morris county visitors center
6 Court St. (across from Morris County Court House), Morristown, 973-631-5151. Open Mon.-Fri. 10-4. Excellent one-stop source of information about destinations and events in Morris County. Brochures, maps and calendars available. Hosts themed walking tours of historic Morristown. Pick up walking tour for kids brochure or view online.
union county history activity kit
908-558-2550. Developed by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs with the advice of teachers and parents, the free history activity kit reinforces the fourth grade curriculum and meets criteria for scout badges by highlighting seventeen of Union County’s history museums.
www.visitnj.org
New Jersey is filled with homes and sites of historic interest. Listings below are noted for programs specifically geared to children and families. For a complete list of historic sites and additional events throughout the state, consult the State of New Jersey’s official website.
68 Morris Ave., Morristown, 973-267-3465. Mon. & Thurs. 11-4, Sun. 1-4. Guided tours every half hour. Group tours by appointment. Adults $6, srs. $5, students $3, under 12 free. Italianate Victorian mansion, built in 1853, is the headquarters of the Morris County Historical Society. From the back of the garden, a short trail leads down to the Whippany River and to the site of a Revolutionary War gunpowder mill. On and off-site speakers and educational programs; traveling trunks available for rental. Gardens and gift shop.
Into Jun
Over Here and Over There: Morris County's Role in World War II, exhibit.
Selected Special Events
Dec 2-Jan 15
Victorian Christmas at Acorn Hall, see the house decorated in its holiday finery. Additional hours 1-4pm Fridays in December.
Dec 9
Festive Friday: Family Night, tours, door prizes, refreshments, music, visit from Santa. 4-7pm.
Dec 16
Festive Friday: Wine & Wassail Night, tours, door prizes, refreshments, music. 4-7pm.
Dec 23-26, Jan 1
Acorn Hall will be closed.
Feb 12
Membership Tea, learn the benefits of MCHS membership, light refreshments. 1-4pm.
Apr 13, 15
Fourth Annual Revolutionary Times Weekend, in Morristown. Open Fri. and Sun. 1-4pm
Allaire Village
Allaire State Park, Rt. 524 (exit 98 GSP), Wall Township. Village: 732-919-3500, Park: 732-938-2371. Historic buildings open Memorial Day-Labor Day: Wed.-Sun. 12-4; May and Labor Day-mid-Dec.: Weekends 12-4. Closed Oct. 15-16 and 22-23. Open special weekends Jan.-March. Admission fee to visit historic buildings on weekends May thru Nov.: Adults $3, ages 6-12 $2, 5 and under free. Parking fee: Memorial Day weekend thru Labor Day.
Living museums display artifacts from the Howell Iron Works village of 1822-1848. Costumed interpreters explain the history and demonstrate various crafts. The Pine Creek Railroad, a narrow gauge rail line operating both diesel and steam locomotives, makes a 1.5 mile loop in the park and runs 10-4:30pm weekends & holidays April-Nov. 1; weekdays July & Aug. Tickets are $4 ages 3 and over, free under 3. The Christmas Express operates weekends in late Nov.-Dec. with tickets on sale beginning Oct. 1 (732-938-5524).
State park features hiking and multi-use trails, camping, nature center (staffed Memorial Day thru Labor Day) with interpretive programs (732-938-6707), picnicking, snack bar, playground, canoeing and fishing on the Manasquan River.
Selected Events
Dec 9, 16
A Christmas Carol, 7:30pm in Chapel. $15 advance ticket purchase recommended.
Dec 10, 17
Holiday Lantern Tour, 5-8pm. 90-minute
tours leave every 15 min. $10, advance tickets.
Feb 19
1830s George Washington Birthday Celebration, 1pm.
Mar 11
St. Patrick's Day Celebration, 1 & 2pm.
Mar 25
The Funeral for Frances Allaire, early 19th century mourning customs. 2pm.
Apr 8
Easter Sunrise Service in the Chapel, 6am.
Apr 15
Bee Hive Oven Baking at the Bakery, 1-4pm.
Apr 22
19th Century Spring Festival Auction, 2pm.
Apr 28
Flea Market, 8-3pm. Raindate April 29.
May 5-6
Tour of Old Monmouth.
May 12
Spring Craft Market, 10-4pm.
May 19
Flea Market, 8-3pm. Raindate May 21.
May 20
Village Life at the Howell Works, experience daily life and activities in the early 19th century village.
Jun 2-3
Civil War Encampment, 10-3pm.
