NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 11/13/21 - 11/14/21

New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, November 13 - Paterson, Passaic County
A Closer Look at the Lenape Culture

Come to the Paterson Museum and help us Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with A Closer Look at the Lenape Culture. On Saturday, between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon, get a closer look, and maybe even touch, some of the tools and artifacts left behind by the Lenape people of New Jersey. Learn about how Paterson’s first residents hunted, farmed and fished. The Museum’s Archaeological Advisor, Tony DeCondo, will be available to answer your questions and provide you with access to many items from the collection that are not usually on display. This program is free and intended for families and history enthusiasts of all ages! 

The Paterson Museum, located at 2 Market Street (on the corner of Market and Spruce Streets), is in the heart of the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. For more information, visit https://patersonmuseum.com.

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Saturday, November 13 - Upper Freehold, Monmouth County

Edible History Series: Coffee Cake

Drop in for a cup of coffee and a piece of coffee cake made from a 19th century recipe. Learn about the history and evolution of America’s favorite “pick-me-up” and the tasty crumb-topped treat that accompanies it. This free event runs from 2:00 - 3:00 pm.

While there, tour the large, elegant Walnford home built in 1774, the 19th century gristmill, and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road, 08501. For more information, visit www.monmouthcountyparks.com.

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Saturday, November 13 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Bacon, Sausage & Scrapple Making

Family Friendly Site

When the weather turns cold, the annual work of making sausage, scrapple, and bacon gets underway, giving visitors a chance to see the techniques used to make these products...then to taste some of the results! Visitors can lend a hand filling the sausage stuffer and grinding the corn used in scrapple and cornbread recipes, then taste cracklins and other delicacies made in the process.

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, November 13
The Afro-Dutch Presence in NY and NJ

Virtual Program

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Saturday, November 13 - Sparta, Sussex County

Northlandz Veterans Day Program

Join Northlandz on Saturday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, and see an impressive WWI & WWII museum collection by Matt Susko and Dominick Ragno at the Largest Model Railroad in New Jersey.

All Vets and their family get 40% off the Northlandz largest model Railroad in New Jersey tour that day! Use CODE VET when ordering your tickets online at www.northlandz.com.

Cookies will be provided by the Star Thrower Group!

And..there will be a fly-over by two famous pilots in their WWII planes!

Enjoy this very special event with the whole family and feel free to bring army jeeps/vehicles to display outdoors.

Contact Julie Parker with any questions at 908-310-8098 or email info@northlandz.com. Northlandz is located at 495 US-202, Flemington, NJ. For more information, visit https://northlandz.com/events/veteransday.

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Saturday, November 13 - Sparta, Sussex County

Antique & Vintage Market

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Saturday, November 13 - 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 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, November 13 - 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 11:15 am. 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, November 13 - 14 - 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 12:30, 1:45, and 3:00 pm and Sunday at 12:30 and 1:45 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, November 13 - 14 - 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, November 13 - 14 - 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 12:00 - 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, November 13 - 14 - 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 12:00 - 4:00 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, November 13 - 14 - 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 and 1:00 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, November 13 - 14 - 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, November 13 - 14 - Lambertville, Hunterdon County

John A. Anderson, Lambertville's First Photographer

Step back in time through the artful, high-resolution photography of John Alexander Anderson (1829-1917). In this small preview exhibit, the Lambertville Historical Society is showcasing a sample of Anderson's work. You'll enjoy seeing Lambertville as it transitioned to the 20th century at the James Wilson Marshall House, 60 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ from 1:00 - 5:00 pm. This exhibit is free.

Due to COVID, only 4 attendees permitted at a time; viewing takes a delightful 10-15 minutes. Reserve your 15-minute viewing window via this link. 

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Saturday - Sunday, November 13 - 14 - 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, November 13 - 15 - Tuckerton, Ocean County

Outdoor Strolling Admission: Tuckerton Seaport

Family Friendly

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.

Tickets are just $5/person. 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. 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, November 14

The American Doughboy of WWI

Virtual Program

On Sunday, Ocean County Historical Society, will host a virtual presentation by Ocean County resident Jeffrey Brown at 2:00 pm. Jeff will discuss the American doughboy of WWI--his training, rations, uniforms, equipment, and combat. Jeff will wear the WWI uniform and display original artifacts from the Great War that you won't want to miss.

Jeff is a graduate of Lacey Twp Schools, Ursinus College (BA in history) and Kean College (Master's in Education). He currently teaches history at Southern Regional HS and resides in Seaside Park with his wife, two children, and dog.

To register for this program, send your name, zip code, and email address to oceancountyhistory.zoom@gmail.com. We will send you an email with the link to Zoom before the event so that you can join us.

