An excerpt from "New Jersey: A History of the Garden State"

An excerpt from New Jersey: A History of the Garden State
Written by Maxine N. Lurie and Richard Veit

Excerpt reprinted with permission from Rutgers University Press.


The two of us proposed this volume for several reasons. First, as teachers of New Jersey history, we perceived the need for a one-volume book on the state that could be used in our courses as well as in those taught by others in community colleges and universities. Second, it was clear that much had been written and that the interests of scholars had changed in the more than thirty-five years since the last brief history of the state appeared. Obviously, it was time for an update and a synthesis of the new material. Third, the citizens of New Jersey need an overview of the state’s past so that they can understand where it has been and, perhaps, better conceive where it ought to go in the future. At the same time, another purpose has been to place the history of the state in a national context for New Jersey residents and those outside the state. Writing in 1978, John Cunningham described New Jersey as “A Mirror on America.” We concur that through the study of our state we can better understand the history of the nation.

"A new mapp of East and West New Jarsey," 1706. Source: Library of Congress

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"New Jersey: A History of the Garden State" January 2019 Book Giveaway

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NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 1/12/19 - 1/13/19

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, January 12 - Piscataway, Middlesex County
Farming in the Millstone Valley: Past & Present - A 300-Year History Culminates in Local Farm-to-Table Movement

Settled by Dutch farmers three centuries ago, the Millstone Valley of central New Jersey was initially located within the original 300 square mile boundaries of Piscataway Township. Learn how farming helped New Jersey earn its “Garden State” nickname, become the breadbasket of a booming New York City metropolis, and bring about today’s farm-to-table movement.

This fascinating 300-year-old story about local farming is told in a new documentary film "Farming in the Millstone Valley: Past & Present" on Saturday (snow date January 19), 2:00 - 4:00 pm, at the Metlar-Bodine House Museum, 1281 River Road, Piscataway, NJ. It was written by historian Jessie L. Havens (based on her historic account), Judith A. Peters and the program’s speaker, W. Bradford Fay.

This film was made possible, in part, by the NJ Historical Commission, a division of the Dept. of State through the State/County History Partnership Program. Grant, and administered in Somerset County by the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission.

The film was made by the Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition of Rocky Hill, in association with the Van Harlingen Historical Society of Montgomery; it is a production of Flickering Duck Productions, in association with Visionary Video & Filmworks Studios, and the filmmakers Fred Frintrup of Milltown, NJ, and Peter Frintrup of Los Angeles, CA. The award-winning father-son film team has made numerous historic documentaries related to the Griggstown Village, Historic Rockingham, the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway, and the New Jersey origin of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Farming in the Millstone Valley: Past & Present DVDs available for purchase during the program. 

Admission: $15 in advance and $20 at door (depending upon available seating). Refreshments included. Early registration strongly advised. To register, visit https://goo.gl/CSrrCk, www.metlarbodinehousemuseum.org, or call 732-463-8363.

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NJ Weekend Estate Sales: 1/11/19 - 1/13/19

NEW JERSEY WEEKEND ESTATE SALES

Click on each link for more information on the estate sale!

Find something neat at an estate sale? Let us know!

Hosting an estate sale? Send me an e-mail to be featured in our weekly post!

Be the first to know about these sales on Facebook!

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School Trip Grant Program Returns to Lambert Castle Museum - 2019

School Trip Grant Program Returns to Lambert Castle Museum - 2019

The Passaic County Historical Society is proud to announce the school trip grant program is now accepting applications from Passaic County schools, clubs, camps and scout groups interested in subsidized tours of Lambert Castle museum in 2019. The goal of this program is to provide as many school-age children as possible the opportunity to visit Lambert Castle museum and learning about local history. In 2018, 627 children participated in this program and the Historical Society hopes to welcome even more students in 2019.

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NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 1/5/19 - 1/6/19

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, January 5 - Friday, February 15 - East Amwell, Hunterdon County

Jim Amon Wildlife Photo Exhibit
Family Friendly

Camera in hand, Jim Amon heads to the Sourlands whenever he can. Amon, a resident of Lambertville, has a deep and long connection with the Sourlands. In the 1980’s he and three others founded the D&R Greenway Land Trust, who now have nature preserves extending over several hundred acres in the Sourland Region. Then, in 2005, upon retiring after thirty years as Executive Director of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission, he became the Director of Stewardship for the D&R Greenway. In that capacity, he did ecological restoration on the Greenway’s nature preserves and built about twenty miles of recreational trails. Upon retiring from the Greenway he served on the Board of Directors for the Sourland Conservancy. For the last five years, the Conservancy has been publishing “Seeing the Sourlands,” Amon’s monthly photo/essays on the plants and animals that can be found in the Sourlands, as an eNewsletter feature. This series, which can also be found on the Sourland Conservancy’s web site www.sourland.org, has been widely praised. The photos and essays will soon be published as a book.

