Wednesday, March 20, 2019

DATE CORRECTION AND A NEW AND UPCOMING PARTNER EVENT THIS MONDAY!

OKAY -- THIS IS AN USUAL NOTICE --  

It has come to our attention that our last e-newsletter/blog stated that the Dutch Migration Settlement Pattern talk with Stephanie Stevens is going to be on Sunday, March 24th. It is not.  The actual date, as per our website and the Eventbrite reservation system is Sunday, March 31st.  Sorry for that confusion.

But.... while we have your attention, we just received word from the High Bridge Cultural and Heritage Committee that they are hosting a talk with our favorite Fun Facts writer, Historian John Kuhl, this coming Monday, March 25th at 7:30 pm:

MONDAY, MARCH 25TH:  GEORGE WILLIAM TAYLOR: HIGH BRIDGE'S CIVIL WAR GENERAL:  George William Taylor was born in Solitude House in High Bridge and became the only Hunterdon native to gain his General's star during the Civil War.

On Monday, March 25 at 7:30 pm, well-known Hunterdon County Historian John Kuhl will provide a biography and profile of General Taylor.

General Taylor was the son of Archibald Taylor of the local iron works.  George and his brother Lewis H. inherited the iron company in 1860.  George was off in the army, so brother Lewis assumed management of the company.  George had served in the Mexican War and, after civilian jobs in peacetime, rejoined the army in 1861 as the Colonel of the 3rd NJ Infantry.  When Major General Philip Kearny was promoted out of the First New Jersey Brigade, Taylor was advanced to Brigadier General of the four regiments in Kearny's place.  At the time of his death, George owned a farm at today's Clinton Point which extended from there south across today's Interstate 78.

John Kuhl, a lifelong Hunterdon native, graduated in 1956 from Penn State and had a career in the commercial agriculture of Northwester New Jersey with a lifelong interest in local and Civil War history.  He was associate editor of Military Images Magazine and has written a number of articles and several books on historical topics.  He was a member of the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission from 1999 to 2015 and is a life member of the Hunterdon County Historical Society.  He was the Society's secretary for 30 years and its treasurer for the last thirteen.  

Join us for the details of a life that was of variety and achievement.  The talk will be presented at the High Bridge Emergency Squad Building, 95 West Main Street (Route 513), High Bridge, 08829.  The talk is part of the High Bridge Cultural and Heritage Committee Speaker Series.

And we want you to also know we still have room on Thursday evening at the North Branch of the County Library in Clinton if you want to hear a really comprehensive and fascinating talk on the history of the Borough of Hampton.  No reservation needed.

Saturday, March 16, 2019

MARCH IS A MONTH OF FIRSTS! LOCAL TALKS, WALKS, FUN EVENTS AND MORE!

MARCH, APRIL AND MAY EVENTS ARE FILLING UP FAST!  HAVE YOU RESERVED YOUR SPOTS ON OUR WALKING TOURS AND TALKS YET?

MARCH IS A MONTH OF FIRSTS!:  

Our first talk about a local hometown: Tuesday, March 21st - The History of Hampton Borough with local historian Tom Carpenter.  Local hometown talks we are also taking reservations for include the history of colonial Flemington Borough with colonial sweets courtesy of Teaberry's Tea Room (Tuesday, April 16th), the history of High Bridge (April 30th), the history of Quakertown (May 7th), and the history of the hamlets of Bethlehem Township (May 22nd). 

Our first walking tour in a local hamlet: Saturday, March 23rd - Amsterdam in Holland Township with the Holland Historic Society.  Walking tours we are also taking reservations for in a local hamlet include the Town of Clinton  (Saturday, April 6th), the four Delaware Towship hamlets of Raven Rock, Rosemont, Locktown and Sand Brook (Saturday, April 27th),  the hamlet of Mountainville in Tewksbury Township (Sunday, April 28th), Ringoes in East Amwell Township (Saturday, May 4th), and Three Bridges in Readington Township (Saturday, May 18th).  
Our first fun event: Friday, March 29th - Pizza at the Museum - dinner and museum tour of Northlandz, the world's largest model train museum - a true wonder to behold in Raritan Township.  Another fun event we are also taking reservations for is "Stanton Stories" a one hour film about life between 1915 and 1950 in rural Stanton, Readington Township (Tuesday, April 2nd).

