Weekend Historical Happenings: 4/20/13 - 4/21/13

WEEKEND HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS

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Saturday, April 20 - Port Norris, Cumberland County

Play on the Bayshore

Join the Bayshore Discovery Center on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m as they share stories about how folks spent their leisure time "playing" around the Bayshore Region in years past. Share a memory from your lifetime, a family anecdote or recollection, or just come to listen and learn. The event will be recorded and the information collected will be used for a planned future exhibit, and for research and education purposes as part of the Delaware Bay Museum & Folklife Center. If you have photographs, memories, or family stories of the area to share, join them at the Shipping Sheds in Bivalve. As always, this storytelling session is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. For more information, call 856-785-2060 or email info@bayshorediscovery.org. Bayshore Center at Bivalve, Home of New Jersey's Tall Ship, A.J. Meerwald, 2800 High Street (Bivalve), Port Norris, NJ. www.bayshorediscovery.org

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Saturday, April 13 - Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County

Cemetery Cleanup

On Saturday beginning at 9:00 am, The Friends of Old Swack Church and cemetery grounds in Lebanon Township are sponsoring a cleanup of the grounds. Originally built in 1844, the church closed in 1894 and the grounds have been neglected, abandoned, and overgrown for years. The Old Swackhammer Church and Cemetery is located at 108 Anthony Road, Lebanon, NJ. Please bring rakes, shovels, gloves, clippers, chainsaws, and any other tools that you think may be helpful in clearing the grounds. Tell your friends and family about this opportunity to preserve a New Jersey historic site!

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Saturday, April 20 - Erma, Cape May County

Lighthouse Pig Roast

Join the Friends of the Cape May Lighthouse for a traditional pig roast to raise funds in support of educational interpretation of the lighthouse on Saturday from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Moose Lodge, 569 Seashore Road, Erma. Entertainment by Twelve Strings. Admission is $20. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cape May Lighthouse, an affinity group of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday, April 20 - Cape May, Cape May County

Fort Miles and other WWII Atlantic Coastal Defenses

Friends of the World War II Tower present "Focus on Fort Miles and other World War II Atlantic Coast Defenses." Dr. Gary Wray, president of the Fort Miles Historical Association, and Dr. Terry McGovern, of the Coast Defense Study Group, who will discuss fortifications along the Atlantic Coast during World War II. This program will be held at the Cape May Lutheran Church, 509 Pittsburgh Avenue on Saturday at 1:00 pm. Become a Friend of the Tower and admission is free. Non-member admission is $5. Sponsored by the Friends of the World War II Tower, an affinity group of the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

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Saturday, April 20 - Maple Shade, Burlington County

Open  House

The Maple Shade Historical Society invites you to an Open House and Membership Meeting at Chesterford School located at 415 West Main Street, Maple Shade, NJ from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Emma Brooks, author of The Little Red School House in Maple Shade, will be present. For more information, please contact bettyann11@netzero.com.

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Saturday, April 20 - Princeton, Mercer County

Canal Walk

The D&R Canal Watch invites you to walk the D&R Canal Main Line from Baker's Basin to Alexander Road (4.9 miles). Meet at the basin parking lot on Alexander Road, just east of Princeton. Questions? Contact  Bob Barth at 201-401-3121 or barths@att.net. The walk begins at 10:00 am.

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Saturday, April 20 - Morristown, Morris County

Beginner's Blacksmithing

Budding metal-workers are invited to attend this beginner-level class led by Bill Barrett at Historic Speedwell in Morristown. Students begin with a discussion of ironworking’s overall historical impact and then learn the basics of blacksmithing using authentic equipment and techniques. Create a project that can be taken home. Ages 13 & up. Cost: $20 per person. Historic Speedwell is located at 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ. http://www.morrisparks.net/speedwell/home.html

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Saturday - Sunday, April 20 - 21 - Jersey City, Hudson County

Cemetery Performance

On Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm each day, the Historic Jersey CIty & Harsimus Cemetery is presenting "Inherit the Wind," a live theatrical performance by the Hudson Shakespeare Company, directed by Jon Ciccarelli. The benefit performance of this literary classic will benefit the ongoing restoration of New Jersey's very first Cemetery company.

