OUR CALENDAR FOR APRIL AND MAY FEELS LIKE THIS SPRING: ONE DAY HOT, ONE DAY COLD.... A LITTLE FROST, AND AN 80 DEGREE DAY THROWN IN.... IN OTHER WORDS, WE'RE ALL OVER THE PLACE WITH CHANGES AND ADDITIONS.... RESERVING FOR APRIL AND MAY:
POSTPONED: APRIL 19TH: DAILY LIFE IN 1776. WHAT WAS 18TH CENTURY CHARMIN? AND MORE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS YOU NEVER ASKED! We hope to have an announcement about a new date in the near future.
CALENDAR ADDITION: SATURDAY, APRIL 23RD: WASHINGTON'S SECOND IN COMMAND, MAJOR CHARLES LEE: PATRIOT, SCAPEGOAT OR TRAITOR. Author and Historian Dominick Mazzagetti presents an engaging account of the life of Charles Lee, the forgotten man of the American Revolution. History has not been kind to Lee – for good reason. In this compelling biography, Mazzagetti compares Lee's life and attributes to those of George Washington and offers significant observations omitted from previous Lee biographies, including extensive correspondence with British officers in 1777 that reflects Lee's abandonment of the Patriots' cause. Lee, a British officer, a veteran of the French and Indian War, and a critic of King George III, arrived in New York City in 1773 with an ego that knew no bounds and tolerated no rivals. A highly visible and newsworthy personality, he quickly took up the American cause and encouraged rebellion. $5 donation requested for the continuing restoration of the Vought House. 11:00am; Clinton Township Middle School Library.
APRIL 26TH: HUNTERDON'S REVOLUTIONARY WAR HISTORY THRU ART: THE TERCENTENNIAL MURAL PANEL 1: Join Hunterdon County Historian Stephanie Stevens for an in-depth look at some of Hunterdon's most important icons and persons from the American Revolution as we look at Panel 1 of the mural tryptich painted by local artist Paul Jennis and commissioned by the Hunterdon Tricentennial Committee and Hunterdon Culture & Heritage Commission in celebration of Hunterdon's 300th anniversary in 2014. Images that Ms. Stevens will discuss include Daniel Bray, John Hart, Daniel Morgan, the Trenton Barracks and the Battle of Trenton, the Flintlock musket and pistol, and much more.
7 pm; Main Branch of the County Library. Meet in the meeting room; we will view the mural at the Circulation Desk. Refreshments follow.
Free. Reservations required.
APRIL 30TH: CHILDREN'S CHAT AND PLAY: A CHILD'S LIFE IN THE DAYS OF GEORGE WASHING AND GAMES OF THE 18TH CENTURY: Karen Larsen, the Executive Director of the Samuel Fleming Museum, will travel back with your children to the 1700s where they will learn about what children did in the Colonies WHEN they had time to play. Attendees will have the opportunity to play with the kinds of toys and games that were commonly used
300 years ago. Main Branch of the County Library; 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Limited to 20 children ages 6 to 11.
Healthy snacks available.
Free. Registration required for children only. Parents are welcomed to attend and do not have to register.
NOW AVAILABLE: MAY 17TH: THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN PITTSTOWN: What really happened in this small hamlet known as Pittstown during the American Revolution? County Historian Stephanie Stevens knows. Drawn from recently uncovered documents, Ms. Stevens will share its importance that for hundreds of years was forgotten. Main Branch of the County Library. 7 pm. Refreshments follow. Free. Reservations required.