Jun 10
Maria Allaire's Wedding, at the Chapel followed by Village Frolic.
Jun 23
Flea Market, 8-3pm. Raindate June 24.
Jun 24
School Days in the 1830s, all ages. 1 & 2:30pm.
Bouman Stickney Farmstead
14 Dreahook Rd., Stanton, 908-236-2327. Open 1-4pm year round first Sun. of every month. 1741 stone Dutch House on 68 acres with outbuildings including a Revolutionary era New York Dutch barn offers traditional craft demonstrations and guided tours of buildings and grounds. Self-guided nature trail is available daily during daylight hours.
Cooper Gristmill
Black River County Park, County Rt. 513 (old Rt. 24), Chester Twp., 908-879-5463. April-June: Sat. 10-5, last tour at 3:30. July-Aug.: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5, last tour at 3:30. Sept. 1-Oct. 30 Sat. & Sun. 10-5, last tour at 3:30. Gristmill closed holidays. Adults $3, srs. $2, children 4-16 $1, under age 4 free.
Visitors can watch the water-powered millstones grind grain into flour at a turn-of-the-century gristmill on the Black River. Different demonstrations of life in the 1800s on most Sat. and/or Sun. School programs; group tours, 973-631-5343; summer day camp (see Travels in Time under Camps), 973-829-8419. Black River County Park is open for hiking sunrise to sunset daily.
Crane House Museum
110 Orange Rd., Montclair, 973-744-1796. Open for guided tours 1 & 2pm Sundays March-Dec. Closed Jan. and Feb. except for group tours. Adults $5, children $3.
Owned and operated by the Montclair Historical Society, this 1796 house was home to three generations of the Crane family, one of the founding families of Montclair. Furnished period rooms plus temporary exhibits. Adult and family programs on local history offered year-round; summer history camps. Open for tours and group tours by appointment. Offices and local history library at 108 Orange Rd. open Mon.-Fri. 9-5.
Selected Special Events
Dec
December Days, all properties are decorated in period styles and open for tours on Sundays.
Dec 11-12
Essex County Holiday House Tours, open house 12-4pm at Essex County historic houses.
Deserted Village of Feltville/Glenside Park
Glenside Ave., Union County Watchung Reservation, Berkeley Heights, 908-527-4900. Listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, this site has been a farming community, mill town, deserted village, and summer resort over the course of two centuries. Ten buildings remain and the Church/Store building has been restored as an interpretive center. A 1-mile self-guided walking tour begins in the parking lot off Glenside Ave. Guided tours are offered periodically. Call for information about Operation Archaeology site, a school program for 5th grade students, 908-558-2550.
Drake House Museum
602 W. Front St., Plainfield, 908-755-5831. Open Sat. 10-1, Sun. 2-4pm or by appointment. Beautifully restored rooms portray the farm life of the Nathanial Drake family in the 1700s and the Victorian life of New York City banker, John S. Harberger, during the late 1800s. The original 1746 farmhouse served as headquarters for George Washington during the Battle of Short Hills in 1777. Significant American paintings, folk art, period furniture and decorative pieces are on display. Group tours; Traveling Trunk exhibit available for school and community groups.
Drumthwacket
354 Stockton St., Princeton, 609-683-0057. Suggested donation $5. Tours of the official residence of the Governor are given most Wed. throughout the year (except Aug. and Dec.). Spring, summer and fall tours include the formal Italianate gardens. Reservations required, call or visit www.drumthwacket.org.
Wed Guided Tours, most Wed., reservations required.
Dec 7, 11, 14
Holiday Open House, Garden Clubs of New Jersey decorate Drumthwacket for the holidays. Unique gift shop will be open. 11-2. Suggested donation, reservations required.
Durand-Hedden House Garden
523 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood, 973-763-7712. Sept.-June: Sun. 1-4pm. Closed summer. Donations appreciated. Historic house circa 1790 has been restored to show the continuum of its life from 1790 to 1930. Open houses are held each month with tours, children's activities and country store. Jr. docent after-school program for members and jr. members in grades 3 & 4. School tours available. Jan 22
Assassins in the Garden: Belladonna, Foxglove, Hemlock and Co.
Feb 26
After the Hickories, Roosevelt Park.
Mar 18
Nancy Drew, Who Knew? The Maplewood Connection.
Apr 29
James Betelle: Maplewood's Master Civic Architect.