Sadly abandoned 5 years ago, the Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is now a fully operational 100% volunteer operated mission, and open 7 days a week to visitors. With no regular income or funding, Volunteers are restoring this very special site through fundraising benefits that promote history, art, and music.

Enjoy the beautiful natural landscape of rolling hills, historic monuments, colonial plants and bushes, and ancient wildflowers, while enjoying this magnificent live performance. The Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery is located at 435 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ. www.jerseycitycemetery.org

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Saturday - Sunday, April 20 - 21 - Morristown, Morris County
Encampment Weekend

The Continental Army encampment comes to life! Join soldiers, their wives and children at Jockey Hollow on Saturday and Sunday for Encampment Weekend. It’s an event full of activities for the whole family. Call 973-543-4030 or visit www.nps.gov/morr for a schedule of events and details. The encampment will be held at Jockey Hollow, within Morristown National Historical Park. Cost: Free. www.nps.gov/morr

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Saturday - Sunday, April 20 - 21 - Towaco, Morris County

Revolutionary Times Weekend

Revolutionary Times Weekend will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Henry Doremus Dutch Stone House, 490 Main Road (US 202) Towaco, NJ. A circa 1760 Dutch American Stone House that housed General George Washington and Alexander Hamilton between June 25 and 27, 1780. Hours are Saturday are 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. The event will feature:

* Spinning, lace making and weaving demonstrations

* Live period music with fiddler and accompanist

* Continuous tours of site and Dutch architecture

* 18th century antiques on display

* Document display of George Washington letters and expense account

All Doremus family descendants are invited to attend for Doremus family events such as family genealogy, meeting other family members, and covered dish lunch (bring a dish to share) Saturday. Parking is available in Sea Breeze Parking Lot across the street from the house.

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Sunday, April 21 - Morristown, Morris County

Collecting Oriental Rugs in America

On Sunday at 4:30 pm, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum welcomes Oriental rug expert DeWitt Mallary to discuss the evolution of Oriental rug collecting in America over the past century or so, as well as discussing the Museum's rug collection.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum's collection was assembled by its founder, W. Parsons Todd. Todd joined the Hajji Baba Club, America's first rug collectors group, in 1933, shortly after the group began. Mr. Mallary will consider what rugs were available and considered collectible then, and throughout Mr. Todd's collecting period over the next several decades. He will also consider how tastes and preferences, supply and demand have affected the collecting of oriental rugs and textiles since then. Mr. Mallary will then discuss some of the rugs in the Museum's collection.

This program will be presented in the main gallery where vivid examples of the antique Oriental rug collection are currently being showcased, complemented by textbook examples of fine porcelain, silver, glass and furniture collected by Museum founder, W. Parsons Todd.  The "A Fine Collection: Treasures from the Vault" exhibit has a perimeter layout which leaves the center of the room open for a series of speakers and musical programming taking place in conjunction with the exhibit. Tickets for Sunday's program will go on sale at 1:00 pm that day. No advance sales. The presentation begins at 4:30pm. House tours (regular admission applies) take place throughout the afternoon and the last tour leaves at 3:00 pm. The upstairs galleries will remain open until 4:30 pm, with the "A Fine Collection" exhibit closing at 3:00 pm in preparation for the program. Tickets to hear speakers are Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 - 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. Speaker tickets include admission to take part in a house tour through the period rooms of the Museum for visitors who sign up for a tour during the afternoon. Visitors can also enjoy the "Thomas Nast: President Maker and Campaign Breaker," and the "American Heroes in Bronze" exhibits prior to the presentation. Galleries close at 4:30 pm.

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The last tour leaves at 3:00 pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 - 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The gardens are open (free of charge) during Museum hours. For more information, call 973-538-2404 ext. 10 or visit www.maccullochhall.org. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is located at 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown, NJ.

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Sunday, April 21 - Matawan, Monmouth County

Open House

The Matawan Historical Society will holding an open house on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Burrowes Mansion located at 94 Main Street in Matawan. Learn how this circa 1723 home and its owners played a role in the Revolutionary War. For more information call 732-492-6069. www.burrowesmansion.org

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Sunday, March 3 - Lincroft, Monmouth County

Railroads of Monmouth County

The Scroll & Pen Bookstore at Brookdale in Lincroft is pleased to announce a new lecture series, Monmouth Moments, featuring stories and images of Monmouth County, past and present. 