Our first talk on settlement patterns in Hunterdon: Sunday, March 31st - The Dutch migration with County Historian Stephanie Stevens.  Settlement patterns talks we are also taking reservations for include those of Jewish migration (Saturday, April 13th) and the Palantine migration (Sunday, May 18th). 

AND, our first new t-shirt since 2016 is now available at all of our tours, walks and events!  see it, buy it, own it, wear it, and ROCK it first!


CELEBRATING 305 YEARS OF HUNTERDON’S HISTORIC HOMETOWNS AND HAMLETS


(PLEASE NOTE:  ALL WALKING TOURS REQUIRE RESERVATIONS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.  THE MEETING LOCATIONS FOR WALKING TOURS WILL ONLY BE PROVIDED TO THOSE WITH RESERVATIONS.  WE WILL BE MAINTAINING WAIT LISTS FOR ALL WALKING TOURS.  IF YOU ARE BLOCKED FROM MAKING A RESERVATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 300INFO@CO.HUNTERDON.NJ.US OR BY CALLING 908 788-2030.)

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS IN FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL AND MAY:


THURSDAY, MARCH 21ST:  "THE HISTORY OF HAMPTON BOROUGH":
Hampton Borough was part of a land grant dating back to the early 18th century that included about 16,000 acres.  But way before it was settled, it was part of the Pre-Lenape Kingdom.  Because Hampton was point where the Central Railroad of New Jersey and the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad crossed, it's original name was "Junction".  This talk by Hampton Historian Tom Carpenter includes a powerpoint of interesting, historic photographs and will explore the early native settlers, settlement patterns and development, the importance of rail to the creation of Hampton, and the history of one of the county's oldest fire departments in our county, dating back to 1899.  
Free.  Refreshments follow.
7 pm North Branch of the County Library, 65 Halstead Street, Clinton, NJ.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-history-of-hampton-borough-tickets-55121353452

SOLD OUT:  SATURDAY, MARCH 23RD:  WALKING TOUR OF AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND TOWNSHIP:  The 19th century inhabitants of the Hamlet of Amsterdam in Holland Township built fascinating houses, barns, and outbuildings that will be explored on a walking tour of the hamlet.  Amsterdam is in the northwest corner of Holland Township in Hunterdon County.  Many of the early settlers migrated from Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania shortly after the turn of the 19th century.  The members of the Rapp family were known for their carpentry and engineering skills; their barn which was built in 1824 and enlarged in 1844 (according to dendrochronology), shows unique construction features; their gravity fed water supply accompanied a Victorian bank house.  Jacob Ulmer was a cobbler whose shop remains over a springhouse in a rare combination outbuilding.  "Sinclair and Snyder" operated a store and John Snyder was a blacksmith. Five bank barns can be seen within the hamlet including one an intricate switchback engineered to access the upper level .  Also illustrated are several house plan types, including an early two-story single room stone dwelling and the John Kooker house with two front doors.
THIS WALK IS "SOLD OUT" - SIGN UP FOR THE WAITING LIST AND YOU'LL BE FIRST IN LINE FOR THOSE RESERVATIONS.  Please email us a 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us or call (908) 788-2030 and leave a message.


FRIDAY, MARCH 29TH:  NORTHLANZ TRAIN MUSEUM PIZZA PARTY AND OPEN HOUSE:   $14 per person, 6-10 pm:  Have YOU been to Northlandz?  Do you know what it is?  Northlandz is a model railroad museum boasting the worlds largest layout by amount of track.  Dozens of model trains run throughout this labyrinth of mountains and landscapes.  It is a true wonder to behold.  Besides trains, the museum also features over 200 dolls from around the world, a 94 room doll house and a 2,000 pipe organ.  But it's really about those trains and landscapes!  Northlandz boasts hundreds of bridges and trains, a forest made of toothpicks, humorous scenes and jokes throughout.  This Raritan Township treasure has hundreds of visitors every week but only 10 % of them are from Hunterdon County!!  It's time you go!  And we are making it very attractive to do so!  First, we have reserved the entire building from 6 to 10 pm; second, we have received a terrific discounted price per person from $20 to $14; finally, if that price wasn't good enough, it includes pizza and soda!  Come straight from work; meet your family there, come as a group.  $14 with dinner and the entire museum for 4 hours can't be beat!  We want to fill this place with Hunterdon County people and change that 10% number!  Pay when you get there; please bring your Eventbrite ticket or use the code "Hunterdon 300th" when you go to pay the cashier to receive the discount.  Reservations Required.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northlanz-train-museum-pizza-party-and-open-house-14-per-person-tickets-55121879024