May 13
Perfect Ladies: The Arts of Dress, Beauty & Etiquette in the Victorian Age.
Jun 3
Summer Amusements Over the Decades.
East Jersey Olde Towne Village
Johnson Park, 1050 River Rd. (intersection of River Rd. & Old Hoes Lane), Piscataway, 732-745-3030. Tues.-Fri. 8:30-4:15; Sun. 1-4. Guided public tours: Tues.-Fri. & Sun. 1:30. Group tours by appointment.
A collection of original, replica and reconstructed 18th & 19th century structures depict the farm and merchant communities once found in central New Jersey. Storytellers and crafts are periodically presented.
Edison National Historic Site
Main St. & Lakeside Ave. (exit 9 Rt. 280), West Orange, 973-736-0550. Laboratory Complex: Wed.-Sun. 9-5. Glenmont: Fri.-Sun. 11:30-5. Glenmont house tours: 12-4. A car pass must be obtained at the Laboratory Visitor Center prior to going to Glenmont. House tour tickets are limited and distributed on a first come-first served basis at the Visitor Center. Entrance fee of $7 is valid for 7 days and includes Laboratory Complex and Glenmont. Ages under 16 free. Standard and family audio tours $5.
Thomas Edison's original music recording studio, private laboratory and photography studio are open for all to see, hear and experience, displaying many original furnishings and a vast collection of unique artifacts and documents. Glenmont, Edison's home in Llewellyn Park, is open for tours Fri.-Sun. on the hour 12-4pm. A pass must be obtained from the Laboratory Visitor Center in order to enter Llewellyn Park. Tickets for the house tour are limited and distributed on a first-come first-served basis from the Visitor Center.
Dec 9-11, 16-18, 23-24, 30-31
Holidays at Glenmont, 12-5. Enjoy the Edison's festive decorations and family stories. Tickets required.
Jan 8, 29, Feb 12, Mar 3, 25, Apr 15, May 6
Harry's Magical Invention Bag, focuses on the many inventors from NJ. 1-2 & 3-4pm.
Thomas A. Edison Memorial Tower & Menlo Park Museum
37 Christie St., Edison, 732-549-3299. Thurs.-Sat. 10-4. No charge, suggested donation $2. Free tours during operating hours. 13-ft. replica light bulb sits atop 131-ft. Memorial Tower where over 400 patented inventions were developed including the phonograph and electric light bulb. Many inventions are on display in the museum.
Closed
For renovations, anticipated reopening in summer 2012.
Samuel Fleming House
5 Bonnell St., Flemington, 908-782-4607. Open 2nd Sun. 1-4pm. Tours by appointment for scout and school groups. Visitors to the c. 1756 building can play with Colonial toys and games and discover Castle artifacts in a scavenger hunt. Children's workshops and special events are held throughout the year.
Ford Mansion & Museum/
Washington’s Headquarters
30 Washington Place (exit 36 I-287), Morristown, 973-
539-2016 ext. 210. Daily 9-5. Ford Mansion shown by guided tours at 11am, 1 & 3pm. Adults $4, ages under 16 free.
Mansion served as the military headquarters of General George Washington during the Continental Army's winter encampment at Jockey Hollow in 1779-1780. A separate 1930s museum includes three exhibit galleries, introductory video and bookstore. Junior Ranger activity booklets are available at Washington's Headquarters or Jockey Hollow.
Ongoing
Primary Source Seminar, provides students the occasion to study historical manuscripts firsthand. Classes by appointment only.
Dec 17
Morristown's Other Army, slideshow about the Civilian Conservation Corps. 10, 12 & 2pm.
Dec 18
Humbug, imagine a December without Christmas trees, presents or Santa. 1, 2 & 3pm.
Jan 7
In Their Own Words, explore diaries and other written records. 1, 2 3, & 4pm.
Jan 12
Around the World in 45 Minutes, Revolution Roundtable. 7-7:45pm.
Jan 15
Bound To Serve, learn about slaves and black servants in Washington's army. 1, 2, 3 & 4pm.
Jan 28
Morristown's Other Army, slideshow about the Civilisan Conservation Corps. 10, 12 & 2pm.
Jan 29
Myth-Informed: Debunking 18th Century Myths, guided tours 1, 2 & 3pm.
Feb 9
Spies in the Continental Capital, with author & historian John A. Nagy. 7-8pm.
Feb 18
Washington Tales: Fact or Fiction, 10 & 12pm.
Feb 19
Weapons of the Revolution, 1:30-4pm.
