"WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE!"
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THE HUNTERDON 300TH WOULD PREDICT THE WEATHER IN THE MONTH OF MARCH IN OUR COUNTY?!?
THE HUNTERDON 300TH HOPES THAT APRIL SHOWERS WILL BRING MAY FLOWERS!
WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT AN EXTENSIVE EXPLORATION OF THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF HUNTERDON COUNTY WITHIN THE THEME OF WATER! WE ARE NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING TALKS:
TUESDAY, APRIL 3RD: "SETTLEMENT AND RIVER TRADE ALONG THE DELAWARE RIVER IN THE PRE-CANAL PERIOD": During the 18th century and well into the 19th century, Durham boats -the boat best known for its use by General George Washington’s troops to cross the river before the Battle of Trenton in 1776- piled the middle and upper Delaware to transport the region’s products to urban markets in exchange for goods not available locally. Join historic preservation expert Dennis Bertland in a talk that is based on a research project that he conducted for the Knowlton Township Historical Commission for the Ramseysburg Homestead, a historic site in Warren County associated with early settlement and trade along the Delaware. Hunterdon County Library Main Branch. 7 pm. Free. Refreshments follow. Reservations recommended.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/settlement-and-river-trade-along-the-delaware-river-in-the-pre-canal-period-tickets-42519699566
or call (908) 788-2030.
TUESDAY, APRIL 17: "SIX 19TH CENTURY BRIDGES TO PENNSYLVANIA": Joe Donnelly from the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will present this informative and interesting talk about the bridges that join Hunterdon to Pennsylvania, some free, some toll, all of which were at one time in private hands. 7 pm. Main Branch of the Hunterdon County Library. Free. Reservations recommended. Refreshments follow.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/six-19th-century-bridges-to-pennsylvania-tickets-42519992442
or call (908) 788-2030.
SATURDAY, MAY 12TH (Rain Date, SATURDAY, May 19TH): SPLASH BOAT RIVER TOUR WITH HAL TAYLOR ON THE ILLUSTRATED DELAWARE:
CELEBRATE SPRING ON THE DELAWARE!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH: "HISTORY OF THE RED MILL"
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH: "THE HISTORY OF THE READINGTON MILLS"
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH: "THE HISTORY OF THE D&R CANAL"
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH: AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES: "THE TOWN THAT DISAPPEARED OVERNIGHT"
WWW.HUNTERDON300TH.ORG
HISTORY AND HERITAGE EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS AROUND OR ABOUT HUNTERDON COUNTY
SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH: A STITCH IN TIME: 17TH AND 18TH CENTURY TEXTILES AND QUILTS: Readington Township, NJ- On Sunday, April 8th from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Dana Bala will present 17th and 18th century textiles and quilts. She will discuss legislation which affected the cost and production of cloth, fabric and how it related to domestic life, and quilting as it evolved with the history of textiles. This Open House Sunday program will be held at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, located at 114 Dreahook Road in the Stanton section of the township. For GPS use Lebanon, NJ 08833.
or call (908) 788-2030.
SUNDAY, APRIL 29TH: "LIFE ALONG THE SOUTH BRANCH BETWEEN CLINTON AND FLEMINGTON": Once upon a time, before aquired by our County for parkland, lands along the South Branch were used for various purposes including several summer camps, scout camps, and health camps. Former Parks Department staff member Doug Kiovsky has researched and published a book about Hunterdon's parks. Join him for a history of several areas all along water courses of Hunterdon. Stories will include the history of a few of the famous iron bridges, a businessman's attempt to dam the river for its hydroelectric powers, and the forgotten settlement of Rowland's Mills. The history of the Arboretum will be included since it was originally George Bloomer's Nursery and a tributary from the property flows into Prescott Brook which then quickly flows into the South Branch. Following the talk, you may want to take a stroll into the Arboretum and enjoy the view. 2 pm. Hunterdon County Arboretum, Route 31. Free. Reservations recommended. Refreshments follow.
or call (908) 788-2030.
TUESDAY, MAY 1: "THE HISTORY OF SHAD FISHING IN HUNTERDON COUNTY": Join Steve Meserve, the owner of Lewis Fishery in Lambertville, for this fascinating talk on the history of shad fishing. Steve Meserve is the grandson of Fred Lewis, who passed away in April 2004. Fred's father and Steve's great-grandfather, William, established the Lewis Fishery in 1888 which operates from Lewis Island in Lambertville, N.J. which bears the family's name. The Lewis Fishery is the only remaining N.J. commercial shad fishery on the non-tidal river. Steve is the keeper and repository of generations of shad fishing lore and hopes to entice our audience to try their hand at shad fishing this season! Hunterdon County Library Main Branch. 7 pm. Free. Refreshments follow. Reservations recommended. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-history-of-shad-fishing-in-hunterdon-county-tickets-44579511519
SATURDAY, MAY 12TH (Rain Date, SATURDAY, May 19TH): SPLASH BOAT RIVER TOUR WITH HAL TAYLOR ON THE ILLUSTRATED DELAWARE:
CELEBRATE SPRING ON THE DELAWARE!