Amon says that he began his photographic career by taking pictures of his growing family. Gradually, however, his interest in photography as an art form grew. He studied at the Maine Media Workshop and took several classes elsewhere. His work has been published in many local newspapers, magazines and planning books. He has exhibited at the Perkins Art Center, the Phillips Mill Photography Exhibit, Gallery 14, and other venues in central New Jersey.

“The East Amwell Historical Society show brings two of my great passions together,” Amon said. “I think that it is important for people to realize the ecological value of native plants, but also to realize that they are every bit as beautiful as exotics from foreign lands that are promoted for your home landscape. Stalking butterflies with my camera, posing native wildflowers with formal black backgrounds, and always being alert for the special beauty of the natural world brings me great pleasure.”

The East Amwell Historical Society and the Sourland Conservancy will present An Exhibition of Photographs of Plants and Animals Native to the Sourlands by Jim Amon at the East Amwell Museum 1053 Old York Road, Ringoes, NJ. The opening reception will be held on January 11th at 7:00 pm. Admission to the East Amwell Museum and exhibit will be free and open to the public on weekends from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The exhibit will be on display from January 5 through February 15, 2019. For more information, visit www.eastamwellhistory.org and www.sourland.org.

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An Exhibition of Photographs of Plants and Animals Native to the Sourlands - 1/5/19 - 2/15/19

An Exhibition of Photographs of Plants and Animals Native to the Sourlands
Saturday, January 5, 2019 - Friday, February 15, 2019

Camera in hand, Jim Amon heads to the Sourlands whenever he can. Amon, a resident of Lambertville, has a deep and long connection with the Sourlands. In the 1980’s he and three others founded the D&R Greenway Land Trust, who now have nature preserves extending over several hundred acres in the Sourland Region. Then, in 2005, upon retiring after thirty years as Executive Director of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Commission, he became the Director of Stewardship for the D&R Greenway. In that capacity, he did ecological restoration on the Greenway’s nature preserves and built about twenty miles of recreational trails. Upon retiring from the Greenway he served on the Board of Directors for the Sourland Conservancy. For the last five years, the Conservancy has been publishing “Seeing the Sourlands,” Amon’s monthly photo/essays on the plants and animals that can be found in the Sourlands, as an eNewsletter feature. This series, which can also be found on the Sourland Conservancy’s web site www.sourland.org, has been widely praised. The photos and essays will soon be published as a book.

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NJ Weekend Estate Sales: 1/4/19 - 1/6/19

NEW JERSEY WEEKEND ESTATE SALES

Click on each link for more information on the estate sale!

Find something neat at an estate sale? Let us know!

Hosting an estate sale? Send me an e-mail to be featured in our weekly post!

Be the first to know about these sales on Facebook!

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NJ Weekend Historical Happenings: 12/29/18 - 12/30/18

 New Jersey Weekend Historical Happenings

A Weekly Feature on www.thehistorygirl.com

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

Saturday, December 29 - Trenton, Mercer County

Saturday's Patriots Week Events
Family Friendly Events

In 1776, the tide turning Battles of the American Revolution were waged on the streets and in the fields of downtown Trenton. Join the salute to Trenton’s past, commemorate the passion of the patriots who fought for American Independence, and honor the spirit of revolution and patriotism that flourishes today. Concerts, tours, performances, presentations, exhibits, hands-on activities, and book signings bring Colonial history into the modern age and draw a dynamic mix of families, history buffs, reenactors and culture seekers to New Jersey’s Capital.

Patriots’ Week is produced by the Trenton Downtown Association, in partnership with the Old Barracks Museum, which has been staging the Battle of Trenton Reenactments for more than 20 years. A collaboration of both city and state cultural and history organizations, Patriots’ Week programming reflects the quality of the Capital’s resources and provides a public showcase and interactive opportunities to experience its many treasures. For information and additional details for all events, visit www.destinationtrenton.com.

The Old Barracks Museum will be open on Saturday and is located at 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ. Parking is free, close, and plentiful, available in the small lot next to the museum as well as the lot next to The War Memorial. Entrance onto the museum grounds is $5 per person (children 5 and under are free).