Feb 20
Images of Washington, 12:30 & 2:30pm.
Feb 25
In Their Own Words, explore diaries and other written records. 1, 2, 3 & 4pm.
Feb 26
Kids Tour of Ford Mansion, 4th grade and up. 10:30 & 2:30pm.
Fosterfields
73 Kahdena Rd., off County Rt. 510 (old Rt. 24), Morristown, 973-326-7645. April-June: Tues.-Sat. 10-5. July-Oct.: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Adults $6, srs. $5, children 4-16 $4, ages 2-3 $2, under 2 free. Add $2 for special events. Memberships available.
Farmers can usually be found engaged in one of their many daily chores from tending the crops to animal care on an operating farm from 1880-1910 era. Weekends feature different demonstrations of farm chores and early crafts. Guided tours of the Willows, one of New Jersey's finest Gothic Revival restorations, are available afternoons (additional $1). Group & school tours. Travels in Time summer program for ages 10-12 (see Camps).
Selected Events
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dec 7-9
The Woods Family Country Christmas, horse-drawn wagon, holiday decorating and baking, collect eggs, watch cows milked. 1-4.
Feb 5
A Winter's Day at the Farm, winter farm activities include tractor-pulled wagon ride, ice harvesting, maple tapping, sawing wood, cracking corn, collecting eggs and churning butter. 12-4.
The Hermitage
335 N. Franklin Tnpk. (GSP exit 165 to Rt. 17N), Ho-Ho-Kus, 201-445-8311. Guided tours Wed.-Sun. 1-4, last tour starts at 3:15. Adults $7, srs. & students $5, ages 6-12 $4. Stone house, renovated in 1847-48 in Gothic Revival design, was visited during the Revolutionary War by Washington and was the site of the marriage of Aaron Burr and Theodosia Prevost. Living history events are held throughout the year. History lecture series; birthday parties; on-site and in-class school programs; scout, after-school programs and summer history camps are offered.
Historic Speedwell
Rt. 202 (333 Speedwell Ave.) at Cory Rd., Morristown,
973-285-6550. April-June: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, closed Sun. July-Oct. : Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5. Adults $6, srs. $5, children 4-16 $4. Restored 19th century mansion and ironworks buildings on 7.5 acres capture the daily life of the Vail family and their contributions to the American Industrial Revolution. The Factory building was the site of the first successful public demonstration of the telegraph in 1838. Group tours; scout programs; home school programs; picnic area; adult and children's craft series; summer history camp.
Howell Living History Farm
101 Hunter Rd., Titusville (off Rt. 29 2 mi. south of Lambertville), 609-737-3299. Open Sat.: 10-4 on specified dates, with field or craft programs from 11-3. Open Sun. for self-guided tours only: April-Nov. noon-4pm. Open Tues.-Fri.: Feb. thru Nov. 10-4. Closed Mon., holidays and month of Jan. Free admission, materials fee for craft.
A working farm for 200 years is being restored to operate like a typical family farm circa 1900. Farmstand (open Wed. & Sat. July-Oct.); group programs; Farmhands farm experience for ages 6-9 and 10-12 with adult; The Hatchery for ages 3-5 with adult; and summer farm camp for ages 3-15.
Craft programs, which take about 20 min. to complete, are offered most Saturdays during open season from 11-3. Materials fee varies from $1-3. Groups of 8 or more must preregister. Call for date-specific craft information.
Industrial Heritage Tours
Morris County Park Commission, 973-285-6538. Historians lead easy to challenging, 2½-hour to full-day hikes to mines, dams, canals and other sites of significance to Morris County’s industrial heritage.
Jockey Hollow
Tempe Wick Rd. west to Visitor Center parking, Morris Township, 973-539-2016. Visitor Center: daily 9-5. Wick House: daily 9:30-12 and 1:30-4:30. Park: daily 'til sunset. Free. Follow in the footsteps of General George Washington and his continental army during the winter of 1779-80 as you explore the forests and rolling terrain of Jockey Hollow National Park. 1750 Wick House and farm; herb garden; NJ Brigade site; 5 reconstructed soldier huts; 21 miles of hiking trails include Old Camp Road Trail (blue blazes) built by Washington's army, the Aqueduct Trail, and yellow trail to the site of the original soldier huts and actual hearthstones that were placed by Washington's soldiers. Trail map available at Visitor Center.