A GREAT GIFT FOR MOM A DAY EARLY!
Come join us for a fun ride on the Delaware River with a special, private talk by Hal Taylor, author of the Illustrated Delaware River: The History of a Great American River. Our 90 minute cruise leaves its dock in Lambertville at 1 pm and returns approximately 2:30 pm. The trip is a great oppportunity to see wildlife including bald eagles, cormorants, blue herons and more. The ship's engineer is happy to share "America's first great invention" -- the steam boat with you as we go along viewing the history of our region including Washington's Crossing, the homes and subjects of the New Hope Impressionists, the Bucks County Playhouse, a real shad fishery, the canals and much more.
Author and graphics artist Hal Taylor will describe the rich and diverse heritage of the historic Delaware River Valley which was discovered by Henry Hudson over 400 years ago. His talk is "Taylor-made" for the Hunterdon 300th!
The trip includes snacks.
Limited to 25 guests. Please note there is a rain date of May 19th.
$25 per person includes tour, private talk and snacks. Payment due at time of reservation. Checks payable to the Hunterdon 300th and mailed to 3 Chorister Place, Flemington, NJ 08822.
To make a reservation please use the Eventbrite link or call us at (908) 788-2030.
Location & Directions: The steamboat dock is located on an access road behind the Inn at Lambertville Station. When using GPS or Google Maps, you will need to use the Lambertville Station address: 11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530 and then follow the directions on the Eventbrite invitation.
TUESDAY, MAY 15: "DEVASTATION ON THE DELAWARE: THE FLOOD OF 1955" The summer of 1955 brought a horrific drought to the Northeast which was followed by record-breaking rainfall from back-to-back hurricanes from August 18th thru the 22nd. From the Delaware River’s headwaters in the Catskills and through the Poconos, excessive runoff swelled tributories, some rising thirty feet in fifteen minutes. Eventually, they all poured into the Delaware, transforming the usually placid waters into a raging, uncontrollable monster which left more than a hundred people were dead and hundreds more homeless in the Delaware River watershed. Victims’ bodies were still being recovered thirty years later—at least one was never found. Despite several more destructive floods in the first decade of this century, the deadly flood of 1955 remains the record-holder in terms of life lost, property destroyed and long term effects on the Delaware River. Join Mary A. Shafer, author of Devastation on the Delaware, for the story of the raging Flood of '55 and the devastation it brought to our county. Main Branch of the County Library. 7 pm. Free. Reservations recommended. Refreshments follow. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/devastation-on-the-delaware-the-flood-of-1955-tickets-44602517330 or call (908) 788-2030 for reservations.
FUTURE EVENTS: PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
SUNDAY, JUNE 3RD: "LAKE SOLITUDE AND THE FORGE"
TUESDAY, JUNE 19TH: "SPRING ACTIVITIES OF THE LENAPE INDIANS IN HUNTERDON"
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH: "AND WATERSHEDS BEGAT WATERWORKS"
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH: "AND WATERSHEDS BEGAT WATERWORKS"
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH: "THE HISTORY OF THE READINGTON MILLS"
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH: "THE HISTORY OF THE RED MILL" AND SPECIAL TOUR OF THE WHEEL HOUSE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH: "THE HISTORY OF THE D&R CANAL"
SUNDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 14TH: SPECIAL CANOE TRIP ON THE D&R CANAL
SUNDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 14TH: TOUR AND TALK AT THE PRALLSVILLE MILL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD: "THE HISTORY OF ROUND VALLEY RESERVOIR"
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH: BUS TOUR OF THE D&R CANAL FROM BULLS ISLAND TO TRENTON
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH: SPECIAL VETERANS DAY TALK: "HUNTERDON COUNTY 100 YEARS AGO DURING THE GREAT WAR"
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH: AN AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES: "THE TOWN THAT DISAPPEARED OVERNIGHT"
PLEASE WATCH FOR FUTURE E-NEWSLETTERS AND OUR CALENDAR AT
WWW.HUNTERDON300TH.ORG
HISTORY AND HERITAGE EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS AROUND OR ABOUT HUNTERDON COUNTY
SUNDAY, APRIL 8TH: A STITCH IN TIME: 17TH AND 18TH CENTURY TEXTILES AND QUILTS: Readington Township, NJ- On Sunday, April 8th from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Dana Bala will present 17th and 18th century textiles and quilts. She will discuss legislation which affected the cost and production of cloth, fabric and how it related to domestic life, and quilting as it evolved with the history of textiles. This Open House Sunday program will be held at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, located at 114 Dreahook Road in the Stanton section of the township. For GPS use Lebanon, NJ 08833.
This is a free family friendly event, although donations will be gratefully accepted. In case of inclement weather please call the Museums to find out the status of the program. For more information please visit www.readingtontwp.org/ReadingtonMuseums.html or call 908-236-2327.
FRIDAY, APRIL 13TH: THE DARK SIDE OF THE SOURLANDS: Encore presentation with Historian/East Amwell Historical Society President Jim Davidson. Jim Davidson captivates audiences with bewitching tales about the dark side of the Sourlands, including stories of bootleggers, bandits, unsolved mysteries and bloody murders!! $10 per person. Hillbilly Hall, 203 Hopewell-Wertsville Road, Hopewell, NJ. 7pm- 8:30pm.
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW!
SATURDAY, APRIL 14TH: "THE ELDER STATESWOMEN OF RARITAN TOWNSHIP": Ann Thomas, Beryl Doyle, Sue Miller, and Joan Wolsiefer will give a presentation about their pespective and impact on changes over the years in Raritan Township. Each of the participants will provide an unique perspective on the growth of Raritan Township. This event follows last year's successful "Elder Statesmen of Raritan Township ", which featured Henry Kuhl, Don Shuman, and Dick Stothoff. Complimentary coffee, tea and pastries. 9 am to noon. Free. Raritan Township Municipal Courtroom, One Municipal Drive, Flemington. For additional information, please contact Pete Kinsella at (908)797-3291. DOWNLOAD FLYER
THURSDAY, APRIL 19TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S MANUSCRIPT COLLECTIONS WORKSHOP: The Hunterdon County Historical Society announces a spring workshop on using the manuscript collections of the Hunterdon County Historical Society on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Hiram E. Deats Memorial Library at 114 Main Street in Flemington. Don Cornelius, HCHS Manuscript Coordinator, will explain the exciting, major manuscript records held by the Society, show examples of each and explain how to search and access these records for personal or professional research projects. The Hunterdon County Historical Society collections include printed volumes, manuscripts, deeds, newspapers, maps, broadsides and photographs covering the history of Hunterdon County from the 18th century to the present day.
The workshop is geared for researchers who use the library regularly, as well as for beginning researchers to better understand the wealth of resources available at the County Historical Society. The workshop is free for members and $5.00 for non-members. Patrons must pre-register as space is limited. Registrants may call @908-782-1091 or e-mail hunterdonhistorypatricia@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 15TH: MILITARY HERITAGE
DAY AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM: Come to the Red Mill in Clinton to commemorate America’s military history and honor our veterans. Various period reenactors will be on hand to interact with visitors, and special artifact displays will be on view, including a partial airframe from a WWII-era Douglas C-47 Skytrain. 12-4 pm. More details coming soon! For more information or questions on programs, call (908)735-4101 x 100 or email programs@theredmill.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH: RED MILL MUSEUM'S POPULAR GHOST & FOLKLORE TOURS ARE BACK! Tours available at 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets and more details coming soon! For more information or questions on programs, call (908)735-4101 x 100 or email programs@theredmill.org
SUNDAY, MAY 6TH: READINGTON MUSEUMS 18TH CENTURY ICE CREAM MAKING DEMONSTRATION: 1 to 4 pm. Bouman-Stickney Farmstead. GPS address: 114 Dreahook Road, Lebanon NJ 08833. For more information please visit www.readingtontwp.org/ReadingtonMuseums.html or call (908) 236-2327.
TUESDAY, MAY 29TH: READINGTON MUSEUMS 18TH CENTURY TEA: 7 to 8:30 pm. Bouman-Stickney Farmstead. GPS address: 114 Dreahook Road, Lebanon NJ 08833. For more information please visit www.readingtontwp.org/ReadingtonMuseums.html or call 908-236-2327.
FRIDAY, APRIL 13TH: THE DARK SIDE OF THE SOURLANDS: Encore presentation with Historian/East Amwell Historical Society President Jim Davidson. Jim Davidson captivates audiences with bewitching tales about the dark side of the Sourlands, including stories of bootleggers, bandits, unsolved mysteries and bloody murders!! $10 per person. Hillbilly Hall, 203 Hopewell-Wertsville Road, Hopewell, NJ. 7pm- 8:30pm.
