NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 8/28/21-8/29/21
New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings
A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com
Stony Brook Walking Tour
Before there was a "Princeton," six Quaker families established a community on the fertile ground along Stony Brook. This two-hour hike explores the lives of the early settlers and the community they established, while following a portion of the trail George Washington took from Trenton to the Princeton Battlefield. Stops include the Stony Brook Meeting House and Burial Ground, walking a portion of the "hidden" back road into Princeton, and a view of the Battlefield.
Before there was a "Princeton," six Quaker families established a community on the fertile ground along Stony Brook. This two-hour hike explores the lives of the early settlers and the community they established, while following a portion of the trail George Washington took from Trenton to the Princeton Battlefield. Stops include the Stony Brook Meeting House and Burial Ground, walking a portion of the "hidden" back road into Princeton, and a view of the Battlefield.Admission: $10 per person. Tours begin at the Updike Farmstead farmhouse, 354 Quaker Road, Princeton, NJ at 11:00 am. Space is limited. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-921-6748 or visit www.princetonhistory.org.
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Saturday, August 28 - Trenton, Mercer County
On the Road to Victory at Yorktown – The Encampment in Trenton, August 1781
Family Friendly
The Trent House Association will host an all-day event on Saturday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, celebrating the 240th anniversary of the Washington-Rochambeau march to victory in Yorktown. This is a free outdoor event with activities suitable for adults and children.
The final major battle of the Revolutionary War took place in 1781 when the combined forces of General Washington’s Continental Army and its French allies under General Rochambeau captured British General Cornwallis’ army at Yorktown in Virginia. It was at the end of August 1781 that the two armies first converged in Princeton. They then proceeded down the King’s Highway, now New Jersey Route 206, to encampment at Trenton, New Jersey before crossing the Delaware River. On Saturday, the program at the William Trent House Museum will portray the American and French soldiers who marched nearly 700 miles from Rhode Island to Yorktown.
The August 2021 event features reenactors portraying soldiers from both the American and French armies. Two re-enactor organizations – Le Régiment Bourbonnais and Le Régiment Saintonge – represent French infantry and artillery. Also participating are re-enactors of African American infantrymen of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and John Lamb’s Artillery Company. Demonstrations of military drills and camp life take place throughout the event as well as other family-friendly activities and historical talks. The William Trent House Museum as a site on the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Heritage Trail will be recognized.
Co-sponsors of the event include the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie, the Lawrence Historical Society, and the National Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association (W3R-US) and its local New Jersey chapter.
The William Trent House is located at 15 Market Street, Trenton, NJ. For more information, visit https://williamtrenthouse.org.
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Saturday, August 28 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Fiddlin' Day
Children Friendly Event
In this special 2021 adaptation of Howell Farm's annual Fiddle Contest, musicians from throughout New Jersey will choose their own "barnyard stage," playing in outdoor settings throughout the day.
Visitors can expect to find fiddlers, guitarists, mandolinists, and more perched on porches, tucked under trees, and spread out on the lawn playing traditional folk and bluegrass music...and sharing the stories of their historic instruments. The band will focus on the instruments and various styles of traditional music: old time, bluegrass, early and rural blues, and square and contra dance tunes.
The public is invited to "jam" with the band on acoustic, stringed instruments – with an opportunity to investigate and try out some traditional instruments. Instrumental beginners are welcome to join in and experience the fun of an old-time jam session, and the public will be encouraged to sing along on some of the familiar songs.
Musician and multi-instrumentalist Dick Devore will also give talks at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on different types of traditional music. 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, August 28 - Franklin Township, Somerset County
Celebrate the 240th Anniversary of the March to Yorktown Along the D&R Canal in Somerset County
Family Friendly
The Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition (MVPC) is teaming up with Somerset County’s Franklin Township to commemorate the 700-mile victory march of thousands of American and French troops along the Millstone River 240 years ago.
MVPC has arranged to have reenactors of French and American troops near its visitor center at 2 Griggstown Causeway, at the same time the township closes eight miles of Canal Road to through-traffic as part of Franklin’s “Walk and Roll” community event. The road follows the D&R Canal, built in the 1830s, and is part of the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway.
Trenton-based reenactors of the First Rhode Island Regiment will portray a mixed-race American unit that marched the trail in 1781 to participate in the final, decisive battle at Yorktown, Virginia. Around 1:00 pm, reenactors will interpret the French Officers Rochambeau and Chastellux, who led the allied French troops as allies to the American forces, while a third reenactor interprets George Washington on horseback.
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Saturday, August 28 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Vintage Base Ball Game
Children Friendly
Vintage Base Ball Game
Children Friendly
Spend a summer afternoon at Holmdel Park and enjoy one of America's favorite pastimes and see how it started. The Monmouth Furnace Boys (formerly known as the Bog Iron Boys) will be playing vintage base ball, using rules from the 19th century. Players will be dressed in uniforms appropriate to the time period, and the style and terms of the 19th century are used during the game. This event run from 11:00 am - 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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Saturday - Sunday, August 28 - 29 - 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 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.
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 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 28 - 29 - Lower Township, Cape May County
Seafarers' Weekend
Seafarers' Weekend
Family Friendly
This event will feature pirates, music, and family fun on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Village buildings will be open, featuring historically clothed interpreters who will demonstrate the trades, crafts, and lifestyles of Early America.
Kaptain Kristian and Red will be present to tickle your funny bone.
Jolly Shore Leave will be on deck to entertain and educate all you scallywags! Musically that is!
A daring puppet show “Death of Blackbeard the Pirate” will be performed by Shades of Our Past! That’s edutainment folks!
Troubadours John and Jan Haigis bringing you songs of America’s past triumphs and tribulations!
Main Deck Productions is back! Join in on the fun and frivolity with Captain Jack Sparrow and his trusty first mate Morgan!
The Sea Dogs Maritime Band, an authentic maritime reenactment crew, will perform their sea shanties on both days at the Village Gazebo.
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 28 - 29 - 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.
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.----------------------------------
Saturday - Sunday, August 28 - 29 - 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.
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 28 - 29 - 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.
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.----------------------------------
Saturday - Sunday, August 28 - 29 - 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.
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.---------------------------------
Sunday, August 28 - 29 - 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.
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 28 - 29 - 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.
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. 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 28 - 29 - 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.
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, August 28 - 29 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Vintage Base Ball Game
Children Friendly
Vintage Base Ball Game
Children Friendly
Learn how potatoes were grown and harvested at the end of the 19th century. Help the Longstreet Farm staff bring in the crop, and dig some potatoes for your own family. This event run from 12:00 noon - 2:00 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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Saturday - Monday, August 28 - 30 - Tuckerton, Ocean County
Outdoor Strolling Admission: Tuckerton Seaport
Family Friendly Event
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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