The second installment of this series includes a visit from historian Tom Gallo of the Keyport Historical Society on Sunday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the Warner Student Life Center on the Brookdale Campus. Gallo will be sharing his knowledge and history of the railroads of Monmouth County. Copies of Gallo's publications, Railroads of Monmouth County and Henry Hudson Trail: Central RR of NJ's Seashore Branch will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

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Sunday, April 21 - Manville, Somerset County

Delaware & Raritan Canal Bus Tour

The Heritage Trail Association invites you to join Linda and Bob Barth, canal enthusiasts, on a bus tour of the Delaware and Raritan Canal, one of Somerset County's historic treasures. You'll visit locks, bridges, and other structures along the canal and learn how the canal was built by local workers and immigrants. The tour will visit some of the picturesque villages that grew up alongside the canal, and you will learn about the many industries that developed along its route. This is a perfect outing and a unique educational experience for the entire family. 

The bus tours will leave from the JP's Steakhouse/Rhythms parking lot, 729 South Main Street (Route 533), Manville (corner of the Weston Causeway, Route 623). The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children 14 or under. Reservations are required. Call 732-356-8856 for reservations or sign up online at www.heritagetrail.org. Please indicate your preferred time: 10:00 am or 2:00 pm.

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Sunday, April 21 - Burlington, Burlington County

Hunt Bros. Circus

The Circus is Coming to Town at the Burlington County Historical Society! Join them on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm for the "Hunt Bros. Circus."vThis special program by Richard Flint, past president of the Circus Historical Society and lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, features amazingly colorful circus posters and behind-the-scenes photographs to tell the remarkable story of the circus in America with a special feature on the Hunt Bros. Hunt Bros. had its winter quarters in Florence, NJ.

Cost for the program is $5 per person. To RSVP call 609-386-4773 or e-mail burlcohistsoc@verizon.net. The program will be held at the Corson Poley Center at the Burlington County Historical Society, 454 Lawrence St. Burlington, NJ. www.burlingtoncountyhistoricalsociety.org

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Sunday, April 21 - Montclair, Essex County
Herbs: Then and Now

On Sunday between 3:00 and 4:30 pm, a panel of herbal experts will share their knowledge on how herbs were used in the past and how you can use them today. They will also talk about tips and techniques for growing your own herb garden and preserving them for future use. This program will be held at the Montclair  Historical Society, 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ. Suggested donation: $5. Call 973-744-1796 or send a note to mail@montclairhistorical.org for more information. www.montclairhistorical.org 

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Sunday, April 21 - Ridgewood, Bergen County

Children's Day at the Schoolhouse Museum

Children in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to the Schoolhouse Museum on Sunday to learn about quilt making, design a quilting square, and listen to a story about quilting read by Mrs. Diorio, Willard School Librarian, and guest readers.  Children will have the opportunity to see the museum's current exhibit, "The Collection," featuring woven coverlets and handmade quilts.

Children's Day at the Museum will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Stories will be read at 2:15 and 3:15 pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A donation to support the museum's operating budget of $3 per child, $5 for an adult, or $10 for a family is suggested. The Schoolhouse Museum is located at 650 East Glen Avenue in Ridgewood, NJ. For more information about Children's Day, e-mail info@ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org or visit www.ridgewoodhistoricalsociety.org.

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Sunday, April 21 - Cranford, Union County

From 19th Century Farm to Victorian Cottage Garden

The Cranford Historical Society presents "From 19th-Century Farm to Victorian Cottage Garden" on Sunday from 2:15 to 4:00 pm at the Crane-Phillips House Museum, 124 North Union Avenue, Cranford, NJ. Spring is upon us! Garden enthusiasts are preparing their gardens for the season. Why not get some ideas by stopping by the museum to see how gardens looked long ago. Through her PowerPoint presentation, trustee Christine Glazer will explore how gardens evolved over the years. Learn how gardens served more of a purpose than just beauty and aesthetics. After the program, take a tour of the Crane-Phillips House gardens to see it in bloom. Reservations are required, so please call 908-276-0082 or e-mail cranfordhistoricalsociety@verizon.net. Admission is free. www.cranfordhistoricalsociety.com 

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Sunday, April 21 - Bordentown, Burlington County

Meet Albert Einstein

Bill Agress  of Lawrenceville has been an educator and re-enactor for over 30 years. One of his many historical characters is Albert Einstein. Bill's first-person interpretation of Prof. Einstein features little-known facts about the professor's connection to Bordentown, his family life, hobbies, and books he enjoyed as well as his scientific work. 

