NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 8/21/21-8/22/21

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, August 21 - Madison, Morris County
Architectural Walking Tour

Explore some of the many architectural gems in downtown Madison including the James Library Building with Museum of Early Trades and Crafts staff on a walking tour that begins at 11:00 am. $15 per person and free for METC Members. Pre-registration is required. Click here to register!

The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts is located at 9 Main Street (NJ Route 124 at Green Village Road), Madison, NJ. 

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Saturday, August 21 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Help the Farmer: Fences, Bridges & Fords

Children Friendly Event

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 21 - 22 - 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 3:00 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 21 - 22 - Lower Township, Cape May County
Hands-On History Weekend

Family Friendly

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. 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 - Sunday, August 21 - 22 - 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, August 21 - 22 - 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 21 - 22 - 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 21 - 22 - 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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Sunday, August 21 - 22 - 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, August 21 - 22 - 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 21 - 22 - 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 21 - 23 - 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 22
Coyotes in New Jersey
Virtual Program

Celebrate summer at the Shore with Ocean County Historical Society! Our goal is to tell the stories of Ocean County and we are visiting some of the plant and animal residents that you will encounter along the Jersey coastline.

On Sunday at 2:00 pm, join Chris Crosby, a PhD student in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University. The focus will be on coyotes that arrived in NJ about 80 years ago and can now be found in almost every town across the state. In the past 2 years, coyotes have immigrated to Barnegat Light, reproduced, and are dispersing across Long Beach Island. Learn some history of eastern coyotes, their ecology and behavior, and important guidance for avoiding negative human-coyote interactions.

To register for this program, email oceancountyhistory.zoom@gmail.com stating: Your name & date of program, your zip code, and your email address so we may send the link for Zoom to access the program a few days before the event.

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Sunday, August 22 - River Edge, Bergen County
Summertime Social

A walk in the past, a dessert fest, and kites for kids all add up to a day of food, family fun, and flavor of local history at New Bridge Landing in River Edge.

Visitors will step back in time and spend an afternoon in the 18th century during the Bergen County Historical Society’s (BCHS) annual Summertime Social on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. During this open house of the historic village, the public is invited to tour the home that was George Washington’s quarters in 1780, enjoy a drink at an 18th century local tavern and a walk on “The bridge that saved a nation” and inspired Thomas Paine to write “These are the times that try men’s souls…”.

Some 250 years ago, New Bridge was the business district of the upper Hackensack Valley, or the shopping center of its day. In the Summertime Social, knowledgeable volunteer docents, many dressed in period costume, will explain the architecture, household items and practices of the time as well as the historic figures and events that played an integral part in our nation’s founding. The three historic Dutch sandstone houses and the barn will be open for visitors to explore.

Besides the hands-on history, children will be treated to a kite decorating fair and then encouraged to color the sky with their homemade kites. Families are invited to bring their children to enjoy an array of sweets in the 1774 Campbell-Christie House to top off a fun-filled day of history.

During the three hours, visitors can discover at their own pace the various buildings on the site. Because of its strategic location astride New Bridge, the Steuben House, which has stood in its original position since 1752, is steeped in Revolutionary War legends and lore. Set in a no-man's land between two opposing armies, it served as a fort, military headquarters, intelligence-gathering station, rendezvous, and site of several skirmishes and major cantonments throughout the long war.

The Demarest house, also a family residence that dates from 1794, is now a museum exhibiting furnishings and personal belongings of the period. After a stop in the 1889 barn for a lesson in broom making, guests can follow the path passing the outdoor kitchen replica where seasonal dishes of the era are often made. They can then watch the blacksmith at work in his on-site forge. Visitors should not miss the Black Horse Inn at the 18th century Campbell-Christie House tavern to enjoy light refreshments and desserts.

Spanning the Hackensack River, the “New Bridge” as it was known, was all that kept the British army from hemming the Continental army in the peninsula between it and the Hudson River. By reaching the bridge first, the patriots were able to continue their retreat unimpeded by the enemy. Visitors are invited to retrace the Americans’ steps as they ran across, toward the Steuben House.

Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for students and free entry for BCHS members. Face masks are required while inside the historic buildings. There is free parking on site, which is adjacent to the New Bridge Landing train station on the Pascack Valley line. Leashed dogs are permitted on the site but not inside the historic houses.

To secure tickets in advance or for a complete listing of events and a detailed history of the entire site, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org. This event will take place as scheduled regardless of weather conditions.

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Sunday, August 22 - Sparta, Sussex County

Rite Joyce: Evolution of an Artist

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Sunday, August 22

Black August - Then and Now: Historical Origins and Current Relevance

Virtual Program

 

The Trent House Association and the Greater Trenton Chapter of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History host a free, virtual panel discussion and spoken word program on Sunday from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. The program can be viewed live at https://bit.ly/2X3M2od and the link can accessed at www.williamtrenthouse.org/upcoming-events.

After the widely televised death of George Floyd, the world was awakened to how wrong encounters with law enforcement can go. During the late sixties and early seventies, similar attention was brought to murderous encounters in the United States prison system. Names like Jonathan and George Jackson, Angela Davis, Attica, Soledad, Counterintelligence Program, and San Quentin Prison captured the attention of activists of the day, leading to a vibrant movement for prison condition reform. Out of that movement came the creation of “Black August.” Our “Black August – Then and Now” program will inform local Trenton residents and our not-so-local friends and guests about this movement of resistance to oppression and demand for prison/criminal justice reform.

The program will present the historical origins and current relevance of Black August, discuss the continuing need for prison reform, and remember the Freedom Fighters. The program will feature a Panel Discussion interspersed with Poetry and Spoken Word readings. Panelists include Bonnie Kerness, Program Director of the American Friends Service Committee Prison Watch; Pastor Lukata Mjumbe, Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, Princeton, NJ; and Ojore Lutalo, Artist, and former political prisoner. Panel Moderator will be Aula Sumbry, Historian of the Greater Trenton Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and Community Advisor to the Trent House Association (THA). Poets include Nekiel Butler, Raul Cortes Jr., and Pulitzer prize winner Yusef Komunyakaa. Opening and closing remarks will be made by Aula Sumbry, Christine Samson-Clark, Secretary of the Trent House Board of Trustees, and Gerald Truehart II, President of the Greater Trenton Branch of ASALH.

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Sunday, August 22 - Sparta, Sussex County

Brass Quintet & String Quartet

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