APRIL AND MAY HERITAGE PARTNER EVENTS:
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, APRIL 16TH AND 17TH: Clawson House Update and Open House Planned: Work at the Clawson House is on hold for the winter. The Township and Historical Society are hoping to raise $150,000 this year to put on a new front porch, finish the rear of the building with an addition and new entrance, and repair the flooring on the first floor. Work is anticipated to start in the summer. In the fall of 2015 we completed Phase II which was rebuilding and securing the basement. CONTACT THE EAST AMWELL HISTORICAL COMMITTEE AT JDAVID4194@AOL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
SUNDAY, APRIL 17TH: Taste of the Past’ with an Open Hearth Cooking Class 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open Hearth Cook, Connie Unangst, who has been involved in the Domestic Arts of the Colonial Era for twenty-five years, will be instructing the class. Participants will learn to cook a basic 18th century meal using the original open hearth at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead. During the class, instruction will be given on basic open hearth technique, including fire safety, translating recipes, proper fire maintenance and cooking skills. After preparing a variety of foods, participants will have a chance to sample all the dishes prepared during the class. There is a $45 donation to take the class. Class is limited to six participants, and advanced registration is required. Contact the Readington Museums at: 908-236-2327 or via email at READINGTONMUSEUMS@GMAIL.COM for more information.
SUNDAY, MAY 1st Spinning Wheel Demonstration at the Eversole-Hall House: Viola Prevete will be demonstrating the process and skills for eighteenth century spinning on Sunday, May 1 from 1:00- 4:00 p.m. at the Readington Museums’ Eversole-Hall House. Prevete has been actively pursuing her passion for the Colonial period crafts of spinning and weaving for over ten years. She takes great pleasure in demonstrating these skills and educating students and adults alike at school programs and historical events in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Contact the Readington Museums at: 908-236-2327 or via email READINGTONMUSEUMS@GMAIL.COMfor additional information.
She is probably best remembered for her letter asking her husband to “remember the ladies” when enacting new laws. She asked him to limit the power of husbands over their wives by asking husbands to become friends of their wives to protect them, rather than empowering husbands to act as masters over their wives, and thereby continuing to abuse them.
Kim Hanley began interpreting Abigail with American Historical Theater in 1997. She has appeared at the White House Visitors Center, National Archives, National Portrait Gallery, and many institutions. Cost is $55 per person by April 14th. Send a check to "Friends of the Red Mill" at: The Red Mill, 56 Main Street, Clinton New Jersey 08809. For information call Marie 908-735-4101 ext. 100 or visit the Friends of the Red Mill Website
SUNDAY, MAY 15TH TEWKSBURY’S HISTORIC SITES & LANDMARKS LECTURE The Tewksbury Historical Society will host a lecture on Tewksbury’s Historic Sites & Landmarks by Tewksbury Historian Shaun C. Van Doren on Sunday, May 15th at 1:00 p.m. at Society Headquarters in the Mountainville Meeting Hall, 60 Water Street, Mountainville. The talk is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The talk will illustrate Tewksbury’s officially designated historic sites and landmarks in the Township’s Master Plan and Development Regulations Ordinance. Ever wondered where Farley’s vault was or who was buried there? Cold Spring Cottage? Cokesbury Hotel? James Melick Homestead? Dr. Oliver Barnet Homestead? Come hear about these sites, Tewksbury’s churches and more. We’ll look at old photos as well as what they look like today. And what does it mean to be an historic site or landmark. Have old photos? Bring them to share.
SATURDAY, MAY 21: TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA EVENT AT THE JOSEPH TURNER HOUSE Please join the Union Forge Heritage Association for a Traditional Afternoon Tea at the historic 1760 Joseph Turner House. Enjoy a perfect cup of tea along with a variety of scones, tea sandwiches, sweet treats and jam. Special Door Prizes and Raffles will be offered with admission. Our meticulously restored museum provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy a “common gathering” with noted orator Lady Ellen and the Oldwick Community Players in period costume. In addition to her presentationentitled “A Day In My Life in the 18th Century,” Lady Ellen will also discuss homestead life along with a show and tell of actual 18th Century home wares and fashion from this bygone era. $30 per person. Seating is limited and payment by check is required before the event.
Contact the UFHA by phone at 908-638-8170 to reserve your seat soon!