Ongoing
Morristown National Historical Park Junior Ranger Badge, children ages 6-12 can learn about the American Revolution at Washington's Headquarters or Jockey Hollow, complete activity booklet and earn a Junior Ranger Badge. Call 973-539-2016 x210 for reservations for school or scout groups.
Park Brochure includes trail routes, topography, photos and descriptions of the 26 miles of trails through the historic site.
Selected Interpretive Events with Park Ranger
Dec 11
Soldier at the Huts, 1:30-3:30.
Wick Family Guest, did you know a President spent the winter at Wick House? 1:30-4.
Dec 17
Feeding the Army, holiday meals. Wick House, 1-4.
Dec 31
Civilian Conservation Corps Hike, 2.25 mile round trip. Visitor Center, 10-11:15.
Jan 16
Storytelling, Visitor Center. 11 & 1:30.
Jan 21
Henry Wick's Tools, Wick House. 1-4.
Jan 22
Soldier at the Huts, 1:30-3:30.
Feb 5
Hike to the Huts, 2.5 mile round trip. Visitor Center, 10-11:15 & 2-3:15.
Restoring the Wick House, 1:30-4.
Feb 11
Feeding the Army, holiday meals. WIck House, 1-4.
Feb 12
Home Sweet Home, see what 1,200 huts meant for local farmers. Wick House, 10, 1 & 3.
Feb 25
Soldier at the Huts, 1:30-3:30.
Feb 26
Restoring the Wick House, 1:30-4.
Liberty Hall Museum
1003 Morris Ave., Union, 908-527-0400. Mon.-Sat. 10-4, closed Sun. (last tour 2:30). Adults $10; srs., college students with valid ID, Kean alumni and ages 3-17 $6; children under 3 free. Beautifully preserved estate, built in 1772 and lived in until 1995 by seven generations of the Livingston/Kean family. Liberty Hall is an intact, fully furnished home, which reflects two hundred years of New Jersey and United States history. Guided tours, formal garden, apple orchard, carriage house, ice house, firehouse and wagon shed. Picnic area and gift shop; meeting and wedding facilities; firefighter and Victorian tea parties. Group educational programs are offered Mon.-Fri.
Wed
Afternoon Tea, select Wed. from 2-4pm. $35 per person includes house tour. Reservations required. Dec 21, 28, Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13
Ongoing
Stitches in Time: Three Centuries of Hemlines,
Necklines & Everything in Between, fashion exhibition of clothing & accessories.
Thru Dec
See Liberty Hall decorated to celebrate five different styles of Christmas.
Liberty State Park
Morris Pesin Dr. (Exit 14C NJ Tnpk.), Jersey City, 201-
915-3440. Daily 6am-10pm. Exhibits at CRRNJ Terminal open Memorial Day-Labor Day 8-6, limited exhibits year 'round. Free. Statue of Liberty Ferry fees: Ages 13+ $13, srs. $10, ages 4-12 $5.
As the launching point to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Liberty State Park offers dramatic waterfront views, a visitors center, interpretive center, and exhibits at the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal where about two-thirds of all immigrants boarded trains to their new homes from 1892-1954. Ferry service runs year round from Liberty State Park to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. For ferry information: 877-523-9849, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island info: 212-363-3200, www.nps.gov/stli, www.nps.gov/elis.
The park also features a giant playground; bike/walking paths; Liberty Walk, a 11⁄2 mile promenade along the Hudson River; dining at the marina and visitors center. Water taxis and scenic cruises leave from Liberty Landing Marina. For programs at CRRNJ, call 201-915-3412; for programs at interpretive center and outreach programs, call 201-915-3409. See listing under Outdoor Education Centers for interpretive center programs.
Ongoing
Statue of Liberty. With the purchase of a ferry ticket from www.statuecruises.com, visitors can reserve a Pedestal/Museum ticket, which provides access to the statue's pedestal observation levels and museum galleries, or Crown ticket, which provides access to both the Crown and Pedestal/Museum. Both tickets require a secondary screening. Reserved tickets are strongly recommended on weekends, holidays and May-Sept. A limited number of monument access tickets may be available daily at the ferry ticket booths. The only way to reach the crown is to climb 354 narrow steps. Children must be 4 ft. tall.
Junior Ranger Program booklet available at Liberty or Ellis Island Information Centers, recommended for ages 7-12.
Self-Guided Audio Tours for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum are offered in 9 languages. Children and family audio tours provide an interactive experience through the use of animal characters.
