Weekend Historical Happenings: 7/20/13 - 7/21/13

WEEKEND HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS

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Saturday, July 20 - Spring Lake, Monmouth County

Walking Tour

The Spring Lake Historical Society is planning a walking tour of Spring Lake's Third Avenue. The tour is scheduled for Saturday with a rain date of July 27, 2013, in case of heavy rain. If there is a light drizzle, the tours will go on as planned. The first tour will leave the flagpole in Divine Park in Spring Lake at 9:00 am. Tours will run from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon and will be led by members of the historical society. Spring Lake residents, visitors, and everyone interested in Third Avenue's early history are invited. There is no fee for the tour. www.springlakehistoricalsociety.com

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Saturdays, July 20 and 27 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County

Horse-drawn Hayrides

Children Friendly

The Mercer County Park Commission will offer free Saturday evening hayrides at Howell Living History Farm on Saturday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. The horse-drawn rides last 20 minutes, carrying visitors over the lanes of the 130 acre working farm, located in Hopewell Township.

During the program, visitors can also take self-guided tours, picnic in the picnic area and join a marshmallow roast.   

Rides will leave the barnyard area every 25 minutes beginning at 5:10 pm, with the last ride departing at 8:00 pm.  Rides will be given on a first come, first serve basis to the first 200 visitors. Rides are intended for individual and family participation; groups cannot be accommodated.

A wheelchair accessible wagon is also available. Individuals who would like to ride on this wagon should call 609-737-3299 in advance and ask for Kathy. The wagon is horse-drawn. On the dates when evening hayrides are offered, the Farm will be closed during the day. Rides will also be offered on Saturdays, July 20 and July 27.

Howell Living Farm represents typical farm life between 1890 and 1910. The farm is operated by the Mercer County Parks Commission. Admission is free. It is located at 70 Wooden's Lane, Lambertville, NJ. For more information or to register for the program, call 609-737-3299. www.howellfarm.org

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Saturday, July 20 - Atlantic Highlands, Monmouth County

Atlantic Highlands Arts & Crafts Fair

The Atlantic Highlands Historical Society presents its annual Arts and Crafts Fair, at Veterans Park, First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. Art, gifts, jewelry, toys, wood crafts, and much more! Free admission. There will be music, entertainers, games, and activities for the kids. A chance auction will be held benefitting the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society. Rain date is Sunday, July 21, 2013. For more information, visit www.atlantichighlandshistory.com.

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Saturday, July 20 - Upper Freehold, Monmouth County

Behind the Barriers Mill Tour

Children Friendly

Join in a behind the barriers tour of Waln’s gristmill in Upper Freehold on Saturday. Get up close to the gears, pulleys, belts, and vast array of carefully crafted wooden parts that make this ingenious system work. You will visit areas of the mill not generally open to the public with the miller’s undivided attention for the morning. No fee, but space is limited, call 609-259-6275 to reserve your spot. Program from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

While there, visit 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, Upper Freehold, NJ. www.monmouthcountyparks.com

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Saturday, July 20 - Port Norris, Cumberland County

Seafarers & Buccaneers Family Fun Day
Children Friendly

Come  to Bivalve, Port Norris Township, NJ on Saturday for a free, fun day of games, crafts, and activities for the whole family as we explore the world of seafarers and buccaneers. There will be live music on the wharves, and food and beverages will be available from the Oyster Cracker Cafe. Celebrate life on the sea while exploring the cultural and environmental heritage of Bivalve! This event will be held from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Bayshore Center at Bivalve, 2800 High Street, Bivalve, Port Norris, NJ. For more information, call 856-785-2060 or visit www.ajmeerwald.org.

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Saturday, July 20 - Jersey City, Hudson County

A Mid-Summer Night Scream Benefit Festival

On Saturday, stop by the Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery for "A Mid-Summer Night Scream!" Benefit Festival for this historic graveyard. The day will feature an entire outdoor festival of events including live music and magic! Also, meet the Bellewood Paranormal Investigative Team. Walking tours of the cemetery will be conducted throughout the day, including the mysterious underground crypts. There will be a very special tribute to the historic Cemetery's 'resident' circus owner, The Frank Robbins Circus of Jersey City. There will be food, drinks, beer, wine, arts and crafts, activities for children, vendors, and tent exhibits. Festival runs from 1:00 - 9:00 pm.

This benefit performance will help the cemetery raise funds needed for their important preservation work. A $10.00 donation is suggested. The Historic Jersey City & Harsimus Cemetery, is located at 435 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ. For more information, call 201-707-0738 or 973-204-9888, or visit www.jerseycitycemetery.org.

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Saturday, July 20 - Margate, Atlantic County

Lucy's 132nd Birthday!
Children Friendly

Lucy the Elephant in Margate, NJ turns 132 this weekend! Join in the celebration on Saturday from 10:00 am - 8:00 pm. There will be a moon bounce, giant slide, obstacle course, dunk tank, a mechanical elephant carousel, and food including funnel cakes, cotton candy, popcorn, Philly pretzels, snow cones, and of course birthday cake! The Philadelphia Eagle cheerleaders will be on-hand from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

Lucy the Elephant is located at 9200 Atlantic Avenue, Margate, NJ. Free parking will be available at the Union Avenue School Playground. Shuttles to Lucy will leave every fifteen minutes. For more information, call 609-823-6473 or visit www.lucytheelephant.org.

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Saturday, July 20 - River Edge, Bergen County

Work Party at New Bridge Landing

The Building and Grounds Committee at Historic New Bridge Landing will be having a work party on Saturday at 7:30 am to tend to the grounds. Their objective is to spread the mulch from the trees that came down during Hurricane Sandy and tackle invasive weeds on the property. No experience is needed - just bring water and gloves if you have them. They will also begin restoring a trail leading from the out-kitchen to the main walkway, which will increase traffic to this important building.

Historic New Bridge Landing is located at 1201-1209 Main Street, River Edge, NJ. For more information, visit www.bergencountyhistory.org.

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Saturday, July 20 - Morristown, Morris County
Soldiers at the Huts
Children Friendly

Though the Continental Army left Jockey Hollow by June of 1780, some soldiers remained behind. The medical staff used part of the camp as a field hospital. Join a Park Ranger at the Soldiers Huts and discover how military life continued in the camp after the ‘Hard Winter’. Stop in between 1:30 and 4:00 pm at the Soldiers Huts at Jockey Hollow, within Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, NJ. Cost: $4 per adult. http://nps.gov/morr

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Saturday, July 20 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County

Gigantic Flea Market & Yard Sale

Allaire Village Incorporated is hosting a summer flea market and yard sale on Saturday from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. The event is held in the Show Field of Allaire State Park. With more than 100 vendors displaying new, used, and collectible treasures of all types, there will be something for everyone! There is a $5 parking fee for this event.

Patrons of the Flea Market will wish to visit the restored 1830s iron-manufacturing community known as the Historic Village at Allaire.

Allaire Village, Incorporated is licensed by the State of New Jersey to operate the 40-acre, Historic Village at Allaire, the site of James P. Allaire's Howell Iron Works Company in the 1830s. Allaire Village, Inc. receives no state funding towards the educational programming presented throughout the year, but is strongly supported through private donations, membership fees, fund-raising events, and patronage of their retail stores. 

The Historic Village at Allaire is located in Allaire State Park, 4265 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, July 20 - Vineland, Cumberland County

Arrowhead-Making Demonstration

Noted archaeologist R. Alan Mounier will be at the Vineland Historical & Antiquarian Society on Saturday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm demonstrating the traditional Native American craft of flint knapping - a method of making arrowheads. Due to the excessive heat, the demonstration will be held in the museum's Great Room. The Vineland Historical & Antiquarian Society is located at 108 S. 7th Street, Vineland, NJ. For more information, call 856-691-1111 or visit www.vinelandhistory.org.

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Saturday - Sunday, July 20 - 21 - Cape May, Cape May County

Celtic Festival

Children Friendly

Celebrate all things Irish and Scottish at Historic Cold Spring Village's 9th Annual Celtic Festival on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm. The festival features musical entertainment throughout the grounds, interactive demonstrations and a pub area with all-day live music. The opening ceremony will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday and led by Nae Breeks Pipes & Drums Band, which is comprised of members of the famed Atlantic City Sandpipers. The Village's restored, historic buildings will also be open, with historical interpreters demonstrating the trades and crafts and the 1800s.

Main stage performances include sets by Nae Breeks Pipes & Drums Band, world-renowned musician Tom Brett, South Jersey favorites Smitty's Kitchen, and local musician Mary Roth. Joe McGonigle will entertain all weekend long at the pub tent and Robert Mouland, the one-man Irish band will offer a historical look at Irish music throughout the weekend.  In addition, The New Jersey Irish Setter Rescue will join the event with their lovable breed to meet with visitors. Visitors can also meet Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen, throughout the weekend and watch demonstrations from the New Jersey Blacksmith Association. New for 2013, the Village will host the Kiddie Highland Games with child-sized versions of the infamous tests of strength including the caber toss, shot put, and hammer throw.

Historic Cold Spring Village is located at 720 Route 9, three miles north of Cape May City and four miles south of Rio Grande. Admission during the season is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free. Unlimited free admission is available with Village membership. As a member of the national Blue Star Museums program, Historic Cold Spring Village is proud to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and up to 5 family members. The Village Nature Trail at Bradner's Run is open to the public for free self-guided tours. For more information, call 609-898-2300, ext. 18 or visit www.hcsv.org.

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Sunday, July 21 - Holmdel, Monmouth County

Blacksmithing Demonstration
Children Friendly

On Sunday, visit Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel to take a step back in time to watch blacksmiths perform their craft. They will be shaping iron into everyday products. Blacksmiths were as common as an auto mechanic in towns and on farms of the 1890s. The free event runs from 1:00 - 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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Sunday, July 21 - Princeton, Mercer County

Impressionist Painters of the Jersey Shore

On Sunday at 2:00 pm, Roy Pedersen will present an overview of Morven Museum & Garden's landmark exhibition, "Coastal Impressions: Painters of the Jersey Shore, 1880-1940." This program will be held at Princeton University, McCosh 50. Mr. Pedersen is the leading collector and historian of this important group of painters, including Edward Boulton, Will Hicock Low, Albert Reinhart, Carrie Sanborn, Charles Freeman, Ida and Clara Stroud, Julius Gold and others, all of whom lived and worked at the New Jersey shore. By examining the role of these artists in the history of American art, Mr. Pedersen establishes a rich chapter in the cultural heritage of New Jersey. According to Pedersen, "The impressionists of the New Jersey shore were passionate, thoughtful artists who created organizations and exhibitions to present their ideas. Their achievements which for too long were ignored deserve to be seen within the body of American art of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries." 

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required and seating is limited. For more information, call 609-924-8144 x 113 or visit www.morven.org.

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Sunday, July 21 - Morristown, Morris County
Council of War and the French Alliance
Children Friendly

Our French allies are sending soldiers and ships! How should we use them? Become a general in the Continental Army and assist in the planning of the campaign for the summer of 1780. Learn about the status of the war and how the French assisted the American cause. Programs at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm at the Ford Mansion within Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, NJ. Cost: $4 per adult. http://nps.gov/morr

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Sunday, July 21 - Whippany, Morris County

Excursion Train Rides

Children Friendly

Spend Sunday at the Whippany Railway Museum on a 10-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland on a mid-1900s Excursion Train. The combined age of the equipment used on the vintage train is an astounding 635 years! Be on the lookout for deer, turtles, wild turkeys, hawks, and rabbits, as the route takes you past a natural swamp with abundant wildlife. Trains depart at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm from 1 Railroad Plaza at the Intersection of Route 10 West & Whippany Road in Whippany, NJ. Train fare is: Adult: $14; child (under 12): $9; infants (1 year and under): Free. Train Fare includes admission to Whippany Railway Museum Building.  The "Excursion Train Ride" is a fundraising effort to benefit the Whippany Railway Museum, a 501 (c)3 non-profit Operating Heritage Railroad that is staffed by Volunteers. Donations from the public help to keep the Museum operational, but funds are still required to support this unique New Jersey treasure. Proceeds from the train rides will further enhance the Museum's mission and its Historic Preservation efforts. For more information, call 973-887-8177 or visit www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net.

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Sunday, July 21 - Morristown, Morris County
Japanese Drums and Ikebana Art at Macculloch Hall

This July, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum presents its "Summer Series" of live music in the historic gardens. Programs take place at 4:00 pm each Sunday in July. The gardens were restored in the 1950s by the Garden Club of Morristown and visitors will have the opportunity to explore through a variety of summer blooms in the gardens and relax on the large lawn during the program. Guests may bring picnics, and are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and settle back for a late afternoon of great music in a lovely setting.

On Sunday, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is delighted once again to present Japanese Drums and Ikebana Art. The garden's magnificent wisteria inspires this program bringing together the Japanese style drumming known as Taiko, performed by Kenny Chin and the beautiful Japanese art form of Ichiyo Ikebana, with Anna Nakada, for an engaging performance of music and living art in spectacular surroundings. 

The "Summer Series" programs will begin each Sunday in July at 4:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased beginning at 1:00 pm on the day of the program. No advance sales.  After 4:00 pm, tickets for the performance will still be available to purchase. Program tickets are $12; $10 for members, seniors, students, and those who purchased a Museum tour ticket that day. Free for children under 12. Please, no dogs during programs in the garden. In the case of inclement weather the performance will be moved indoors. The announcement will be made on the Museum's main phone message on performance day. Tours of the museum's period rooms and galleries take place throughout the afternoon (separate admission). Last tour of the period rooms leaves at 3:00 pm. The Museum will remain open until 4:00 pm, when the performance begins. 

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, and 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, July 21 - Montague, Sussex County

Nature Photography & Garden Tours

The Montague Association for the Restoration of Community History (MARCH) will open the circa 1790 Foster-Armstrong House on River Road and the Nelden-Roberts Stonehouse, at 501 Route 206 for Sunday afternoon tours between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. Both are situated within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Montague, NJ and were originally part of the Tocks Island Dam acquisitions. These two sites are utilized by MARCH and portray the area's heritage. Tours will be conducted by docents at each house every Sunday through August from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. See the new display of hunting, fishing, and food preservation, ferry and lime kilns, a tavern room, an Indian exhibit, items from the Brick House Hotel, a special display of the Rock View Resort, a quilt collection, antique christening and baby clothes, hand-made covered bridges from around the United States, a Victorian bedroom, a school-room display, a military room with artifacts from five war periods, and old school books from Montague schools. There is no charge for either museum, but donations for house maintenance are welcomed. 

On Sunday, there will be an exhibit of nature photography and song by Karen Stevenson. Karen will dazzle you with her great photography and cheer you with her music in the keeping room of the Foster-Armstrong House. At the Nelden-Roberts Stonehouse on Route 206, the Minisink Garden Club will conduct tours of the traditional herb garden they maintain. For more information, visit www.montaguehistory.org.

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Sunday, July 21 - Tewksbury, Hunterdon County

Tewksbury Barn Tour

Tewksbury Township's highly anticipated bi-annual Barn Tour will be  held on Sunday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Co-sponsored by the Tewksbury Historical Society and the Tewksbury Trail Association, the event attracts visitors from near and far as it showcases some of the township's most unique barns, both old and new. There are six barns on the tour this year offering a diverse display of country life in Tewksbury. Some of the barns have horses, some are old, and some are new. 

Tickets, while they last, may be purchased the day of the tour. The cost is $20.00 per person; $5.00 for children 12 & under.  

The Barn Tour will take place rain or shine.  Tickets will be available for pick-up the day of the tour, along with a brochure and road map at the Christie Hoffman Farm, 108 Fairmount Road West (Route 512), Califon, NJ 07830, located in the Fairmount section of Tewksbury Township. www.tewksburyhistory.net

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Tuesdays - Saturdays Through Sept. 15, 2013 - Cape May, Cape May County

Windsor Hotel Exhibit

The Greater Cape May Historical Society presents an exhibit on the Windsor Hotel, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm at the Colonial House Gallery in the Colonial House Museum, 653½ Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. www.capemayhistory.org

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Saturdays and Sundays Through October 27, 2013 - Ringwood, Passaic County
Grounds and Garden Tour

Did you ever wonder what all that “stuff” is placed around the grounds at Ringwood Manor? What about all those other buildings on the property? What were they used for? If you have ever been curious about the estate at Ringwood Manor, this tour is for you! The 2-1/2 hour guided walking tour will take visitors around the main property at Ringwood Manor, discussing the historic objects, the planned gardens & landscape features, the out-buildings, and the cemetery. Historic photographs of the property will also be shown. These free tours meet at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm in front of Ringwood Manor every Saturday and Sunday from May 25 - October 27, 2013. It is advised that participants wear walking or hiking shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring bug spray and sun block. Steady Rain cancels. No reservations necessary. For more information and to call ahead to confirm a tour, call 973-962-2240. Ringwood Manor is located at 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, NJ, within Ringwood State Park.

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Through June 30, 2014 - Piscataway, Middlesex County

Got Work? Exhibit

View the exhibit "Got Work? New Deal/WPA in New Jersey" at the 1741 Cornelius Low House Museum in Piscataway. The museum is open Tuesday - Friday, 8:30 - 4:00 pm and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The exhibit will run through June 30, 2014.

The Cornelius Low House, built in 1741, was the home to its namesake and is only one of two remaining buildings from historic Raritan Landing. This high-style Georgian mansion is listed on the National Register and operated by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Admission to the museum is FREE. The museum is located at 1225 River Road, Piscataway, NJ . For more information, visit

http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/culturalheritage/museum1.asp

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Through October 6, 2013 - Paterson, Passaic County

Remembering the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913

Lambert Castle, the Victorian-era mansion located on the Garrett Mountain Reservation on the border between Paterson and Clifton, will be home to an exhibit highlighting the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913 now through October 6, 2013. The exhibit, entitled "We Had to be Rebels: Remembering the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913." This year marks the centennial of the landmark 1913 Paterson Silk Strike, which would forever change the face of labor relations in the Silk City. Thousands of workers walked away from their looms to be herded into court rooms and jail cells in a strike that took months to resolve. The exhibit will be open 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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Sundays through July 28, 2013 - Cranbury, Middlesex County

Wedding Display

The Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society's temporary exhibit entitled "The Look of Love - Bridal Fashions of the Twentieth Century" features wedding gowns, dresses and accessories from 1901 though the 1990s. A large collection of photographs, cards, wedding gifts, and assorted ephemera that span the century will also be on display. The Cranbury Museum is located at 4 Park Place East, Cranbury. www.cranburyhistory.org

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