SUNDAY, MARCH 31ST: HUNTERDON SETTLEMENT PATTERN SERIES LECTURE: "THE DUTCH SETTLEMENT PATTERNS IN HUNTERDON COUNTY":  Our first lecture in our Migration Series: Join County and Readington Township Historian Stephanie Stevens in a talk about the migration of Dutch settlers into Hunterdon County.  This lecture will take us from the Dutch coming to New Amsterdam (New York City), spreading out through New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, and beginning the settlement of Hunterdon County.  Readington Township was the first new township in the new county, finally incorporated in 1798.  Previous Tricentennial lectures have discussed the Proprietors, the Lenape Indians and how the land of Hunterdon was purchased and settled.  This talk will bring more insight and information to those topics.  The Migration Series explores various immigrant groups that settled and influenced early Hunterdon County.   2 pm.  Main Branch of the County Library. Free. Reservations Recommended.  Refreshments follow. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 2ND:  FILM SCREENING:  "STANTON STORIES":  
This 55-minute documentary entails 8 interviews of people that had or have lived in Stanton their entire lives.  The interviews cover a 35-year period of life in Stanton from 1915 to 1950 including stories about schooling in a one-room school house, economics, the area in general, why they stayed, famous people who lived there and more - a kinder and simpler time.  The founding and history of the hamlet is also documented by County Historian Stephanie Stevens.  This film was produced in 2008 and is a gem of preserved history. 
As with any 300th movie screening, there will be appropriate, free movie refreshments! Free.  7 pm.  Main Branch of the County Library, Route 12, Flemington.  Reservations Required.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-stanton-stories-tickets-55121921150


SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH:  WALKING TOUR OF THE TOWN OF CLINTON:  
Come see why Clinton was named one of America’s top 25 small towns by Architectural Digest in 2018.

Founded in 1865 on the banks of the Raritan River, Clinton's historic and charming downtown provides a unique blend of more than 80 friendly small businesses, locally owned shops, restaurants, and services, and the Hunterdon Art Museum – all surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Join Mayor Janice Kovach and members of the Clinton Historic Preservation Commission for this walking tour that includes visits to the Red Mill Historic Museum Village, Hunterdon Art Museum, the Clinton Presbyterian Church and cemetery as well as several of our unique, locally owned shops and restaurants on Main, East Main and Lower Center Streets. This tour will focus on the past, present, and future of downtown Clinton – highlighting the history, architecture, and plans for the future.

Walk begins at 11:00 am and lasts for approximately 90 minutes.
Meeting location will be disclosed to people with reservations only.
Rain date is Sunday, April 7th at 11 am.
If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us a 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us or call (908) 788-2030 and leave a message.
Walk limited to 25 people. Free, but Reservations are required.


SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH: HUNTERDON SETTLEMENT PATTERN SERIES LECTURE:"THE JEWISH SETTLEMENT PATTERNS IN HUNTERDON COUNTY":  Join Hunterdon County Historian Stephanie Stevens for a talk on turn of the 19th Century Hunterdon and how a people caught up in the turmoil of Europe immigrated to America and found peace in Hunterdon County.  The story of egg farms, merchants and faith.  Stephanie will be available to sign her newest book, published by the Hunterdon 300th, following the talk.
Free.  Refreshments follow.  2 pm.  Main Branch of the County Library
314 Route 12, Flemington.  Reservations recommended.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-journey-the-immigration-of-european-jews-in-hunterdon-county-tickets-55122003396

TUESDAY, APRIL 16TH:  "THE COLONIAL HISTORY OF FLEMINGTON BOROUGH":  Join 18th Century patriots, Colonel and Mrs. Thomas Lowery (played by Cynthia and Vann Smith), who will be visiting Flemington. The Lowerys  will entertain attendees with stories of Colonial Flemington with a focus on their early lives here as immigrants from Ireland and their relationship with the Fleming family.  The Colonel will also tell us about his time in Flemington as a merchant.  He also served as Quartermaster to George Washington during the Revolution.  His warehouse in Flemington, containing stores for the Patriots, was the object of a British raiding party from Penny Town.  This raid resulted in the skirmish with the Flemington Militia led by John Schenk at Geary’s Ridge and the death of Cornet Francis Geary who led the British Cavalry.  Esther Fleming Lowery was also active during the Revolution.  She raised large sums of money to purchase food and clothes to supply Washington’s Army.  Following the Revolution, Esther was one of the Ladies of Trenton who funded and planned the reception to welcome George Washington to New Jersey.  Both Esther and Thomas Lowery were dedicated Patriots. 