Park in a Pack educational kit available "on loan" free of charge to educators for 2 week periods. Includes teaching guide, activities and 4 videos about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island for grades 4-8, 212-363-3200.
American Family Immigration History Center at Ellis Island Museum and on the internet at www.ellisislandrecords.org provides advanced computer technology for geneology research. Visitors can access records of more than 22 million immigrants through 41 computer terminals
Selected Free Interpretive Programs
Jun-Aug
CRRNJ Terminal Walking Tours, 10-2 daily. 201-915-3412.
Longstreet Farm
Holmdel Park, Roberts & Longstreet Rds., Holmdel, 732-946-3758. Daily 10-3:45. Memorial Day-Labor Day: 9am-5pm. Farmhouse open weekends & holidays Mar.-Dec. noon-3:30 or by reservation. Life on a general farm in the 1890's is recreated by costumed interpreters working in fields and buildings throughout the 9-acre site. Discovery Room at Holmes-Hendrickson House.
Park features picnic areas, snack bar, playgrounds, walking trails and arboretum.
Seasonal Highlights
Summer Cultivating, some harvesting.
Fall Harvesting, plowing, threshing, cider pressing.
Winter Craft and cooking demonstrations.
Spring Plowing, blacksmithing, sheep shearing, newborn farm animals, cooking.
Macculloch Hall
45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, 973-538-2404. Open Wed., Thurs. & Sun. 1-4pm, last tickets sold at 3pm. Group tours by appointment. Garden open daily dawn to dusk. Check www.maccullochhall.org for current admission rates. Federal-style mansion built in 1810 is furnished with fine 18th and 19th century decorative arts, a display of Thomas Nast memorabilia (the original artist to depict Santa Claus as we know him), and features changing exhibit galleries with related programs for adults and children. School tours, adult/senior tours and rentals may be scheduled by appointment.
Selected Exhibitions
Dec 3-Jan
Here Comes Santa Claus!, a collection of Christmas objects complemented by 15 images by political cartoonist Thomas Nast.
Thru Jul 1
Gone for a Soldier: Jerseymen in the Civil War, commemorates the participation and heroism of Jerseymen in a major turning point in U.S. history. Consult website for lectures, book signings and family-friendly events.
Selected Special Events
Dec 7-Jan 31
Macculloch Hall Christmas, open for tours of the home and exhibits, to view holiday decorations or shop in the museum store. Closed Dec. 23-Jan. 3.
May 13
Mother's Day Sunday, free admission for moms. Garden tour at 2:30.
Jun 27
Father's Day Sunday, free admission for dads. Civil War related activities for the family.
Homeschool Workshops
Workshop are held 1-3pm. $6 per student.
Feb 28
Remembering Abraham Lincoln.
Mar 27
Civil War Begins: Rural South and Industrial North.
Apr 24
Civil War Soldiers and Camp Life.
May 22
1860's Life in the Northern Home.
Jun 26
Civil War Forts & Sieges.
Lecture Series
In conjunction with the exhibit "Gone for a Soldier," a monthly lecture will be held on Wednesdays at 7pm at the Cincinnati Masonic Lodge No. 3, 39 Maple Ave. Adults $8, srs. & students over 12 $6.
Feb 22
Freedom to All: New Jersey Black troops in the Civil War, Joe Bilby.
Mar 21
Nurses, Spies and Warriors: Women in the Civil War, Dr. David Martin.
Apr 25
New Jersey Basebal during the Civil War Era, 1855-1870, John Zinn.
May 23
New Jersey's Civil War Experience: Letters & Journals of Members of the 13th & 14th Volunteers, Bernard Olsen.
Jun 27
When Will this Cruel War be Over? The Failure of Peace Negotiations during the Civil War, Dr. James McPherson.
Millbrook Village
Delaware Water Gap, Old Mine Rd., 12 mi. N I-80, 908-841-9531. Grounds open dawn to dusk daily. Selected buildings open weekends summer-early fall and for special events. Re-creation of a late 19th century rural community with schoolhouse, general store, woodworking shop, blacksmith shop, carriage shop, weaver's house, church, some homes and barns. Run by Millbrook Village Society with the National Park Service. Self-guided tours, demonstrations of 19th-century folk-life skills weekends in summer.
