Thursday, June 30, 2022

Summer's Hot Historical Happenings in Hunterdon!

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT IT IS ALREADY JULY?  IF YOU HAVEN'T GOTTEN TO ONE OF HUNTERDON'S LOCAL MUSEUMS, A HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR, AN OUTDOOR CONCERT, OR EVEN AN OUTDOOR MOVIE, NOW'S THE TIME TO START PLANNING.  HUNTERDON COUNTY, THE 300TH AND ALL OF OUR HISTORICAL PARTNERS OFFER A GREAT DEAL OF FREE AND/OR LOW COST THINGS TO DO. BELOW IS A GREAT LIST OF FUN, OFTEN INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATIONAL, OPTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! 

SPEAKING OF JULY -- HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!  THIS FOURTH MARKS THE 246TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPEDENCE AND ON JULY 8TH, THE FIRST PUBLIC READING OF THE DECLARATION -- AT OUR VERY OWN COUNTY COURT HOUSE WHICH WAS LOCATED IN TRENTON IN 1776... BUT YOU ALL KNEW THAT ALREADY, RIGHT?

PLEASE NOTE A SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF "THE TOWN THAT DISAPPEARED OVERNIGHT" ON SATURDAY, JULY 9TH.  ALL FUNDS RAISED BY THE FILM'S PRODUCERS WILL BE USED TOWARDS MAKING ANOTHER DOCUMENTARY ABOUT A HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL EVENT, THE JUTLAND MASSACRE. PLEASE SEE DETAILS BELOW UNDER EVENTS HOSTED BY OUR PARTNERS.

EVENTS SUMMER THRU SEPTEMBER:

SUNDAY, JULY 10:  DVOOR HOUSE TOURS, 10 AM AND 11:30 AM OPTIONS: The historic Case-Dvoor House on Dvoor Circle, under the stewardship of the Hunterdon Land Trust, is opening its doors for free, small-group tours.

If you've ever driven past the stone farm house on Mine Street, and wondered what it looks like inside, now's your chance to find out!

We will take you through the house from basement to attic. You'll learn about the families that lived and worked on the farm and much more. We'll show you some 18th-century graffiti and tell you about the murder that occurred in the basement in 1803. Tours of the Georgian-style Dvoor Farm house, which is on the State and National Register of Historic Places, will be given by HLT Outreach Director and Hunterdon County Historical Society Administrator Dave Harding.

The house was built in 1798 by Philip and Amy Case. The program features an historical exploration of the property’s history, and the story of the three families (Case, Davis and Dvoor) who owned and farmed the land for about 250 years.

Tours run for about an hour. Free but reservations are required.

For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:

10 AM TOUR: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/case-dvoor-house-tour-10-am-tickets-375361314797

11:30 AM TOUR: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/case-dvoor-house-tour-1130-am-tickets-375362448187

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7: "READINGTON RAMBLES PART I:  STORIES FROM THE HISTORY OF READINGTON TOWNSHIP"; 3 to 4 pm: Join us at the Barn at Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, part of the Readington Museums, where County Historian Emerita and Readington Township Historian Extraordinaire shares some of her fascinating research about the history of Hunterdon's oldest municipality, Readington Township.  In an interesting "back to back" series, return next week for another Stephanie Stevens' talk on another part of Readington's history.  Free refreshments and cold water will be provided.  The talk is free, but reservations are required. 114 Dreahook Road, Stanton, 08885.  Ticketing going on now thru our partners, the Readington Museums https://www.readingtontwpnj.gov/departments/museums  or call 908-236-2327.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14: "READINGTON RAMBLES PART II: SLAVERY IN READINGTON TOWNSHIP"; 3 to 4 pm:  We're back at the Barn at Bouman-Stickney Farmstead with County Historian Emerita and Readington Township Historian Extraordinaire Stephanie Stevens shares her research on a piece of not-so-flattering Hunterdon history -- slavery.  More than 30 years ago, Stephanie did deep research into slave ownership in Readington Township and published a book about it.  Other than Stephanie's research, countywide, the subject of slavery has little almost nothing documented.  Free refreshments and cold water will be provided.  The talk is free, but reservations are required. 114 Dreahook Road, Stanton, 08885.  Ticketing going on now thru our partners the Readington Museums

https://www.readingtontwpnj.gov/departments/museums  or call 908-236-2327.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3:  WALKING TOUR OF THREE BRIDGES (READINGTON); RAINDATE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4:  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 20 people.

The walk is free but reservations are required.

Meeting location will be disclosed to people with reservations only. 

Rain Date on September 4th with time to be announced.   

For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-three-bridges-tickets-374543478627

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2pm: FRENCHTOWN CEMETERY TOUR; (RAINDATE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2 pm): Join amazing story-teller Rick Epstein as we tour Frenchtown's Lower Cemetery. That’s the old part of the cemetery. Hear how a Civil War captain's life was saved by his wife and his job was saved by Abe Lincoln. We’ll visit the graves of three people who conspired to rescue geese from Frenchtown's pound around 1870. We’ll remember a child who was swept away in Milford Creek's Flood of 1890, a woman murdered by her son-in-law and a soldier who died in a Japanese prison camp. You'll also hear about the man who hanged Jeff Davis in effigy in 1865, plus many more tales!  