Following the talk by the Lowerys, Susan Peterson, owner of Teaberry's and a food historian, will do a brief talk on colonial sweets and treats.  Fabulous refreshments after the talk courtesy of Susan and Teaberry's. 7 pm.  Main Branch of the County Library.  Free.  Reservations Required.  Refreshments follow courtesy of Teaberry's.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH:  WALKING TOURS OF FOUR DELAWARE TOWNSHIP HAMLETS:  Join us to learn about the fascinating, historic Delaware Township villages of Locktown, Raven Rock Rosemont and Sand Brook and explore the beautiful nooks and crannies of rural Hunterdon County in the process! 
On these mini-tours you will discover which one is an ancient mill village,  which one has had a book written about it,  which one had a baby chick hatchery, and which one had church divisions that gave it its name.   
There will be time for you to take a lunch break at the famous Sergeantsville Inn or grab a bite at another area eatery.  Each walk is limited to 20 people.  Reservations are required for the morning walks of Raven Rock & Rosemont and/or the afternoon walks of Sand Brook & Locktown.  Reserve for one or both! 
Morning session runs 9:30 am to 11:45 am.  Afternoon session runs 1:30 pm to 3:45 pm.  Rain date is Sunday, April 28th.

Meeting locations will be disclosed to people with reservations only.
If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us a 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us or call (908) 788-2030 and leave a message.
Free but are Reservations Required.
For the morning session at Raven Rock and Rosemont:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-four-delaware-township-hamlets-morning-session-rosemont-raven-rock-tickets-55122169894

For the afternoon session at Sand Brook and Locktown:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-four-delaware-township-hamlets-afternoon-session-sand-brook-locktown-tickets-55122296272

SUNDAY, APRIL 28TH:  WALKING TOUR OF MOUNTAINVILLE, TEWKSBURY TOWNSHIP:  Come hear the history of what was originally known as Bulls Head, where the confluence of 3 streams allowed Mountainville in Tewksbury Township to take advantage of the power of water and where the Potter family became an influential family.  We’ll see the former one-room school, the local general store and post office, the hotel, the former Kitchen Caboodle cooking school and the site of a former tannery.
Walk limited to 30 people. 
Walk begins at 1:00 pm; meeting location will be disclosed to people with
reservations only. There is no rain date for this event. Should it rain, the talk will be moved indoors for a Virtual Tour. If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us at 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us or call (908) 788-2030 and leave a message.

Free but are Reservations Required.

TUESDAY, APRIL 30TH:  "THE HISTORY OF HIGH BRIDGE":  The history of High Bridge is intertwined with the development of the iron and steel industry in the United States  As early as the 1700s, the framework of this little hamlet had already been created by English investors who carved up the rich wilderness of the New World, brimming with iron ore that would be essential to the country's development.  High Bridge Borough evolved around the Taylor Wharton Foundry, established in 1742.  With the passage of time, however, High Bridge has lost its farming and foundry roots, evolving into what is often referred to as a bedroom community.  Join author and historian William Honachefesky, Jr. as he details interesting details, historical facts and anecdotes about one of the oldest factory towns in the nation.
Free.  Refreshments follow.  Reservations recommended.

SATURDAY, MAY 4TH:  WALKING TOUR OF RINGOES: 10 AM AND 2 PM; RAIN DATE: MAY 5, 10 AM/2 PM:  Take a walking tour of downtown Ringoes and discover its rich history.  Our tour guide is Dave Harding, former Hunterdon County Historical Society trustee, founding member of the East Amwell Historical Society, and author of a self-guided walking tour of Ringoes.  Dave will tell us about John Ringo’s arrival in the early 1700s where he became a reluctant tavern owner, and discuss the legend of his buried treasure. We'll learn about the Sons of Liberty meeting at the tavern of “the second” John Ringo, an ardent patriot who hung a portrait of George Washington outside his establishment (unless the British were passing through!). We’ll swing past the Henry Landis House where the Marquis de LaFayette’s convalesced after falling ill, and we’ll talk about the local doctor who rushed to his aid. Speaking of doctors, we’ll also tell you all about Dr. Mary Tidd Bennett, the town’s rare 1800s female physician, and we’ll stand beside the home and publishing house of Dr. Cornelius Larison, and discuss this physician, teacher, publisher, author, interviewer of ex-slave Sylvia DuBois and advocate of phonetic spelling. We’ll also learn about the impact of the railroad on the community and what the village looked like a century ago. Join us to learn about the fascinating, historic 
Two identical 90 minute tours are available: 10 am and 2 pm.
Free but reservations are required.  Rain date is Sunday, May 5th.  
Each walk limited to 20 people. 
If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us at 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us or call (908) 788-2030 and leave a message.
FOR THE MORNING SESSION AT 10 AM:
FOR THE AFTERNOON SESSION AT 2 PM: 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-ringoes-afternoon-tickets-56954569651

TUESDAY, MAY 7TH:  THE HISTORY OF QUAKERTOWN:  Quakertown, New Jersey was named for the members of the Religious Society of Friends who settled here in the early 1700s. This Powerpoint presentation, given by author and historian Marty Campanelli, will give an overview of the village's early days; a history of the Friends Meeting; Quakertown's role (or non-role) during the Revolutionary War; the influx of persons of other faiths; the trades, education and social life of its citizens; and fascinating details about noteworthy residents.
7 pm.  Main Branch of the County Library.  Free. Refreshments follow. 
Reservations recommended.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-history-of-quakertown-tickets-56954622810

SATURDAY, MAY 18TH:  WALKING TOUR OF THREE BRIDGES:  Join County Historian and Three Bridges native John Kuhl for a walking tour of historic Three Bridges.  John knows every nook and cranny of this special hamlet.  Wear comfortable shoes!   
Walk limited to 40 people. 
The walk is free but reservations are required.
Walk begins at 10 am; meeting location will be disclosed to people with reservations only.
Rain date is Sunday, May 19th at 10 am.
If you are closed out of this event and wish to be on our Waiting List, please email us a 300info@co.hunterdon.nj.us or call (908) 788-2030 and leave a message.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-three-bridges-tickets-56954786299

SUNDAY, MAY 19TH:  THE PALATINE SETTLEMENT PATTERNS IN HUNTERDON COUNTY:   Our second lecture in our Migration Series:  Join County Historian Stephanie Stevens as she details the German Migration into Hunterdon County.  The "Poor Palatines" were some 13,000 Germans who came to England between May and November 1709.  The English transported nearly 3,000 in ten ships to New York in the early 18th Century.  How did they ever find Hunterdon County?!?  Where was New Germantown?  and what happened to it?
The Migration Series explores various immigrant groups that settled and influenced early Hunterdon County.
2 pm.  Main Branch of the County Library.  Free. Refreshments follow. 
Reservations recommended.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hunterdon-settlement-pattern-series-lecture-the-history-of-the-palatine-migration-tickets-56955010971

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22ND:  THE HISTORY OF BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP'S HAMLETS:  West Portal/West End is probably one of the western most hamlets in Hunterdon County.  Today it is a sleepy little village. However, it has quite a history as a railroad center and mining center.  It also contained one of the first swim clubs in the County. 
Another small hamlet in Bethlehem Township was also home to one of the leading
radical protesters of the Vietnam era. Can you name the hamlet and the person?
Join local historian and author Charles "Chip" Riddle as he leads us on a fascinating exploration of  the hamlets of Bethlehem Township.  7 pm.  North Branch of the County Library.  Free.  Refreshments follow.  Reservations recommended.

