NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 7/31/21-8/1/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday - Sunday, July 31 - August 1 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Mercer County 4H Fair

Children Friendly Event

In the 1920s and early 1930s, the local Pleasant Valley Calf Club held an annual fair at the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse and grounds adjacent to Howell Farm. These fairs, organized by the school children and their parents, drew visitors from many parts of Mercer and Hunterdon Counties. "With this historical basis in mind, we thought the 4-H Fair was a great match for us," said Pete Watson, Howell Farm director. "With our visitor center barn, we're now well equipped to handle a fair like this."

Highlights of the fair will include cow milking, a sheep show, a goat show, a poultry show, and a small animal show. Tents for the animals and exhibits will be located near the farm's visitor center. Musical acts include the Jugtown Mountain String Band, Cook College Ramblers, and Magnolia Street String Band. Howell Farm's farmers will contribute by running hayrides, giving tours, and conducting historical farming demonstrations out in the fields. For more information about the fair, click here.

Please note that all 2021 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 31 - August 1 - 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 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 31 - August 1 - 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 31 - August 1 - 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 31 - August 1 - 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 31 - August 1 - 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 31 - August 1 - 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 31 - August 1 - 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 31 - August 1 - 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 31 - August 1 - Lower Township, Cape May County
Farm Weekend

Experience life on an Early American farm through hands-on activities and exhibits at Historic Cold Spring Village’s ‘Down on the Farm’ Weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Historic Cold Spring Village, an open-air living history museum, presents the trades, crafts, architecture, and lifestyles of an Early American, rural South Jersey farming community. Special exhibits throughout the Village will include collections of antique and modern farming equipment and tools. Visitors can tour the historic Corson-Gandy Barn, c. 1880, which is home to Levi the Village horse. Guests can visit the Village, pigs, chickens, and calves. Children may also participate in farm chores at the agricultural barn complex throughout the day.

The Friends of Historic Cold Spring Village will also host the Annual Dog Show on Saturday beginning at 12:00 noon at the Gazebo. Admission to the Village is required to enter through either the Route 9 and/or Seashore Road Gatehouse. The fee has been reduced 50% for one handler and one dog to $6.00. Any guest with a 2021 membership is admitted free of cost. Friends members will be at either gate to register your pet beginning at 11:00 am.

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 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. For more information, call 609-898-2300, ext. 10 or visit www.hcsv.org.

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Saturday - Monday, July 31 - August 2 - 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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Sundays, August 1, 8, 29 and September 1, 22, and 29 - Somerville, Somerset County

Hardenbergh Hikes through History: New Jersey's Artist and Ornithologist

Explore the Jersey Dutch roots of New Jersey's turn-of-the-century artist and ornithologist Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh.

Artist and ornithologist Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh depicted the wildlife and landscapes of the Jersey Shore at the turn of the twentieth century but his own roots in the Garden State stem back to the Jersey Dutch and the American Revolution.

This special historic houses tour goes indoors and outdoors at Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage to explore the Jersey Dutch origins of the Hardenbergh and Rutgers families, the academic tradition of New Jersey's colonial colleges that encouraged Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh's ornithology, and the landscapes preserved in New Jersey State Parks & Forests today that inspired Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh's art.

Complement this tour with visits to "In Nature's Realm: The Art of Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh" on exhibit at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton now through January 9, 2022 and "Fine Feathered Friends: Birds as Mainstay and Muse" on exhibit at New Jersey State Museum in Trenton.

To register and get FREE tickets, click here. The Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites is located at 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ. For more information, call 908-725-1015.

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Sunday, August 1 - Eatontown, Monmouth County
Thomas Eaton & Some of His Descendants

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Sunday, August 1 - Tewksbury, Hunterdon County
Self-Guided Tewksbury Auto Tour

The Tewksbury Historical Society sponsors a self-guided Tewksbury Auto Tour on Sunday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, rain or shine. Tour Booklets, at $10 each while supplies last, are sold per car regardless of the number of riders. The booklet provides the driver with delightful meanderings on Tewksbury's country roads, through its historic villages and hamlets, along rolling hills and farmlands, and past unique sites. Antique car enthusiasts can step back in time by driving their cars and let Tewksbury's special attributes come to life! Tour Booklets can be reserved in advance, no refunds, or purchased the day of the Tour. All Booklets will be picked up at Society Headquarters on the day of the Tour beginning at 10:30 am, 60 Water Street, Lebanon (Mountainville), NJ 08833. The Tour starts at THS Headquarters and lasts about two hours, depending on stops taken along the way. Those wishing to spend the day in Tewksbury may consider lunch at the Oldwick Market or the Tewksbury Inn. Advance booklets can be reserved on-line thru PayPal at www.tewksburyhistory.net.

Also available on Sunday will be the book Oldtime Days in Mountainvile and Surrounding Areas by Robert P. Stevenson and Meta Potter at a cost of $30. This book is a much-loved treasure of information that has been out of print for twenty years. Due to the generosity of the Potter family, the Tewksbury Historical Society was given permission to reprint the book exactly as the original book appeared. This is an exciting opportunity for area residents to learn about Tewksbury's special hamlets.

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Sunday, August 1 - Jefferson Township, Morris County

Open House

The Jefferson Township Museum, also known as the George Chamberlin House, will have an open house on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Learn about the Jefferson Township Historical Society. Our award-winning costumed docents are available to help on your tour. Admission is free. Masks are required for entry.

The featured exhibit will be “Victorian Dress from Head to Toe.” This exhibit is being presented by the Society’s costume department. Vintage pieces from the museum and private collections, along with reproductions of the late Victorian period (1870-1900) and up to 1920, will be displayed throughout the building.

Each room of the museum will feature a different part of dressing the Victorian family. Gowns, outer wear, accessories, undergarments, and lingerie will be displayed throughout the building. Many special pieces are being taken from archival storage for this exhibit. Informational signage will address many of the myths of Victorian clothing. Period dressed docents and guides will be available to help visitors through the exhibit. Miss Elizabeth’s Garden plantings are labeled for self-guided tours

Be sure to visit Miss Elizabeth’s Shoppe in the basement, which was the original kitchen of the house. The Shoppe is packed with new and vintage items for sale. Also be sure to visit the Museum’s lovely gardens.

The Jefferson Township Museum is located at 315 Dover-Milton Road, Jefferson Township, NJ. For further information, call 973-697-0258 or visit https://www.jeffersontownship.net/360/Historical-Society.

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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