Coffee House - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
Warm up at the Colonial Coffee House, hosted at one of Trenton's oldest landmarks! Warm drinks, rebellious conversation, and respite from the elements are served all day. Drinks available for purchase. www.old1712.org

1st Battle of Trenton - 11:00 am
N. Warren St. Battle Monument Park to Mill Hill Park
After the crossing of the Delaware River and marching to Trenton, the American rebel forces-exhausted, dressed in rags, ill from the cold and lack of sleep and decent food had accomplished the impossible by inflicting a crippling blow to the world's greatest British army. Follow the action from the symbolic first cannon shot fired at the Battle Monument to Mill Hill Park. Troops rally at the Old Barracks Museum prior to marching off to meet at the Battle Monument at 11:00 am. No admission fee.

Following the Battle Reenactment: The Spoils of Victory
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
Follow the victorious Continental soldiers back to the Old Barracks Museum after the Battle to see them strip equipment, gear, and souvenirs from captured Hessian soldiers, before crossing the Delaware River back to Pennsylvania. Free with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).

The Trouble with Trenton Puppet Show - 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Warren Street Plaza, Trenton, North Warren and West Hanover Streets
A "mini" historical look at an amazing piece of our history presented with marionettes & rod puppets - and lots of help from the audience! Watch the battle unfold before your eyes, and see the action as it has never been seen before. Show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of "revolting" action. No admission fee.

Crossroads of the American Revolution Sign Unveiling - 12:30 - 1:00 pm
1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market Street
The Trent House Museum will unveil a new interpretive sign highlighting its role in the war for independence as part of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area Signage program. This sign along with many others around the state will point out the critical part New Jersey played in the American Revolution. Stay afterwards for Hogmanay! Plenty of free parking in the rear. More information at www.williamtrenthouse.org or call 609-989-3027.

Hogmanay Celebration - 1:00 - 2:00 pm
1719 William Trent House Museum, 15 Market Street
Welcoming in the 300th year since the construction of the 1719 William Trent House will be the celebration of Hogmanay in honor of Trent's Scottish heritage. Hogmanay is a celebration of the new year in Scotland. Traditionally, friends and neighbors cross the threshold and receive food and drink, and good luck, too. Join us for hot mulled cider, Scottish sausage rolls, shortbread, and other light refreshments while listening to bagpipers. Tour the Trent House decorated for the holidays. End your visit by tossing your wishes for 2019 into the bonfire! No reservations required, donations accepted. More information at www.williamtrenthouse.org or call 609-989-3027.

"A Cursed Country to Make War" - 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Trenton Friends Meeting, 142 East Hanover Street
Dr. Friederike Baer, Associate Professor of History at Penn State Abington, leads a presentation and discussion about how Hessian soldiers experienced America. No admission.

Musket Demonstrations - 1:30 - 2:00 pm
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
Soldiers of the 17th Regiment of Infantry will drill and fire their muskets on the Parade ground of the Old Barracks Museum. Included in $5 admission with unlimited re-entry.

The Trouble with Trenton Puppet Show - 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Warren Street Plaza, Trenton, North Warren and West Hanover Streets
A "mini" historical look at an amazing piece of our history presented with marionettes & rod puppets - and lots of help from the audience! Watch the battle unfold before your eyes, and see the action as it has never been seen before. Show includes live music, large puppets and props, and plenty of "revolting" action. No admission fee.

"My Brave Fellows" - 2:15 - 3:00 pm
Old Barracks Museum, 101 Barrack Street
With enlistments about to end, Washington's officers compel the Soldiers of the Continental Army to stay on six more weeks beyond the end of their enlistments. Free with $5 Barracks admission (unlimited re-entry).

Mustering and Memorial Service for Second Battle Reenactment - 2:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street
Gather at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery for the memorial service for the fallen Hessian soldiers, and gather with the troops as they muster for the Second Battle Reenactment in Mill Hill Park.

2nd Battle of Trenton - 3:00 pm
East State Street to North Warren Street to Mill Hill Park
After a commemorative ceremony at First Presbyterian Church (at 120 East State street), the action commences at 3:00 pm at East State Street and heads to Mill Hill Park for the second Battle, which pits the American forces against General Cornwallis and his numerous attempts to take the Assunpink Creek Bridge. After slipping away, Washington’s troops were able to head north to Princeton, sealing the fate of the 10 Crucial Days. No admission fee.

Whiskey & Rye: Dad's Hat Distillery Demonstration & Tasting - 4:30 - 6:30 pm 
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
Local distillers Dad's Hat present their vintage process of distilling local rye into fine whiskey. Discussion and tasting. No admission fee. www.old1712.org

Images of the Motherland: Bilali Muhammad - 4:30 - 6:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, 120 East State Street
This widely-acclaimed interactive living history program brings to life voices of people of African and African American descent. Featured: Bilali Muhammad, a young man from what is now Guinea. No admission fee. www.imagesofthemotherland.com

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