COMING LATE SPRING, SUMMER, FALL AND WINTER:  DOZENS OF ADDITIONAL CELEBRATIONS OF OUR HOMETOWNS AND HAMLETS OVER THE LAST 305 YEARS!: (* are newly added events)

Saturday, June 1:  Walking Tour of Lebanon Borough, 10 am/2 pm; Rain Date:  June 2, 10 am/2 pm
Saturday, June 8:  Walking Tour of Stockton or Sergeantsville, 10:30 am; Rain Date:  June 9, 10:30 am
Sunday, June 9:  Theatre Event at Music Mountain Theatre:  “The Full Monty” plus the history of St. John Terrill’s Music Circus, (2:15 pm to see exhibits; 3 pm for show; following show, talk on history of Music Circus) w/ the Executive Director of MMT
Saturday, June 15:  Walking Tour of Pottersville; if there is rain, the tour will be inside and Virtual
Friday, June 21:  The History of the Village of Readington, 7 pm, Bouman-Stickney
Saturday, June 22: “The Hub of a Hamlet”: A Tour of an 18th Century Mill, Headquarters Farm, tbd; Rain Date:  June 23, tbd
Wednesday, June 26:  Virtual Tour of Kingwood, 7 pm, North Branch of the Library
Saturday, June 29:  Walking Tour of Frenchtown – Uptown, 10 am; Rain Date:  June 30, 10 am
*Sunday, July 7:  Walking Tour of Lambertville, 2 pm.
Tuesday, July 23:  The Irish Settlement in Clinton (talk and walk), 7 pm, North Branch of the Library
Sunday, August 4:  Open House, John Prall House, Stockton, 1-5 pm
Saturday, August 10:  Fleming House and Museum Open House, 1-4 pm
Saturday, August 17: Walking Tour of Frenchtown – Downtown, 10 am; Rain Date:  August 18, 10 am
Saturday, September 7:  Cemetery Cemener, Main Branch of the Library
Saturday, September 14:  Walking Tour of Stockton or Sergeantsville, 10:30 am; Rain Date:  September 15, 10:30 am
Sunday, September 15:  Walking Tour of Cokesbury, 1 pm; if there is rain, the tour will be inside and Virtual
Tuesday, September 17: “The Jutland Massacre”, 7 pm, Main Branch of the Library (tentative date and location)
Saturday, September 21: Walking Tour of Annandale, details tba; Rain date:  September 22, am
Sunday, September 22:  History Bowl, Team Stephanie Stevens vs. Team Jim Davidson, 2pm; location to be determined
Thursday, September 26:  The History of Franklin Township’s Hamlets, 7 pm, North Branch of the Library
Saturday, September 28:  Walking Tour of Mount Airy, am; Rain Date:  September 29 pm  - times to be announced
Saturday, September 28:  Alexandria's Prevost House Museum Open House, 1-4 pm
Saturday, October 5:  Walking Tour of Oldwick, 10 am/2pm; if there is rain, the tour will be inside and Virtual
Sunday, October 6:  Walking Tour of Milford 1:30 pm, rain or shine
Saturday, October, 12:  New Hampton Walking Tour, 11 am; Rain Date:  October 13, 2 pm
Tuesday, October 15: “Glen Gardner/Irishtown”, 7 pm, Main Branch of the Library
Saturday, October 19:  Flemington Walking Tour, 2 pm; Rain Date:  October 20, 2 pm
Saturday, October 26:  Bus Tour of 26 Municipalities with 3 Stops 9 am to 4:30 pm, details tba
Sunday, October 27:  Walking Tour of Amsterdam, 1 pm
*Sunday, October 27: Joseph Turner House Open House, 2 - 5 pm
Saturday, November 2:  Walking Tour of Reaville, 10 am; Rain Date:  November 3, 2 pm
Saturday, November 9:  Walking Tour of Frenchtown – Cemetery, 2 pm; Rain Date:  November 10, 2 pm
Sunday, November 17:  The History of the Hamlet of Wertsville, 2 pm, Main Branch of the Library
Tuesday, December 3:  Lebanon Township Hamlets, 7pm, North Branch of the Library
Saturday, December 14:  The Hunterdon 300th’s Annual Holiday Children’s Historic Crafts and Sale, 10 am to 2 pm, Main Branch of the County Library

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR COOKIE ANGEL, JANICE GROVER, OWNER OF GROVER GLOBAL FOOD MARKETING IN EAST AMWELL, WHO CONTINUES TO PROVIDE IMPORTED COOKIES FOR OUR TALKS.