Miller-Cory House Museum
614 Mountain Ave., Westfield, 908-232-1776. Open Sundays during school year (except holiday weekends) 2-4pm. Closed summer. Adults $3, students $1, under 4 free. Costumed docents guide visitors through 1740 farmhouse and skilled craftspeople demonstrate crafts and tasks of the 18th century farm family. Open hearth cooking demonstrated most Sundays (except Jan. & Feb.). Museum shop. Weekday tours for groups available. Showcase of 18th Century Skills visits local schools.
Dec 11
Polish Christmas Customs. Adults $4.
Jan 8
The Legend of La Befana, re-enactment of the tale of the Italian "Christmas witch."
Jan 22
The History of Snowmen.
Feb 5
Novelty Valentines.
Feb 12
Abe Lincoln & the Old School House.
Mar 4 |
Maple Sugar Sunday.
Mar 11, 18, 25
Programs TBA.
Apr 1
Easter Program.
Apr 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20, Jun 3, 10
Programs TBA.
Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton St., Princeton, 609-924-8144. Open Wed.-Fri. 11-3, tours every hour 11:15-2:15. Sat. & Sun. 12-4, tours every hour 12:15-3:15. Adults & students (appropriate for ages 8 & up) $6, srs. $5. Former New Jersey Governor's Mansion and 18th century home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the
Exhibitions
Dec-Jan
Festival of Trees, festive trees artfully decorated by local businesses and garden clubs grace each of Morven's elegant galleries.
Selected Events
Wed
Tour & Tea, served at 1pm. $16, reservations required (not available in Dec.).
Declaration of Independence, Morven now showcases fine, folk and decorative arts of New Jersey. Museum tours year round, garden tours May-Oct. Strollers are not permitted.
Selected Exhibitions
Thru Jan 8
Festival of Trees, festive trees artfully decorated by local businesses and garden clubs grace each of Morven's elegant galleries.
The Stars & Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit, traces the history of our flag from 1777 to the 20th century.
Jan 26-Jun 3
Puzzles of the Brain: A Journey through Amnesia, explores the impact of severe brain damage on the life and creativity of an artist. On loan from The Walters Museum of Art in Baltimore.
Selected Events
Wed
Tour & Tea, served at 1pm. $16, reservations required (not available in Dec.).
New Jersey State House
West State St., Trenton, 609-633-2709. Tours on the hour 10-3 Mon.-Fri. and 1st and 3rd Sat. of month. Free. Reservations required for groups of 10 or more. Tours of the nation's second oldest state capitol in continuous use include the restored Senate and Assembly chambers, caucus rooms and the Governor's Reception Room. The Welcome Center, open Mon.-Fri 9-4:30, houses interactive exhibits about New Jersey history.
Ongoing
Scout Programs, tours and Make-A-Law program and patch for all ages offered year round.
Mar 3
Girl Scout Civic Leadership Conference, develop leadership skills and learn how to make a difference in the community.
Old Barracks Museum
Barrack St., Trenton, 609-396-1776, 609-777-3599. Daily 10-5. Adults $8, srs. & children 6 & over $6, 5 & under free. A registered State and National Historic Landmark built in 1758, this is the last surviving barracks built for British regulars during the French & Indian War. The barracks was also actively used in the American Revolution as a barracks and army hospital. Interpreters recount life during the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the process of historic preservation through hands-on activities in the History Lab. Group programs; youth camp-ins; private tours; summer camp. For outreach programs, call Education Dept. at 609-777-4042 or 888-227-7225.
Dec 26-31
Patriots Week in Trenton, annual battle reenactment and other historical activities. Consult www.patriotsweek.com for schedule
Red Mill Museum Village
56 Main St. (exit 15 Rt. 78), Clinton, 908-735-4101. Nov.-Mar.: Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. noon-4 in Nov. and Dec. Winter admission: $5, under 12 free. April-Oct.: Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. noon-5. Adults $8, srs. $6, children 6-12 $5. 10-acre historic site features 12 structures, including the landmark Red Mill, and a permanent collection of 40,000 regional objects. Craft workshops; lectures; group programs, outreach programs; special events.
Samuel Fleming House
5 Bonnell St., Flemington, 908-782-4607. Open 2nd Sun. 1-4pm. Tours by appointment for scout and school groups. Visitors to the c. 1756 building can play with Colonial toys and games and discover castle artifacts in a scavenger hunt. Children's workshops and special events are held throughout the year.