Einstein will be at the Friends Meeting House, 302 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown, NJ beginning at 3:00 on Sunday.  $5.00 donation is suggested. Light refreshments will follow the presentation. This program is sponsored by the Bordentown Historical Society. Any questions (other than scientific ones), call Diane at 609-298-3779. www.bordentownhistory.org

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Sunday, April 21 - Lambertville, Hunterdon County

Lambertville in the Victorian Era

The Lambertville Historical Society will host Sharon Bisaha as she discusses her book on Lambertville in the Victorian Era on Sunday. Sharon Bisaha, former president of the Lambertville Historical Society, will present a talk outlining her process of discovery and some of the gems from her book, In the Beacon Light, Lambertville, NJ 1860 to 1900, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Pittore Justice Center (Acme), 25 South Union Street, Lambertville, NJ. A book signing will follow. Ms. Bisaha's work, drawn from the pages of the The Lambertville Beacon, provides views of most aspects of life in town during this period of intense development and growth. The program is open to all and admission is free. For more information visit www.lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org, e-mail info@lambertvillehistoricalsociety.org, or leave a message at 609-397-0770. The Lambertville Historical Society promotes, inspires and encourages the preservation and appreciation of Lambertville's architecture and history through education, community involvement, and preserving and maintaining the James Marshall House Museum.

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Sunday, April 21 - Woodbridge, Middlesex County

Sewaren - Down by the Seashore

Before motor cars and highways opened up the Jersey Shore for day trippers and vacationers, the Sewaren section of Woodbridge Township was a recreation destination for the region. Accessible by train, trolley and boat and boasting the luxurious Sewaren Hotel, beaches, bathhouses, dancing pavilion, picnic grove, Boynton Beach's bamboo slide, merry-go-round and Ferris wheel, and fishing and boating off Cutter's Dock, Sewaren attracted relaxation seekers from New York City, central Jersey and the surrounding areas. Little remains of the resort but many of the age's lovely Victorian homes still line Cliff Road. Please join the Woodbridge Township Historic Preservation Commission in Sewaren on Sunday for their 4th Annual Walking Tour of Historic Places. Additional information and registration form can be found on the Commission's website www.wthpc.org.

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Sunday, April 21 - Westfield, Union County

Quilling

The craft of quilling, also known as paper filigree, may not be well known today, but it is a very old art form that some say originated in ancient Egypt. More established history says that it was first practiced around the 15th century by European nuns who rolled handmade paper into intricate designs to decorate religious artifacts. The craft was revived as a decorative art in 18th century England by ladies of fashion who used it to embellish such items as boxes and screens, and then brought to the American colonies. On Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, this quilling program features this lovely art with demonstrations and a children's craft. 

The museum’s gift shop will be open, offering a variety of colonial toys, crafts, books and educational materials. Admission: Adults/Children age 13 and older: $3.00; Children age 3 to 12: $2.00; Under age 3: free. The Miller-Cory House Museum is located at 614 Mountain Avenue in Westfield. For more information, call 908-232-1776 or visit www.millercoryhouse.org

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Through April 28, 2013 - Paterson, Passaic County

New Exhibit at Lambert Castle

Lambert Castle, the Victorian-era mansion located on the Garrett Mountain Reservation on the border between Paterson and Clifton, will be home to an exciting new art exhibit now through April 28, 2013. The exhibit, entitled "Message in a Bottle: The Bottleworks of Dr. Etta Ehrlich," will feature Dr. Ehrlich's unique and thought-provoking take on society and culture, using carefully-arranged antique bottles and other found objects. The exhibit will be open until April 28 during regular museum hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Lambert Castle is located at 3 Valley Road, Paterson. For more information, call 973-247-0085 or visit www.lambertcastle.org.

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