HISTORICAL AND HERITAGE EVENTS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY:

SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH: COLONIAL TOYS AND GAMES AT THE BOUMAN-STICKNEY FARMSTEAD:  People through the ages have enjoyed games and played with toys for recreational and educational purposes, with Bev Altrath and Arlene Soong present Colonial Toys and Games. There will be some toys on display as well as games on hand for both adults and children to play. Come roll hoops, toss rings, and play games such as skittles, draughts, graces, and more. 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. 1-4 pm.
This is a free, family-friendly event, although donations will be gratefully accepted.
DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE


MONDAY, APRIL 22ND:  COLLECTIONS CARE TIPS AND TRICKS (for organizations with archival collections in Hunterdon County):  This workshop will discuss the basics of archival care and includes demonstrations of “tips and tricks” for small institutions with limited resources to help improve the level of collections care. Held at the HCHS state-of-the-art Archive building, 67 River Road Raritan Township, and presented by manuscript curator Don Cornelius, this workshop is open to attendees from Hunterdon County repositories first.  If spots are available, it will open to neighboring counties after April 12.  6:00 p.m.  Registration is required by phone or email, $5.00 fee per person.  Email: hunterdonhistorypatricia@gmail.com; 908-782-1091

THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH: PRALLSVILLE MILLS SPEAKERS SERIES: NJ BLACK BEARS WITH TOM SHEPPARD:  Black Bear have made their presence felt all across the state. Over 15 years has past since Hunterdon County was declared Black Bear country in 1999. Join Tom Sheppard, Chief Park Naturalist, to learn the basic ecology on Black Bears, how to reduce your chances a negative encounter with these animals as well as the future pressures that Black Bear in New Jersey face. This event will be at 6:30pm at Prallsville Mills in Stockton.
Sheppard has been with the County for almost 20 years where he is the Chief Park Naturalist. Along with all his duties, he is an avid birder and has and is birding around the country. He just sat his 709th species in the country over the Christmas holiday in Maine. His family also dates back to the earliest days of the County and offers some history programs with the county. To learn more about those programs and others program by Tom and his colleagues visit the County Park Website 
The Prallsville Mills complex in Stockton, NJ, is considered a significant example of early American industrial architecture that was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, the Mill proudly features cultural and historic events for the entire community. Find out more about the Mills by visiting their website.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH:   MILFORD BOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY BUS TOUR OF THE U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY:  The Milford Borough Historical Society is hosting a bus tour, “The History of the US Military Academy at West Point” on Saturday, April 27, 2019.
The tour will depart from Milford, New Jersey and transport you via luxury motor coach to the West Point Military Academy where we will enjoy a full dress-parade, a guided tour of the grounds and time allotted for the museum and gift shop.  This tour includes a tour of the West Point Cemetery and Old Cadet Chapel built in 1837.  You will learn about the strategic location that West Point held during the American Revolution, the numerous notable people who have graduated and are buried at West Point.  The majority of this tour is walking. 
The cost of the trip is $115 per person which includes transportation, lunch, tour and dinner at the Overlook Lodge at Bear Mountain.

For additional information or to obtain a registration form please call (908) 995-7974 and leave a message or visit our website at http://milfordnjhistorica.wixsite.com/milford-nj-history.

SUNDAY, MAY 5TH: READINGTON MUSEUMS PRESENTS: 18TH CENTURY SHOE MAKING:  Visit and watch Shaun Pekar, Professional cordwainer and accoutrement maker, as he demonstrates the trade and skills of Historic Shoemaking. Pekar is known for his detail oriented, top quality reproductions of 18th-Century shoes and military accoutrements for living historians and museums. His work can be seen at multiple National Park Service sites, Michilimackinac State Historic Site, Fort Ticonderoga, The Old Barracks Museum, and The Museum of the American Revolution. He is currently the proprietor of “S. Pekar, Shoe and Accoutrement Maker”.  1pm-4pm.  Location: TBD 

SATURDAY, MAY 7TH:  READINGTON MUSEUMS PRESENTS A BARN DANCE:  7 pm to 9:30 pm.  Information to follow or visit the Readington Museums Website


SATURDAY, MAY 18TH:  "HOW TO BEGIN YOUR FAMLY GENEALOGY":   Held at the HCHS Deats Library, 114 Main Street, Flemington, participants will learn how to begin their family genealogy, including where to find collections and how to organize and improve the search of your family history. Taught by Betty DeSapio, PLCGS of DeSapio Research Services. 10 am.  Registration required by phone or email, $10, free for members. Email: hunterdonhistorypatricia@gmail.com; 908-782-1091