NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 8/14/21-8/15/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, August 14
Women's Suffrage in Black and White
Virtual Program

Alice Paul famously said that to her, “there is nothing complicated about ordinary equality.” However, the history of the woman suffrage movement shows that time and again issues such as race did complicate efforts to win women the vote. From the Seneca Falls Convention of 1848 to the streets of Washington D.C. in 1913 to Southern statehouses in 1920, many women of color found themselves excluded from the front lines of the movement and pushed to the background, sometimes quite literally. National Parks Service Ranger Susan Philpott of the Belmont Paul Women’s Equality Monument will tell this story through the words of the women who were there, struggling against the sexism of the society as well as the racism of many in their own ranks.

Join the Alice Paul Institute and Susan Philpott of the National Park Service for a discussion on race and the women's suffrage movement on Saturday at 2:00 pm. Register here!

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Saturday, August 14 - Upper Freehold, Monmouth County

Wharton Lock 2 East Restoration Project Hike

When the Morris Canal was abandoned in the 1920s, many of its locks and inclined planes were dismantled, but not completely destroyed. For years, Lock 2 East lay buried until the Borough of Wharton, in partnership with the Canal Society of New Jersey, began an investigation to determine if the lock could be reconstructed. Since then, work has continued and is now in its fourth phase with both the lock and the lock tender's house under construction.

On this tour, we will walk a well-filled section of the Morris Canal and visit the construction site to see Lock 2 East being brought back to life. We will then return by a circular route along the right-of-way of the Central Railroad of New Jersey's High Bridge Branch. This will be a moderate two-mile walk with lots of stops and things to see.

If you would like to attend this walk please, send an email to; macgraphics2@gmail.com. Attendance is limited. This Industrial Heritage Walk is hosted by the Morris County Park Commission. There is a fee of $5.00.

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Saturday, August 14 - Lambertville, Hunterdon County

Corn Fest

Family Friendly

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Saturday, August 14 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Potato Harvest

Children Friendly Event

Grab a bushel basket and follow behind the potato plow as workhorses Bill and Jesse unearth rows of potatoes for picking! Visitors of all ages can help collect, clean, and sort the crop, which will be delivered to local soup kitchens and food pantries. A few potatoes travel by wheelbarrow up to the barnyard, where farmers wash, slice, and drop them into the kettle to make potato chips for tasting. The site will be open from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

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, August 14 - 15 - 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 12:15 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, August 14 - 15 - Lower Township, Cape May County
Midsummer Heritage Weekend

Family Friendly

Lend us your ear for Midsummer Heritage Music Weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Join us as we pay homage to the sounds that bring us all together.

On Saturday, Mary Roth’s World Music Quartet featuring DMHoTep, Tara Middleton (members of Sun Ra Artkestra), Elliot Levin Celtic/Jazz/Indigenous Flute of and Magic Tribal Sounds from Master African Percussionist Robert Kenyatta.

Enjoy the Bluegrass stylings from The Mill Creek Pickers and Irish Pub music from Tom Brett.

On Sunday Mary Roth’s World Fusion Quartet joins us again.

The Capers will be rolling in to bring us the Classics and Jazz.

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 - Sunday, August 14 - 15 - 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, August 14 - 15 - 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, August 14 - 15 - 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, August 14 - 15 - 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, August 14 - 15 - 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 - Monday, August 14 - 16 - 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, August 15 - 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 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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Sunday, August 15 - 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 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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Sunday, August 15 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County
The Annual Rolling Iron Auto Show Returns to Allaire Village
Children Friendly Site

The Historic Village at Allaire is proud to present its 26th Annual Antique Rolling Iron Auto Show on Sunday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Antique vehicles will be coming in from all over the tri-state area. Vehicles must be over 25 years to be entered. On display will be unique, antique vehicles from the area; many of these vehicles you may not see at other shows.

Presentation awards and Dash Plaque Prizes to be presented! This show takes place in the parking lot of Allaire State Park, next to the Pine Creek Railroad. There will be plenty of macadam, with grass and shade to keep the vehicles dust-free, and of course, keep the spectators cool and comfortable. Our food vendors, will be tempting you with hot-dogs, hamburgers, french fries, Italian ice, sodas, funnel cakes, and much more.

Show vehicles are $20 and pre-registration is required. Attendees will be charged $5 per car the day of the event. There will be no Village general admission charged.

This event is not just a car show; it's a day of family fun for the history buff, the car enthusiast, the train fan, and the nature lover. All visitors are encouraged to visit the Historic Village at Allaire. Walk through the buildings, shop at the General Store, and learn about life in the 1830s. This is a terrific outing for the whole family all within beautiful Allaire State Park. There is a picnic area and hiking trails. Children will love fishing in the pond and looking at the authentically dressed museum interpreters, as well as visiting the carpenter and blacksmith shops, where they can see demonstrations of their crafts. The Village tells a story of life in Allaire 176 years ago, a creative learning experience for all to see in the restored 1830's iron manufacturing community.

The Historic Village at Allaire is located at 4263 Atlantic Avenue, Farmingdale, NJ. For more information, contact the Allaire Village office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, at 732-919-3500 or visit www.allairevillage.org.

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Some event listings courtesy of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey