NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 10/30/21 - 10/31/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, October 30 - Wall Township, Monmouth County
1830s All Hallow's Eve Celebration

Children Friendly

Step back in time and celebrate Halloween with our villagers as they would have in the 19th century! Learn about Halloween's long rich history and the origin of the traditions we know of today!

* Spooky Story Telling

* Soul Cake Baking

* Turnip Carving

* Fortune Telling

* Carved Pumpkin Contest

* Blacksmithing, Tinsmithing, and Woodworking Demonstrations

* and more!

Participate in the "Allaire Scare Pumpkin Dare" - a carved pumpkin contest! Contestants need to have a pre-purchased ticket for All Hallow's Eve and bring a carved pumpkin to the Event (Day Of) where it will be entered into a "scare" category and judged! Winner gets a trophy and a gift bag.

Masks are Requested Upon Entering the Historic Buildings. Admission: adults $8.00 and children ages 4-12 $4.00.

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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Saturday, October 30 - River Edge, Bergen County

All Hallows’ Eve: Songs of Love, Death, and the Supernatural

The Bergen County Historical Society presents All Hallows’ Eve: Songs of Love, Death, and the Supernatural on Saturday from 2:00 - 3:30 pm at Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ.

Balladeers Ridley and Anne Enslow, performing on the fiddle and hammered dulcimer, will present a 60-minute outdoor concert at the Campbell-Christie House, an 18th century Jersey-Dutch sandstone house. The concert will trace the legends, beliefs, and superstitions about Halloween beginning in medieval times through the 18th century and beyond.

Bring your own chairs and or blankets as seating will not be provided. Afterwards be sure to stop by the gift shop inside the Campbell-Christie House or take a stroll through the rest of the historic site grounds.

Per the state parks’ guidelines, face masks are required inside the Campbell-Christie House. Reservations are required: $20 non-members, $15 BCHS members, $10 children. All proceeds go to support the soon to be built museum at New Bridge Landing.

Free parking available on site or take the train to the “New Bridge Landing” station on the Pascack Valley Line.

For ticket reservations and additional information visit www.bergencountyhistory.org, email info@bergencountyhistory.com, or call 201-343-9492 and leave a message. The event is subject to change.

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Saturday, October 30 - Holmdel, Monmouth County

Cookstove Demonstration
Children Friendly Site & Event

On Saturday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel and stop by the out kitchen to see what’s cooking on the wood-fired stove. Discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. This free events 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, October 30 - Middletown, Monmouth County

Beneath the Floorboards: Whispers of the Enslaved at Marlpit Hall

Beneath the Floorboards: Whispers of the Enslaved at Marlpit Hall is the first exhibit to come out of the Monmouth County Historical Association's Living and Breathing initiative, which will reinterpret our Colonial-era historic houses to include the stories of the enslaved African Americans who once resided within them. The exhibition will offer a better understanding of how slavery took root in early Monmouth County, as well as the complex dynamics of daily life and relationships among the enslaved.

The telling of New Jersey’s history is often fragmented, with little remembrance of the thousands of men, women, and children living under forced servitude for more than two centuries. The curators, Bernadette Rogoff and Joe Zemla, have framed the exhibit upon the lives of seven of these individuals: Ephraim, William, Elizabeth, Clarisse, Hannah, Tom, and York, all of whom once lived at Marlpit Hall. Extensive archival documentation, archaeological evidence, and objects from MCHA’s museum collection - some on view to the public for the first time - help tell the larger story of slavery in Monmouth County and New Jersey.

Marlpit Hall is located at 137 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ. For more information, visit www.monmouthhistory.org.

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Saturday, October 30 - Westfield, Union County

Halloween Hocus Pocus

Children Friendly

Visit the Miller-Cory House Museum for some Halloween fun on Saturday from 1:30 - 3:30 pm! This program is appropriate for young children ages 3 through elementary school. The museum’s costumed docents will greet visitors in front of the farmhouse. There are numerous activities planned for the afternoon, including decorating your own Halloween cupcake, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and storytelling. Members of the cooking Committee will also demonstrate early American recipes over the open hearth. Be sure to come in costume!

Admission is $5.00 for children; accompanying adults are free. The Miller-Cory House Museum is located at 614 Mountain Avenue in Westfield, NJ. For more information, call 908-232-1776 or visit www.millercoryhouse.org.