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW!
SATURDAY, APRIL 14TH: "THE ELDER STATESWOMEN OF RARITAN TOWNSHIP": Ann Thomas, Beryl Doyle, Sue Miller, and Joan Wolsiefer will give a presentation about their pespective and impact on changes over the years in Raritan Township. Each of the participants will provide an unique perspective on the growth of Raritan Township. This event follows last year's successful "Elder Statesmen of Raritan Township ", which featured Henry Kuhl, Don Shuman, and Dick Stothoff. Complimentary coffee, tea and pastries. 9 am to noon. Free. Raritan Township Municipal Courtroom, One Municipal Drive, Flemington. For additional information, please contact Pete Kinsella at (908)797-3291. DOWNLOAD FLYER
THURSDAY, APRIL 19TH: HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S MANUSCRIPT COLLECTIONS WORKSHOP: The Hunterdon County Historical Society announces a spring workshop on using the manuscript collections of the Hunterdon County Historical Society on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Hiram E. Deats Memorial Library at 114 Main Street in Flemington. Don Cornelius, HCHS Manuscript Coordinator, will explain the exciting, major manuscript records held by the Society, show examples of each and explain how to search and access these records for personal or professional research projects. The Hunterdon County Historical Society collections include printed volumes, manuscripts, deeds, newspapers, maps, broadsides and photographs covering the history of Hunterdon County from the 18th century to the present day.
The workshop is geared for researchers who use the library regularly, as well as for beginning researchers to better understand the wealth of resources available at the County Historical Society. The workshop is free for members and $5.00 for non-members. Patrons must pre-register as space is limited. Registrants may call @908-782-1091 or e-mail hunterdonhistorypatricia@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 15TH: MILITARY HERITAGE
DAY AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM: Come to the Red Mill in Clinton to commemorate America’s military history and honor our veterans. Various period reenactors will be on hand to interact with visitors, and special artifact displays will be on view, including a partial airframe from a WWII-era Douglas C-47 Skytrain. 12-4 pm. More details coming soon! For more information or questions on programs, call (908)735-4101 x 100 or email programs@theredmill.org
FRIDAY, APRIL 27TH: "ON THIS DAY.... THE FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS OF HUNTERDON COUNTY IN THE WAR OF 1812": On April 27, 1813, an army of 1700 soldiers disembarked the naval fleet on Lake Ontario and attacked York, the provincial capital of Upper Canada. It is likely that at least a couple of dozen of those soldiers were from Hunterdon County. John Lambert Hoppock, a native of Amwell, was there. This young captain, like many officers of his generation, was eager to defend the honor of our young country against British aggression on our sailors and commerce. What motivated this fighting spirit? For some, it was chance to prove their worthiness of the inheritance left to them by the generation that won independence. In fact the War of 1812 has been referred to by some as the "Second War of Independence." What happened to the Amwell men who served during the War of 1912? and what the heck was that conflict all about? Find out when Brian Murphy gives his presentation "One Good Drubbing" at the East Amwell Municipal Building. Murphy will share his unique collection of artifacts and letters that tell the story of Captain Hoppock, Lieutenant Runk and the other Amwell men who participated in a war which fostered great changes in our fledgling nation. 7 pm. East Amwell Municipal Building. For further information go to www.eastamwellhistory.org
SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH: RED MILL MUSEUM'S POPULAR GHOST & FOLKLORE TOURS ARE BACK! Tours available at 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets and more details coming soon! For more information or questions on programs, call (908)735-4101 x 100 or email programs@theredmill.org
SUNDAY, MAY 6TH: READINGTON MUSEUMS 18TH CENTURY ICE CREAM MAKING DEMONSTRATION: 1 to 4 pm. Bouman-Stickney Farmstead. GPS address: 114 Dreahook Road, Lebanon NJ 08833. For more information please visit www.readingtontwp.org/ReadingtonMuseums.html or call (908) 236-2327.
SATURDAY, MAY 19TH: READINGTON MUSEUMS BARN DANCE: 7 to 9:30 pm. Bouman-Stickney Farmstead.
GPS address: 114 Dreahook Road, Lebanon NJ 08833.
For more information please visit www.readingtontwp.org/ReadingtonMuseums.html or call (908) 236-2327.TUESDAY, MAY 29TH: READINGTON MUSEUMS 18TH CENTURY TEA: 7 to 8:30 pm. Bouman-Stickney Farmstead. GPS address: 114 Dreahook Road, Lebanon NJ 08833. For more information please visit www.readingtontwp.org/ReadingtonMuseums.html or call 908-236-2327.
