game will begin at 11:00 am. Admission is free and open to all. Firemen’s Field is located at West Highland Avenue and Avenue C, Atlantic Highlands, NJ. 

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Saturday, July 24 - Ledgewood, Morris County

Morris Canal Include Plane 2 East

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Saturday - Sunday, July 24 - 25 - 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 11:15 am, 1:45 pm, and 6:30 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 24 - 25 - 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 24 - 25 - 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 24 - 25 - 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 24 - 25 - 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 9:00 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 24 - 25 - 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, 24 - 25 - 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 24 - 25 - 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 24 - 25 - Lower Township, Cape May County
Hands-On History Weekend

Two days of family-friendly, interactive, and educational fun are planned for Historic Cold Spring Village’s “Hands-on History” Weekend, on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Children will be given a “Pastport” at the start of their Village trip, which can be stamped at the buildings they visit after completing a take-home craft or activity. Pastports can be redeemed at the Country Store for a free treat! 

Other family-friendly activities include games and live entertainment from traditional musician Mary Roth. Talk with Ben Franklin and learn about his latest invention. Be edutained by troubadours John and Jan Haigis. Author and historian Kathleen Lindsey will be with us to inform everyone about the lives of the slaves.

The Village is an open-air living history museum located in the Cold Spring section of Lower Township at 735 Seashore Road. Its major entrance is located on Seashore Road; however, the 720 Route 9 entrance is open on Saturdays and Sundays. The 1800s museum is open Thursday through Sunday until Labor Day Weekend from 11am to 4pm. For more information, call 609-898-2300, ext. 10 or visit www.hcsv.org.

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Saturday - Monday, July 24 - 26 - 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 25 - River Edge, Bergen County
Summer Walking Tour of Historic New Bridge Landing 

Learn about the stone houses of Bergen County through three examples at Historic New Bridge Landing. Explore the history of the site's complex history beginning with the Native Americans, the history of the American Revolution at New Bridge and the people who lived here and their livelihoods. Begin at the Meadow at the corner of Hackensack Ave and Main St, River Edge, NJ. We'll end the tour with groups in the 1752 Steuben House. The tour will be led by BCHS Past president & Museum Collection Chair Deborah Powell. 

Free parking at Historic New Bridge Landing Parking Lot at that corner or take the train to the New Bridge Landing stop on the Pascack Valley Line. Dogs on leash allowed but not in houses. Masks and distancing may be required. Dress appropriately for sun, bring water. BCHS Members Free. Public: Adults - $12.00 and students - $7.00. For more information, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org.

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Sunday, July 25 - Sparta, Sussex County
Rita Joyce: Evolution of an Artist

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Sunday, July 25 - Princeton, Mercer County
Princeton Battlefield Walking Tours

Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Princeton Battlefield State Park and learn more about the Battle of Princeton, a battle that ended the “Ten Crucial Days” of 1776-1777. Walk in the footprints of Washington’s troops and listen to exciting narratives of soldier and civilian experiences.  

Your tour is led by an approved Historical Interpreter.

Following the approximate one hour tour, visit the historic Thomas  Clarke House, the home of a Quaker farming family and the only  remaining structure from the January 3, 1777 Battle of Princeton.

Tours start promptly at 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. Pre-registration is required to limit each tour group to 15 people. Upcoming 2021 dates are: July 25, August 8 and 22, September 26, October 3 and 17. Register for a tour at www.pbs1777.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