Sterling Hill Mining Company
30 Plant St., Ogdensburg, Sussex County, 973-209-7212. April 1-Nov. 30: Daily 10-3. Jan. & Feb.: open weekends. March: open daily, weather permitting. Tours at 1pm; at other times for 10 or more visitors. Adults $10, seniors $9, children under 12 $8. Group discounts with advance notice. Recommended for ages 6 & up. A 2-hour guided tour takes you into underground tunnels to learn first-hand about zinc mining in New Jersey and see the spectacular display of fluorescent minerals. Exhibit hall features mining artifacts, equipment and rare minerals. Light jacket recommended, proper footwear required.
Ongoing
Rocks & Minerals for Kids: The Mine Dump Run, open 10-3 for collecting during museum hours. For adults and children ages 7 and up. $5 plus $1.50 per pound.
Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
Rt. 10 West and Manor Lane (3 mi. west of Rt. 287), Parsippany, 973-540-1165. Open weekends 11-4 (tours hourly 11:15-3:15). From April-Nov. also open Wed.-Fri. 12-3 (tours at 12:15 & 1:45). Adults $8, students/srs. $5, ages 3-12 $4. Explore the simple life philosophy advocated by furniture manufacturer, architect, and publisher, Gustav Stickley, at his family home. Guided tours; group tours; architecture and heritage scout programs (call 973-540-0311); museum shop.
Selected Events
Ongoing
Scout Programs, tours for Cub Scouts, Daisies and Brownies and older girl scout workshops.
Dec 10-11
1915 Holiday Open House, the Log House isdecorated in 1915 holiday finery. Music, hot cider, cookies. $9.
Holiday Trunk Show, presents the high quality work of craft artisans. Free admission.
Tuckerton Seaport
120 W. Main St. (GSP exit 58), Tuckerton, 609-296-8868. Open daily 10-5. Adults $8; srs. $6; ages 6-12 $3, 5 & under free; group rates; student rates. Recreated seaport village traces the area's maritime history with docents and artisans bringing the village to life. Buildings include Tucker's Island Lighthouse, a cafe, oyster house, sawmill, boat works, decoy shop, surf museum, yacht club and houseboat.
Selected Special Events
Dec 10-11
9th Annual Christkindlmarkt, 10-4. Holiday crafts and gifts under huge heated tents, children's rides, entertainment, crafters, food.
Dec 27
Affair at Cedar Bridge, 2pm. Reenactment of 1782 battle of the Revolutionary War. 200 Halfway Rd., Barnegat. Free.
Washington Crossing State Park
355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville, 609-737-0623. Interpretive Center: 609-737-0609. Johnson Ferry House: 609-737-2515. Interpretive Center & historic buildings open Wed.-Sun. year 'round. George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River and landed at this site on Dec. 25, 1776, leading to pivotal events in the American Revolution. Living history demonstrations are frequently held on weekends at Johnson Ferry House, an early 18th-century farmhouse. Outdoor education programs are offered at Interpretive Center. Hiking trails; fishing; picnic facilities; playground; group campsites; outdoor air theater; cross country skiing & snowshoeing in winter.
Selected Interpretive Programs
Visitors Center or Nature Center. Most programs are free, advance registration required.
Dec 17
The Christmas Night Crossing, lecture. 2pm.
Dec 23
Lantern Walking Tours. Nelson House, 6:30 & 7pm. Advance registration required.
Dec 25
The Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment, annual reenactment of George Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River. Meet at Washington Grove, 1pm.
Jan 14
Winter Hearth Cooking Class, 10-4, pre-register.
Feb 4
Chocolate Workshop, 11-4, pre-register.
Feb 11
The Paleo & Archaic Indians of New Jersey, Nature Center. 1-2:30.
Feb 19
George Washington's Birthday, Ferry House. 1-4pm.
Feb 26
Maple Sugaring, Nature Center. 1:30-3.
Mar 10
Maple Sugaring, Nature Center. 1-2:30.
Mar 18
Winter Birds of the Park, Nature Center. 1:30-4.
May-Sep
Open Air Theatre, plays, musicals and concerts
Sep for adults and children are presented by Downtown Performing Arts Center of Lambertville. Movies Under the Stars are shown on Monday nights. Group discounts and discount ticket packages. www.DPACatOAT.org
Winakung at Waterloo
Waterloo Village, 525 Waterloo Rd., Byram Twp., Stanhope, winakungatwaterloo@gmail.com. Recreated Lenape Village in the historic canal town of Waterloo Village is open for school group programs and Saturday tours for scouts, families and history enthusiasts. Outreach, birthday parties and special event programs are also available. Reservations are required for all tours and may be made online.