For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-frenchtown-frenchtowns-lower-cemetery-tickets-376499358717

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24: WALKING TOUR OF RINGOES - BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, 10 AM:  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 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 hamlet.

Reservations are required. Approximately 90 minutes.

Meet at the Clawson House in Ringoes, the home of the East Amwell Historical Society.

Walk limited to 20 people.

WE ARE SORRY BUT THERE IS NO RAIN DATE FOR THIS EVENT.

For ticketing use this link or cut and paste into your url if trouble with the link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-ringoes-tickets-375365738027

AUTUMN EVENTS FROM THE 300TH - TICKETS AVAILABLE IN LATE SUMMER

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8: WALKING TOUR OF MOUNTAINVILLE (TEWKSBURY), 10 AM; RAINDATE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1PM  

OCTOBER 1ST:  WALKING TOUR OF MILFORD, 2pm:  Join us at this beautiful river town.  For many years, people came to Milford to enjoy the fresh country air and view the beautiful river.  Milford's history is rich with the businesses and lives that prospered here and were so influenced by the river, lumber, coal, slate, mills and trains.  Come for a walking tour hosted by Rob Castagna of the Milford Historical for an overview of the history of this historic borough.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16:  "ALL HALLOWS EVE SONGS OF LOVE, DEATH AND THE SUPERNATURAL" - ENCORE PERFORMANCE (SEE READINGTON MUSEUMS BELOW, OCTOBER 2ND):  BOUMANN-STICKNEY FARMSTEAD, 2 PM. FREE. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.

👀FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14,👻 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 👻AND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28👻:  HISTORIC GH💀ST TOURS OF FLEMINGTON

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 (RAINDATE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30):  REVOLUTIONARY WAR GRAVES IN THE ROSEMONT CEMETERY

EVENTS FROM OUR FABULOUS HISTORICAL PARTNERS FROM AROUND THE COUNTY!:

THIS SPRING, ON-GOING NOW!:  LAMBERTVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENT AN EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN A. ANDERSON, LAMBERTVILLE'S FIRST PHOTOGRAPHER: Step back in time through the high-resolution photography of John Alexander Anderson (1829-1917). In 56 unforgettable images, you'll see Lambertville as it transitioned to the 20th century, remarkable portraits, and examples of Anderson's artistry. Also on display are Anderson's extraordinary scrapbook and articles he wrote about local history and photography. James Wilson Marshall House, 60 Bridge Street, Lambertville; Sundays 1:00-4:00 pm.  This exhibit is free. Donations welcome.

NOW THRU SEPTEMBER WITH A PARTY ON JULY 2ND!: LEBANON MUSEUM CELEBRATES FORTY YEARS:  

Join the Lebanon Museum, voted best museum in Hunterdon County, in their celebration of their first forty years. The exhibit runs through September and our anniversary party will be held on Saturday July 2nd from noon to 3 pm with an aftrenoon of familt fun including live demonstrations, crafts, activities and their second Apple Pie Bakeoff! 


JUNE 27 – AUGUST 19: CHIILDREN'S SUMMER PROGRAMS AT THE RED MILL:
Run by Raven Rock Summer Program. Each year, our goal is to make your child’s summer unforgettable, with unique programs about history and nature. These are all run by Raven Rock Summer Programs and located at the iconic Red Mill Museum Village, in Clinton New Jersey. The Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
https://theredmill.org/

HUNTERDON COUNTY'S MUSIC UNDER THE STARS LIVE CONCERT SERIES: DEER PATH PARK; all shows at 7 pm: 

Captain Jack (Billy Joel Tribute Band), July 14th

The Hunterdon Harmonizers, July 21st

The Best of the Eagles (Tribute Band), July 28th

Southern Steel (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band), August 4th

Disney Movie, “Encanto” (2021), rated PG, August 13th

SATURDAY, JULY 9TH:  SPECIAL SCREENING OF "THE TOWN THAT DISAPPEARED OVERNIGHT": The true story of the Round Valley Reservoir - the people who lived there and the politics behind the scenes.  This Emmy award winning documentary will have a special screening at the Polish American Club, 29 Kline Blvd., Whitehouse Station, the hometown of filmmakers David Kuznicki and Eric Althoff.  David and Eric will be presenting the film and answering questions along with Emmy-winning composer Brian Katona.  $7 with a cash bar.  Funds raised by David and Eric will go toward the production of a new film they are working on from Hunterdon's history:  The Jutland Massacre in partnership with the Hunterdon 300th.  For tickets, please go the Polish American Club's website or to the link below:

Doors open at 7:30 pm with the screening to follow at dark, around 8:30 pm.  

https://paccwhs.square.site/product/the-town-that-disappeared-overnight/68?cs=true&cst=custom