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Sunday, November 14 - Maplewood, Essex County

The Evolution of the American Flag

The American flag was not always the way we know it today. From the flag’s birth in 1777 until the beginning of 1912, there was no standard design. On Sunday, J. Richard Pierce will help visitors to the Durand-Hedden House to understand how the evolution of the flag’s design illuminates the personal and historical stories woven into the framework of our nation.

Drawing upon examples from his Pierce Collection of American Parade Flags, he will explore the timeless appeal the Stars and Stripes holds for many generations of Americans. The absence of any laws governing the placement of stars on the flag before 1912 left their arrangement representing the number of states in the Union to the sole discretion of the flag maker. The varying layout of the stars found on flags produced before that date illustrates the creativity and diversity of flag designs over the course of our history.

The presentation is at 2:00 pm and the House and Country Store will be open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The Durand-Hedden House, Maplewood’s historic house museum, is located at 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood, NJ. For more information, visit www.durandhedden.org.

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Sunday, November 14 - Somerville, Somerset County

Celebrate Fall with Free Special Programs and Tours at the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage

Before the Mayflower Author Talk and Book Signing

Jennifer Sinsigalli, writing as J.L. Rose, is author of Before the Mayflower, a novel on the Pilgrims in the Netherlands before their voyage across the Atlantic four centuries ago. During informal author talks throughout the afternoon, the author will share the history behind her novel and her experiences of field research in the Netherlands and Massachusetts.

Making the Sausage in the Seventeenth Century

Foodways historian Susan McLellan Plaisted, the Proprietress of Heart to Hearth Cookery, demonstrates sausage making according to the techniques practiced in the Netherlands in the seventeenth century and shares "receipts" from Dutch food history.

400 Years of Thanksgiving

Walk through the historic Wallace House to explore the long history of giving thanks in America from traditional thanksgivings of American Indians and public thanksgivings declared by George Washington to the establishment and development of a federal holiday and the four-nation observance of the anniversary by the Wampanoag, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands today.

Reserve Your Free Ticket

All programs are free of charge, but advance registrations are requested. Register online or call Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage at 908-725-1015.

The site is located at 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ.

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Sunday, November 14 - Tewksbury, Hunterdon County

Saving Hunterdon's Abandoned Cemeteries

 

The Tewksbury Historical Society will host a lecture by David R. Reading on Sunday at 6:15 pm at the Fairmount Presbyterian Church Community House, 247 Old Turnpike Road in Fairmount section of Tewksbury, NJ. It is free and open to the public. Preceding the talk is a covered dish supper at 5:00 pm, also open to the public, with a request to bring a covered dish to share. Call 908-832-6734 to make a reservation; leave your name and phone number for information or directions.

Reading is President and Founder of the Mount Amwell Project, Inc., a historical preservation charity dedicated to cultural and historical preservation in Hunterdon County. He will lecture on the process, methods and legal aspects required to preserve abandoned at risk cemeteries in Hunterdon County. He will illustrate the talk with examples of the preservations completed over the last fifteen years, beginning with the Reading Burial Ground near Rosemont. The plot is located on a farm once owned by Llyod Wescott and contains his ashes and those of his family.

Reading served four years in the U.S. Army and received a BS in Computer Science, Summa Cum Laude, from Maryland University. He worked in a Florida aerospace software company before starting his own consulting company in 1998. His services were provided to the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC until retiring in 2013. He is currently treasurer and board member of Preservation New Jersey, a member of the Council of Proprietors of West New Jersey, the Descendents of the Founders of New Jersey, the Genealogical Society of New Jersey and the Sons of the American Revolution and a Patron of the Hunterdon County Historical Society. He resides in Tewksbury. 

For more information, visit www.tewksburyhistory.net.

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Sunday, November 14 - Sparta, Sussex County

"The Creative Spirit: Homespun Arts"

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Sunday, November 14 - Flemington, Hunterdon County

Hunterdon County Historical Society Fall Program

 

Everyone is welcome to the Hunterdon County Historical Society’s annual fall meeting on Sunday with guest Dr. Stephen Kaufman.

Dr. Kaufman will discuss "The Peopling of the Americas: How and When Did Native Americans Come to Hunterdon County" at 2:00 p.m. in the Flemington Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 10 East Main Street, Flemington, NJ. The event is free.

Dr. Kaufman will discuss where the first people who arrived in the Hunterdon County area originated, the routes they traveled to get here and when they arrived.

Dr. Kaufman, holds a PhD in Archaeology and recently retired as a full professor from Raritan Valley Community College. He chaired the Department of Humanities at RVCC for several years, and taught classes in anthropology, archaeology and racial diversity.

Dr. Kaufman and his wife, Phyllis, also ran a travel agency, which gave them the opportunity to travel the globe and conduct trips to many of the world’s major archaeological and historical sites.

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Through 2022 - 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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Some event listings courtesy of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey