WEEKEND HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS
Know about a historical event happening in your area?
Send me an e-mail to let us know!
Be the first to find out about these events on Facebook!
Saturday, February 15 - Elizabeth, Union County
America's Forgotten African American Patriots
In celebration of Black History Month and New Jersey's 350th Birthday, the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, Department of Parks and Recreation, invite you to attend a presentation, "America's Forgotten African American Patriots in the African Revolution," by Marion T. Lane, Ed. D., on Saturday from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. The event will appropriately be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth (Old First), 42 Broad Street at Caldwell Place, Elizabeth, NJ. "Old First" was home to the first English-speaking congregation established in New Jersey.
Dr. Lane is the author of Patriots of African Descent in the Revolutionary War, Part 1, a colorfully illustrated book that opens the eyes of the young reader (ages 8 and up) to the roles people of color played in the American Revolution. She is one of the few African American members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the National Gavel Society. She serves as the National President of the Society of Washington's Army at Valley Forge and is on the Board of Valley Forge National Historic Park. Dr. Lane's book will be available for purchase and signing following the program.
As a compliment to this event, members of the DAR, Crane's Ford Chapter of Cranford and the Westfield Chapter of the DAR will have on display original documents and items from their respective collections and answer questions about their organization.
Self-guided tours of the church's adjacent American Revolutionary Burial Ground with over 2,100 grave sites spanning four centuries are encouraged. It is the final resting place of Jonathan Dickinson, founder of Princeton University; Shepherd Kollock, Founder of NJ's first newspaper; and Rev. James Caldwell, Church pastor and Army Chaplain during the Revolutionary War, and wife Hanna, both of whom were killed. Her death is depicted on the Union County seal.
Limited street parking and discounted paid parking available (next to the church) at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking Garage, Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. This event is free and open to the public! For more information, call 908-436-2912 or 908-558-2550.
Dr. Lane is the author of Patriots of African Descent in the Revolutionary War, Part 1, a colorfully illustrated book that opens the eyes of the young reader (ages 8 and up) to the roles people of color played in the American Revolution. She is one of the few African American members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the National Gavel Society. She serves as the National President of the Society of Washington's Army at Valley Forge and is on the Board of Valley Forge National Historic Park. Dr. Lane's book will be available for purchase and signing following the program.
As a compliment to this event, members of the DAR, Crane's Ford Chapter of Cranford and the Westfield Chapter of the DAR will have on display original documents and items from their respective collections and answer questions about their organization.
Self-guided tours of the church's adjacent American Revolutionary Burial Ground with over 2,100 grave sites spanning four centuries are encouraged. It is the final resting place of Jonathan Dickinson, founder of Princeton University; Shepherd Kollock, Founder of NJ's first newspaper; and Rev. James Caldwell, Church pastor and Army Chaplain during the Revolutionary War, and wife Hanna, both of whom were killed. Her death is depicted on the Union County seal.
Limited street parking and discounted paid parking available (next to the church) at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking Garage, Elizabethtown Plaza and Caldwell Place. This event is free and open to the public! For more information, call 908-436-2912 or 908-558-2550.
-----------------------------------
Genealogy Through DNA Testing - CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW
This informative program will be held at the Gallery Room on the lower level of the library. The Plainfield Public Library is located at 800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ. This is a free event. For more information, call the Local History Department at 908-757-1111, ext. 136.
-----------------------------------
Saturday, February 15 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County
Winter Kitchen
Children Friendly
The farm’s circa 1900 kitchen will be open to the public on Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, offering visitors a chance to experience sights, smells, and tastes of a bygone era. Cooking activities, recipe sampling, and hands-on experiences are planned for all.
During the morning, a restored Glenwood Stove will be used to prepare a meal that farmers would have had for their noontime dinner. In the afternoon, they will be baking “goodies” in the wood stove oven. The menu features recipes from the Pleasant Valley Historic District.
Visitors young and old will have opportunities to help in the kitchen - doing everything from collecting wood for the fire to churning butter. Those visitors who want to help outside the kitchen can contribute by gathering eggs from the henhouse for baking, splitting wood, and gathering kindling to keep the stove going. Inside help will be needed to prepare the vegetables, peel apples, wash dishes, and make biscuits. Helpers can also darn socks, help repair the horse blanket, and crochet or knit.
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.
During the morning, a restored Glenwood Stove will be used to prepare a meal that farmers would have had for their noontime dinner. In the afternoon, they will be baking “goodies” in the wood stove oven. The menu features recipes from the Pleasant Valley Historic District.
Visitors young and old will have opportunities to help in the kitchen - doing everything from collecting wood for the fire to churning butter. Those visitors who want to help outside the kitchen can contribute by gathering eggs from the henhouse for baking, splitting wood, and gathering kindling to keep the stove going. Inside help will be needed to prepare the vegetables, peel apples, wash dishes, and make biscuits. Helpers can also darn socks, help repair the horse blanket, and crochet or knit.
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.
-----------------------------------
Sunday, February 16 - Morristown, Morris County
The Making of An American Icon
Children Friendly
We remember George Washington as the father of our country and arguably the greatest American to ever live. Join a Park Ranger to discover the early years of Washington's life and see how he became the man Americans love and idealize. Programs at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm at the Washington's Headquarters Museum within Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, NJ. Cost: Free. http://nps.gov/morr
-----------------------------------
Sunday, February 16 - Montclair, Essex County
Historic House Tours
Children Friendly
Children Friendly
Also this month's Sunday Spotlight sheds light on the difference between Preservation Commissions and Historical Societies - oft confused, but filling different roles in the community. Discover how each can help guide you in your home renovation and research on your family, house, or neighborhood beginning at 3:00 pm. Suggested voluntary donation: $5.
The sites are located at 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ. For more information, call 973-744-1796, e-mail mail@montclairhistorical.org or visit www.montclairhistorical.org.
-----------------------------------
Sunday, February 16 - Cape May, Cape May County
Panel Discussion
Join representatives from the Center for Community Arts (CCA) and the local community for a free discussion on the current Carriage House Gallery exhibit, "The Way We Were ... Cape May County's Once Thriving Black Business Communities" on Sunday at 4:00 pm. Sponsored by the Center for Community Arts (CCA) in association with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). The Carriage House Gallery is located on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. For more information, call 609-884-7525 or visit www.centerforcommunityarts.org. For gallery hours, call 609-884-5404 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Sunday, February 16 - Bedminster, Somerset County
Pluckemin Cantonment - POSTPONED UNTIL FEBRUARY, 23, 1014
Audiences 14+
Audiences 14+
Dr. John Seidel, Director, Center for the Environment & Society at Washington College in Chestertown, MD and lead archaeologist on the Pluckemin Archaeological Project, will present a 3D visualization of the Pluckemin Artillery Cantonment, recently commissioned by the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House. The one-hour presentation will also highlight the significance of the cantonment to the Continental Army, its abandonment and eventual discovery in the 1970s, the archaeological dig that ensued, and the wealth of artifacts that were uncovered.
Working with Dr. Seidel, historical geographer Stewart Bruce, other historians, and students at Washington College, the Friends authorized the use of sophisticated mapping software to create a 3D visualization of the lost Pluckemin cantonment (now located in the Hills Development) in a series of digital animations that is interpreted and narrated by scholars. The animated visualization of the 1778-79 cantonment depicts buildings (officers' quarters, armorers' shop, artificers' quarters, tin smith's shop, etc.) as well as the physical materials, tools and daily activities of life on the site.
The 21st-century digital presentation complements the Friends' more traditional interpretive programs - authentic artifacts, beautiful period rooms, history center, museum displays, art works, maps and printed materials. The virtual cantonment is presented on-site at the Jacobus Vanderveer House Museum, and excerpts are posted on the museum's website and Facebook page. For more information and a sneak peek at how history meets high-tech in telling the story of Pluckemin's long lost cantonment, visit www.jvanderveerhouse.org.
The presentation is intended for audiences 14 and up. There is no charge for admission, but registration is suggested by calling 908-396-6053.
The Jacobus Vanderveer House will also be open from 1:00 - 4:00 pm on Sunday for tours.
The Jacobus Vanderveer House is located at 955 Route 202/206, Bedminster, NJ, behind River Road Park. The entrance to the house is via River Road Park. For directions and more information, visit www.jvanderveerhouse.com.
-----------------------------------
Discover five of the original Somerset County houses that served as general staff headquarters during the Revolutionary War. The historic houses are the Van Horne House in Bridgewater; the Van Veghten House in Finderne, the Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook; the Jacobus Vanderveer House in Bedminster, and the Wallace House in Somerville.
During the Second Middlebrook Encampment (1778-1789) the Village of Middlebrook was an area just east of the Van Horne House, which is now the west end of Bound Brook. General Washington posted all of his dispatches from Middlebrook, even though his headquarters was at the Wallace House in Somerville, five miles away.
This bus tour provides a perfect opportunity for a weekend family outing. Visiting the five historic sites offers a unique educational experience, for young and old alike, to learn about the history of the American Revolution and the generals who occupied the houses.
The tour start from the Van Horne House, 941 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ (across from Patriots Ballpark) and takes approximately two and a half hours. Free parking is available behind Target and across the street at the ballpark.
The tours are $5 per person with advanced payment and $10 with payment on the day of the tour. Advanced payment can be made by mail or by credit card payment with an online reservation. Make checks payable to Heritage Trail Association and mail to Heritage Trail, 941 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
Space is limited and reservations are required. The five available tours are scheduled to start on the hour: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. For more information and to make reservations, call 732-356-8856 or sign up online here. www.heritagetrail.org
Sunday, February 16 - Somerset County
Five Generals Bus Tour - CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW
Children Friendly
Children Friendly
During the Second Middlebrook Encampment (1778-1789) the Village of Middlebrook was an area just east of the Van Horne House, which is now the west end of Bound Brook. General Washington posted all of his dispatches from Middlebrook, even though his headquarters was at the Wallace House in Somerville, five miles away.
This bus tour provides a perfect opportunity for a weekend family outing. Visiting the five historic sites offers a unique educational experience, for young and old alike, to learn about the history of the American Revolution and the generals who occupied the houses.
The tour start from the Van Horne House, 941 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ (across from Patriots Ballpark) and takes approximately two and a half hours. Free parking is available behind Target and across the street at the ballpark.
The tours are $5 per person with advanced payment and $10 with payment on the day of the tour. Advanced payment can be made by mail or by credit card payment with an online reservation. Make checks payable to Heritage Trail Association and mail to Heritage Trail, 941 East Main Street, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
Space is limited and reservations are required. The five available tours are scheduled to start on the hour: 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm. For more information and to make reservations, call 732-356-8856 or sign up online here. www.heritagetrail.org
-----------------------------------
Sunday, February 16 - Park Ridge, Bergen County
Sunday, February 16 - Park Ridge, Bergen County
Medical History Lecture - CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW
This free program will be held at the Pascack Historical Society, 19 Ridge Ave, Park Ridge, NJ. For more information, call 201-573-0307 or visit www.pascackhistoricalsociety.org.
-----------------------------------
Sunday, February 16 - Farmingdale, Monmouth County
1830s Birthday Celebration - CANCELLED DUE TO SNOW AND ICE
Children Friendly
Featuring patriotic orations, speeches, and commemorative poetry of the period, the service pays tribute to the young nation's beloved first president. The service will be followed by a procession through the Village led by the Howell Ironworks Militia. Upon arriving at Mr. Allaire's mansion, visitors may take a tour of the building and sample a piece of birthday cake in honor of George Washington. The George Washington's Birthday Celebration is presented free of charge by Allaire Village Incorporated. Join us for a day of family fun and history!
Allaire Village, Inc. 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 is able to present, throughout the year, many fine quality educational and interpretive programs. These programs are made possible by the support of private donations, membership fees, fund-raising events, admission fees, patronage of our General Store and Bakery.
The Historic Village at Allaire is located in Allaire State Park, 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.
-----------------------------------
Sunday, February 16 - Titusville, Mercer County
George Washington Speaks
Children Friendly
On Sunday afternoon, Reenactor Sam Davis will portray General George Washington and discuss his life from his childhood through the Battle of Trenton, December 26, 1776. Program at 12:30 and 2:00 pm at the Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center. There is no fee for this program.
The Washington Crossing State Park Visitor Center is located at 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ. For more information, call 609-737-9303 or visit www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests.
-----------------------------------
Sunday, February 16 - Titusville, Mercer County
George Washington's Birthday Celebration
Children Friendly
.JPG)
On Sunday, enjoy colonial music in the parlor, gingerbread baking on the hearth, spinning, woodworking, hands-on activities of quill pen writing, colonial education, toys and games, and a visit from General Washington himself at the Johnson Ferry House in Washington Crossing State Park! Washington's birthday celebration will run from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. There is no fee but a $5 donation is suggested.The Johnson Ferry House is located within Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ. For more information, call 609-737-2515 or visit www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests.
-----------------------------------
Monday, February 17 - Freehold, Monmouth County
President's Day Family Program
Children Friendly
The Monmouth County Historical Association invites families to visit the museum on Monday for a special President's Day children's program and learn about presidents who were farmers. This program coincides with the current museum exhibition "Farm: Agriculture in Monmouth 1600 - 2013," which is open through December 31, 2014. Guided programs are at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, when children can participate in making a drawing craft of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln and learn more about crops certain presidents grew.
Families are also invited to participate in a scavenger hunt through the Farm exhibition and decide if president's crops matched with those grown on Monmouth County farms.
Children will also have the opportunity to plant a bulb to take home, and have their photograph taken with farming tools and props in our hands-on Discovery Room, where guests experience hands daily life in the Colonial and Victorian eras.
The museum is open from 10:00 - 4:00 and located at 70 Court Street, Freehold, NJ. Regular admission is $5 per adult and $2.50 per child 6 years and older, and seniors. For more information, call 732-462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory.org.
Saturdays through February 22 - Rutherford, Bergen County
Historic Schoolboy Football Exhibit
The exhibit is open Wednesdays and Saturdays in February from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission is free. The Meadowlands Museum is located at 91 Crane Avenue, Rutherford, NJ. In addition to the Exhibit Room, there is also a Media Room where visitors can watch videotaped interviews with great NFL and Hall of Fame players who came from Meadowlands area schools. For more information, call 201-935-1175 or visit www.meadowlandsmuseum.com.
-----------------------------------
Sundays through March 9, 2014 - Plainfield, Union County
Indira Bailey Art Exhibit
On Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, visit the Historical Society of Plainfield at the Drake House Museum to view the "Indira Bailey Art Exhibit" in celebration of Black History Month.
Indira Bailey is a second-generation Plainfielder and is an extraordinary artist, illustrator, and educator. Indira received a B.F.A. in illustration from Pratt Institute and M.A. in Educational Leadership & Supervision from Kean University. Ms. Bailey's work demonstrates her pride, talent, and her interest in showing her experience as an African American woman and her travels in a positive light. Ms. Bailey has exhibited artwork throughout the tri-state area.
"Indira Bailey Art Exhibit" will be on display in the second floor ballroom of the Drake House Museum, and the exhibit will be on display until March 9, 2014. Donations are always appreciated. All are welcome during regular tour hours, 2:00 - 4:00 pm on Sundays, or by appointment.
The Drake House Museum is located at 602 West Front Street, Plainfield, NJ. For more information call 908-755-5831 or visit www.www.drakehouseplainfieldnj.org.
Indira Bailey is a second-generation Plainfielder and is an extraordinary artist, illustrator, and educator. Indira received a B.F.A. in illustration from Pratt Institute and M.A. in Educational Leadership & Supervision from Kean University. Ms. Bailey's work demonstrates her pride, talent, and her interest in showing her experience as an African American woman and her travels in a positive light. Ms. Bailey has exhibited artwork throughout the tri-state area.
"Indira Bailey Art Exhibit" will be on display in the second floor ballroom of the Drake House Museum, and the exhibit will be on display until March 9, 2014. Donations are always appreciated. All are welcome during regular tour hours, 2:00 - 4:00 pm on Sundays, or by appointment.
The Drake House Museum is located at 602 West Front Street, Plainfield, NJ. For more information call 908-755-5831 or visit www.www.drakehouseplainfieldnj.org.
-----------------------------------
Through Sunday, February 23, 2014 - Trenton, Mercer County
Historic Maps of the Garden State Exhibit
Children Friendly Activities
Opening on September 7 and running through February 23, 2014, “Where in the World is New Jersey? Historical Maps of the Garden State” is comprised of nearly 100 maps depicting the colony and state of New Jersey from 1635 through 1950 on display at the New Jersey State Museum.
This unprecedented exhibition provides the visitor with an introductory survey of historical maps depicting the colony and state of New Jersey from 1635 until 1950. The nearly 100 maps on display – most of which are original hand-colored copperplate engravings or chromolithographs – come from the collections of four public institutions – the New Jersey State Museum, State Archives, State Library, and Special Collections and University Archives at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. They were selected for their rarity, their ability to convey aspects of New Jersey history, and their artistic merit – underscoring the dual role of maps as both works of art and utilitarian tools essential to the human experience.
The New Jersey State Museum, located at 205 West State Street in Trenton, NJ is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am - 4:45 pm. The Museum is closed Mondays and all state holidays. The NJ State Museum has a “suggested” admission fee. For more information, visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov or call the recorded information line at 609-292-6464. On weekends, free parking is available in lots adjacent to and behind the Museum. Please visit www.trentonparking.com for a number of options for parking in downtown Trenton during the week.
-----------------------------------
Through February 23, 2014 - Woodbury, Gloucester County
The Civil War: Echoes of New Jersey’s Finest
Gloucester County Historical Society Museum is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm and the last Sunday of the month from 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Adult admission $5; children 6-18 years $1; children under 6 free. The museum is located at 58 North Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ. For more information, call 856-848-8531 or visit www.rootsweb.com/~njgchs.
-----------------------------------
Through March 23, 2014 - Princeton, Mercer County
The Age of Sail: A New Jersey Collection
Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ. The museum is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Tours are given on the hour. Final tour is at 2:00 pm. On Saturday and Sunday, the museum is open from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm. Final tour is at 3:00 pm. For more information, call 609-924-8144 or visit www.morven.org.
-----------------------------------
Through Sunday, April 6, 2014 - Cranbury, Middlesex County
The Shimer Cookie Jar Exhibit
The Shimer Cookie Jar Exhibit at the Cranbury Museum features an extensive assortment of whimsical and delightful cookie jars assembled by long-time Cranbury resident and artist, Wilma Shimer. It also includes vintage kitchen accessories such as tablecloths, aprons, cookie cutters, rolling pins, cookbooks and recipes. One special item on display is the "Betty Crocker's Cook Book for Boys and Girls" which was published in 1957 and featured a test panel of twelve Cranbury boys and girls. The exhibit will be on display through April 6, 2014.
The Cranbury Museum is located within a lovely 1800s house that is furnished with period antiques. The museum is open Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm and located at 4 Park Place East, Cranbury, NJ. For more information, call 609-655-2611 or visit www.cranburyhistory.org.
The Cranbury Museum is located within a lovely 1800s house that is furnished with period antiques. The museum is open Sundays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm and located at 4 Park Place East, Cranbury, NJ. For more information, call 609-655-2611 or visit www.cranburyhistory.org.
-----------------------------------
Through Sunday, April 13 - Cape May, Cape May County
African American Heritage Exhibit
This 15th annual Center for Community Arts (CCA) exhibit - "The Way We Were...Cape May County's Once Thriving Black Business Communities" will highlight African Americans' contributions to the local community. The exhibit will be on display at the Carriage House Gallery on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington Street, Cape May, NJ. Admission is free. Exhibit will be on display through Sunday, April 13. Open Saturdays in January, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm. Sponsored by the Center for Community Arts (CCA) in association with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For information, call 609-884-7525 or visit www.centerforcommunityarts.org. For gallery hours call 609-884-5404 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
-----------------------------------
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, call 732-745-4177 or visit http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/culturalheritage.
-----------------------------------
Through June 30, 2014 - Piscataway, Middlesex County
Got Work? Exhibit
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, call 732-745-4177 or visit http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/culturalheritage.
-----------------------------------
Through June 2014 - Morristown, Morris County
"Controversies: The More Things Change..." Exhibit
Currently on display at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is an exhibition about topics that helped shape our world. "Controversies: The More Things Change..." opens new territory for the Museum, presenting challenging subject matter that may not be suitable for casual dinner conversation. This new exhibit explores topics that helped shape our world through local history events which had national significance: medical experimentation, immigration, and the right to die.
"Controversies: The More Things Change..." inspires people to consider, even reconsider, the ways in which they think about these important, frequently debated issues. The exhibit explores local history events which had national significance: the 1833 Antoine LeBlanc murder trial and public execution; the immigration issues of the late nineteenth century as depicted by political cartoonist Thomas Nast, a Morristown resident, and the 1976 Karen Ann Quinlan "right to die" case.
The museum is making a major departure in exhibit presentations with "Controversies." Where most exhibits typically provide detailed information about the objects on view, "Controversies" offers limited information about the objects, essentially forcing personal thought, and inspiring discussion, about the areas represented. Each object and concept in the exhibit represents a part of New Jersey's history - specifically Morris County's history. The ideas expressed through the historical objects in the exhibit, however, are not confined to New Jersey boundaries- the significant concerns raised by the important and controversial issues showcased in this exhibit continue to be debated throughout the United States and the world.
"We wanted to give our visitors a chance to participate in an exhibit in a new way - to have a reaction without being guided by the institution's interpretation of what the objects represent, which labels typically provide," said Executive Director Carrie Fellows. Instead, curator's books of supplementary information will be available within the exhibit, should the visitor want to learn more, drawn from primary sources like news articles, contemporary commentary, and images. Visitors are encouraged to leave comments about the themes presented.
The exhibition was inspired when Fellows and Ryan C. Hyman, the Museum's curator, heard Burt Logan, Executive Director of the Ohio Historical Society speak at a conference about the organization's groundbreaking "Controversy: Pieces You Don't Normally See" exhibit, and its sequel, "Controversy 2: Pieces We Don't Normally Talk About". During his talk, Mr. Logan strongly encouraged other museums to adapt the concept and develop similar exhibits. Inspired by the presentation, Hyman and Fellows began discussing how they might create an exhibit using themes from the Morris area's rich history.
"Controversies: The More Things Change..." will be on view during Museum touring hours through June 2014. Please note the subject matter may not be suitable for all audiences. Visitor discretion advised. Recommended for visitors 12 years of age and older.
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. 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.
"Controversies: The More Things Change..." Exhibit
"Controversies: The More Things Change..." inspires people to consider, even reconsider, the ways in which they think about these important, frequently debated issues. The exhibit explores local history events which had national significance: the 1833 Antoine LeBlanc murder trial and public execution; the immigration issues of the late nineteenth century as depicted by political cartoonist Thomas Nast, a Morristown resident, and the 1976 Karen Ann Quinlan "right to die" case.
The museum is making a major departure in exhibit presentations with "Controversies." Where most exhibits typically provide detailed information about the objects on view, "Controversies" offers limited information about the objects, essentially forcing personal thought, and inspiring discussion, about the areas represented. Each object and concept in the exhibit represents a part of New Jersey's history - specifically Morris County's history. The ideas expressed through the historical objects in the exhibit, however, are not confined to New Jersey boundaries- the significant concerns raised by the important and controversial issues showcased in this exhibit continue to be debated throughout the United States and the world.
"We wanted to give our visitors a chance to participate in an exhibit in a new way - to have a reaction without being guided by the institution's interpretation of what the objects represent, which labels typically provide," said Executive Director Carrie Fellows. Instead, curator's books of supplementary information will be available within the exhibit, should the visitor want to learn more, drawn from primary sources like news articles, contemporary commentary, and images. Visitors are encouraged to leave comments about the themes presented.
The exhibition was inspired when Fellows and Ryan C. Hyman, the Museum's curator, heard Burt Logan, Executive Director of the Ohio Historical Society speak at a conference about the organization's groundbreaking "Controversy: Pieces You Don't Normally See" exhibit, and its sequel, "Controversy 2: Pieces We Don't Normally Talk About". During his talk, Mr. Logan strongly encouraged other museums to adapt the concept and develop similar exhibits. Inspired by the presentation, Hyman and Fellows began discussing how they might create an exhibit using themes from the Morris area's rich history.
"Controversies: The More Things Change..." will be on view during Museum touring hours through June 2014. Please note the subject matter may not be suitable for all audiences. Visitor discretion advised. Recommended for visitors 12 years of age and older.
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. 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.
-----------------------------------
Through August, 2014 - Lyndhurst, Bergen County
Let's Play! An Exhibit of Beloved Toys
Children Friendly
The exhibit is free and open to the public, though a small donation to the Society would be appreciated. The Little Red Schoolhouse Museum is open on the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. The Lyndhurst Historical Society was established in 1984 in an effort to preserve the 1893 schoolhouse, located at 400 Riverside Avenue, Lyndhurst, NJ. For more information, call 201-804-2513 (leave a message) or visit www.lyndhursthistoricalsociety.org.
-----------------------------------
Some event listings courtesy of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for the comments!