SATURDAY, JULY 16:  MUSIC AT THE MILL:  SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM: 530 PM GRACE MORRISON; 645 PM PIERCE CRASK; 8 PM MOSS HENRY AND THE BRYOPHYTES.  
Food and beer available for purchase at the event. The Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

https://theredmill.org/

SUNDAY, JULY 17:  MUSIC AT THE MILL:  SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM:  5PM HANOVER WIND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Food and beer available for purchase at the event. The Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

https://theredmill.org/

SUNDAY, JULY 24 TEWKSBURY BARN TOUR, 10AM TO 4 PM RAIN OR SHINE:  The 12th biennial Tewksbury Barn Tour is co-sponsored by the Tewksbury Historical Society and Tewksbury Trail Association.

Six barns located throughout Tewksbury Township and the surrounding area will be showcased.  Bank barns and Post and Beam barns, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, are among the group.  A 19th century barn was moved to its present site from a nearby location.  It's origins as a dairy barn are still in evidence. A 19th century dual purpose barn originally contained a smoke house and a milk house.  Another 19th century barn sat on 500 acres, but saw the farm sub-divided over the years.  Its acreage has now been reclaimed and the property sits in the Farmland Preservation Program.   A modified 20th century Bank barn sits on land that was part of a 5000-acre estate spanning Hunterdon, Somerset and Morris counties.  A 20th century barn, currently used as a Party Barn, served as a notable site in the history of Tewksbury during the past century.  A magnificent equestrian facility, built recently, is located on 390 acres.

Advance tickets are $30 until July 23rd and $35 on the day of the Tour.  Tickets for children ages 11-18 are $5 and children 10 and under are free both in-advance and on the day of the Tour.  Tickets are limited and can be purchased on-line thru PayPal at www.tewksburyhistory.net using any major credit card.

Patrons can pick up all tickets at Tewksbury Historical Society Headquarters, 60 Water St., Mountainville (Lebanon), NJ 08833 on July 24, 9:30 am -2 pm.  Advance tickets will not be mailed.  Tickets must be purchased no later than 2 pm to allow enough time to complete the tour by 4 pm as the tour ends promptly at 4 pm. 

The Tewksbury Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to research, preserve and disseminate the rich history of the Township of Tewksbury. 

The Tewksbury Trail Association is devoted to supporting a vibrant equine community and preserving the rural atmosphere and natural beauty of Tewksbury Township. Members of the association work diligently to maintain and expand over 100 miles of riding trails.


SUNDAY, JULY 24; (RAIN DATE, SUNDAY, JULY 31), 12 PM TO 4 PM: RED MILL MUSEUM VILLAGE PRESENTS A QUILT AIRING:  Quilters and quilt owners will present a seasonal tradition of airing out quilts, taking place among the historic setting of the Red Mill Museum Village.
The Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809
https://theredmill.org/

JULY 29 (7 PM) READINGTON MUSEUMS PRESENTS DANA BALA:  COOKBOOKS OVER THE CENTURIES: For more information, please visit 

https://www.readingtontwpnj.gov/departments/museums or call 908-236-2327. Free.  Donations appreciated.

The Readington Museums received an operating support re-grant from the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, with funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 THRU SUNDAY, AUGUST 28: HUNTERDON COUNTY 4-H FAIR:  Come and visit us there in the Community Tent!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13:  MUSIC AT THE MILL:  SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM: 530 PM KARL DIETEL; 645 PM WALT BIBINGER; 815 PM SECTION JAZZ.  Food and beer available for purchase at the event. The Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

https://theredmill.org/

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14:  MUSIC AT THE MILL:  SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM:  5PM MAD ROCKING DUKES; 630 PM CAREN KENNEDY AND FRIENDS; 8 PM MICHAEL PATRICK BAND. Food and beer available for purchase at the event. The Red Mill Museum Village, 56 Main Street, Clinton, NJ 08809

https://theredmill.org/

AUGUST 26 (7 PM) READINGTON MUSEUMS PRESENT GREGORY HERMAN:  GEOLOGY, ARCHEOLOGY, AND INDIAN BURIAL GROUNDS OF CUSHETUNK AND ROUND MOUTAINS: For more information, please visit 

https://www.readingtontwpnj.gov/departments/museums or call 908-236-2327. Free.  Donations appreciated.

The Readington Museums received an operating support re-grant from the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, with funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10:  MUSIC AT THE MILL:  SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM:  5:30 PM JOHN STUBY; 7 PM BRASS ILLUSION

OCTOBER 2 (2-3 PM)  READINGTON MUSEUMS PRESENT: ANNE AND RIDLEY ENSLOW PERFORMING "ALL HALLOW'S EVE: SONGS OF LOVE, DEATH, AND THE SUPERNATURAL": For more information, please visit 

https://www.readingtontwpnj.gov/departments/museums or call 908-236-2327. Free.  Donations appreciated.

The Readington Museums received an operating support re-grant from the Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, with funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.