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Saturday, October 30 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Osage Orange Day

Family Friendly Site

Planting and pruning is only finished when the Osage orange hedgerow is ‘horse high and hog tight.’ Help farmers trim these natural fences, and gather fallen oranges for use in the farmhouse basement...where their scent is thought to discourage insects and spiders from taking up residence.

Discover evidence of Pleasant Valley's historic landscape by joining farmers for hedgerow walks and talks, and learn about a project to map the Osage orange hedgerows of Mercer County. 

The site is 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, October 30 - Haddonfield, Camden County
Sea Dogs Concert at the Indian King Tavern

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Saturday, October 30 - Cape May, Cape May County
Underground Railroad Trolley Tour

On Saturday at 10:00 am, join the Center for Community Arts (CCA) Community History Committee on a trolley tour of the places where escaped slaves sought refuge and help to continue their journeys to freedom. Hear how legendary anti-slavery fighter, Harriet Tubman, walked these streets, as did prominent railroad businessman and former slave, Stephen Smith, whose railroad cars carried hundreds to freedom.  travels through parts of Cape May and West Cape May, with stops along the way, including the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Board the trolley at the Washington Street Mall information booth at Ocean Street for this tour. Admission is $25 per adult and $15 per child (ages 3-12). Co-sponsored by Cape May MAC and Center for Community Arts (CCA). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, October 30 - 31 - Cape May, Cape May County
Scarecrow Alley at the Physick Estate
Family Friendly

Once again, the grounds of the Physick Estate will be transformed for a spooky Halloween, and Scarecrow Alley showcases homemade scarecrows -- from the ghoulishly gruesome to the foolishly funny! VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE! Visit the Carriage House Gallery at the Physick Estate during hours of operation and cast your vote for your favorite scarecrow.

The Emlem Physick Estate is located at 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, October 30 - 31 - 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 1:30 and 4:45 pm and Sunday at 12:15 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, October 30 - 31 - Cape May, Cape May County

Mansions by the Sea Trolley Tour

You’ll hear how the rich lived in the early 1900s in the most elegant part of town on this trolley tour that includes the eastern beachfront. You’ll see the broad streets and massive plots on Cape May’s east side – an area marketed as “New Cape May” at the turn of the 20th century. Today, new, beachfront second homeowners have continued the tradition, running the gamut from the mere wealthy to the fabulously rich. This narrated tour travels along Beach Drive through the early 20th century East Cape May Development areas. Guides discuss history and architecture. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop.

Adults $20 and children (ages 3-12) $15. Tour on Saturday at 12:15 and 2:45 pm and Sunday at 1:30 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, October 30 - 31 - 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 at 11:15 am, 12:30 pm, 1:45 pm, and 3:00 pm 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, October 30 - 31 - 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, October 30 - 31 - 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, October 30 - 31 - 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, October 30 - 31 - 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 10:30 am, 11:45 am, 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm, and 3:30 pm and Sunday at 11:00 am, 11:45 am, 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, October 30 - 31 - 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, October 30 - 31 - 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: Adults are $25.00 and children ages 5-11, veterans, and seniors (62+) are $20.00. 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, October 30 - November 1 - Tuckerton, Ocean County

Outdoor Strolling Admission: Tuckerton Seaport

Family Friendly

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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Through Saturday, October 30 - Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County

Quilt Show

Historically, quilting has been a practical technique to provide warmth and comfort. Decorative elements were also often present and at times quilts were used to memorialize loved ones or make political statements.

Today, many quilts are primarily art pieces; created in a wide variety of sizes and shapes with numerous techniques and materials. Quilting has consistently remained an art form primarily completed by women, frequently collaboratively. From historic quilting bees to modern “telephone challenges,” (not to mention pandemic-era Zoom meetings), quilting continues to serve as both a creative outlet and a community building art form.

The unintended theme in this collection of quilts made by the members of the Courthouse Quilters Guild over the past three years is Perception.

How does one interpret a whispered message or, in this case, a shared theme? How does one find the beauty in tragedy? How does one draw inspiration and make the decision to create something literal, figurative, imaginative or whimsical? When the theme is given invariably--a window--does one create a scene from the inside looking out or the outside looking in?

It all depends on Perception.

This Quilt Show will be on display through October 30 at the Lebanon Township Museum, 57 Musconetcong River Road, Hampton, NJ 08827. For more information, email museum@lebtwp.net or call 908-638-8523 extension 405. Museum hours: Tuesdays 9:00 - 3:30 pm, Thursdays 1:00 - 8:00 pm, and Saturdays 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. Admission is always free.

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