Our 2023 themed program, "The Treasures of the Hunterdon Historic Society", continues, showcasing items rarely seen from the Society's collection and talks created around each object or group of objects. For the first time, we are asking you consider a small donation to the Historical Society towards preserving our Hunterdon heritage.
THE TREASURES OF THE HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY:
SUNDAY, MAY 21ST: "THE HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S COLLECTION OF NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS": Our area was once the center of a thriving prehistoric argillite-based indigenous Native American culture, and stone artifacts from that period have been found locally for years. AEG Geologists Mark Zdepski and Greg Herman were key members of the team, joined by Ed Fimbel, that curated an impressive new exhibit of mostly locally-found artifacts just put on display in Flemington, New Jersey, by the Hunterdon County Historical Society (HCHS).
The revamped exhibit was opened in time for Native American Heritage month. Herman, Zdepski and Fimbel transformed a little known, time capsule-like collection of stone tools, arrowheads and weapons---some of which had been sitting untouched for years in the original collectors’ old oak cabinets---into a modern museum-quality exhibit.
This talk will highlight the ingenuity and practical use of local Earth materials by indigenous peoples. It will trace the innovative ways that the stone tools and weapons changed over the 13,000-year time period covered by the exhibit, and the adaptations made in response to climate change.
These artifacts represent the unwritten legacy of the Lenape people in Hunterdon County, from early times through their first contact with Europeans 500 years ago. Beautiful illustrations of indigenous culture by famed Archeologist John Kraft were incorporated into the exhibit to bring the Lenape people to life.
Most of the artifacts on display were found in the Hunterdon County area by gentleman farmers in the 1800’s, wealthy individuals who collected and curated artifacts in the manner of the time. Now, in 2022, their collections have been augmented, lit, and labeled so that we can more fully appreciate the unique treasures of the region.
Please join Geologists Greg Herman, Mark Zdepski and their colleague Collector Ed Fimbel, in a virtual tour of the new exhibit and their presentation on transforming the unique HCHS Deats-Thatcher Native American collection into a modern, historically-accurate accessible display of indigenous stone artifacts and culture.
Greg Herman is a Geologist at Trap Rock Industries who spent 32 years with the NJ State Geological Survey, teaches structural geology and continues researching and writing about impact tectonics and geoarchaeology.
Mark Zdepski ran his own geological consulting firm JMZ Geology in Flemington NJ until 2017 and continues to pursue his personal and professional interests in ore deposits, stone quarries, industrial archaeology, historical preservation and early cultures.
Ed Fimbel is an accomplished local collector with an outstanding 15-state personal collection, who was integral to the renovations of the Native American artifact collection in Flemington.
Main Branch, County Library, Route 12. 2 PM. $5 dollar suggested donation to go to the Hunterdon County Historical Society for the preservation of our county's historical treasures. Refreshments follow. Reservations recommended by going to or cutting and pasting into a new url: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-hunterdon-historical-societys-collection-of-native-american-artifacts-tickets-49273492342
SUNDAY, JUNE 1TH: Just in time for Flag Day! "AMERICAN FLAGS AND BANNERS FROM THE HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY": with national flag expert Richard Pierce. Drawing upon new research, flag historian Richard Pierce will discuss flags and banners from the Society’s collection never before shown to the public, including New Jersey regimental flags from the Civil War and rare examples of the stars and stripes. Several banners and patriotic textiles dating to World War I and the Liberty Loan fund drives in Hunterdon County will be highlighted in this PowerPoint presentation.
Main Branch, County Library, Route 12. 2 PM. $5 dollar suggested donation to go to the Hunterdon County Historical Society for the preservation of our county's historical treasures. Refreshments follow. Reservations recommended by going to or cutting and pasting into a new url: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/american-flags-in-the-collection-of-the-hunterdon-county-historical-society-tickets-621818193957
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12TH: SPECIAL EVENT ADDED! JOIN US FOR A RARE VISIT TO THE HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S ARCHIVES! Archivist Don Cornelius will discuss various documents including the rare Abjuration Oath document -- a loyalty oath signed to the King of England a few years before the American Revolution, including signatures of several signers of the Declaration of Independence. Hunterdon County's archives are also lending us some early Board of Chosen Freeholder minute books from the 18th century. More details to follow. There will be a fee for this visit of which 100% will go to the preservation of historic items held by the Historic Society. There will be a morning and an afternoon visit available limited to 20 people per visit. Stay tuned!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH: "LOST PARKS OF HUNTERDON COUNTY": Join Historian John Kuhl as he describes parks that were here and now gone, or planned and never built including Bellewood Park, Packers Island and the Aerodrome.
Main Branch, County Library, Route 12. 2 PM. $5 dollar suggested donation to go to the Hunterdon County Historical Society for the preservation of our county's historical treasures. Refreshments follow. Reservations recommended by going to or cutting and pasting into a new url: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lost-parks-of-hunterdon-county-tickets-621822456707
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH: "FUN FACT ITEMS FROM THE COLLECTION": Historian and Trustee of the Hunterdon County Historical Society explores the curious bits, bobs, plaques, and more that fill the collection of the Society but don't fill any of our talks neatly. John is a favorite as he brings his humor and wit to all Fun Fact talks!
Main Branch, County Library, Route 12. 2 PM. $5 dollar suggested donation to go to the Hunterdon County Historical Society for the preservation of our county's historical treasures. Refreshments follow. Reservations recommended by going to or cutting and pasting into a new url: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fun-fact-items-from-the-collection-tickets-621826278137
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22ND: "THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE CONTINENTAL SOLDIER": With military collector and historian John Dwyer. Description forthcoming.
Main Branch, County Library, Route 12. 2 PM. $5 dollar suggested donation to go to the Hunterdon County Historical Society for the preservation of our county's historical treasures. Refreshments follow. Reservations recommended by going to or cutting and pasting into a new url: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-life-and-times-of-the-continental-soldier-tickets-621829728457
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27TH: 7 PM: Just in time for Halloween: "THE TALE OF THE MURDERER LITTLE JIM": Join County Historian Emerita as she details a grisly murder and subsequent trial, hanging and haunting in 19th Century Hunterdon County. Little Jim was the last person hung in Hunterdon. This talk will be held in the parlor of the Doric House on Main Street, Flemington. Attendance is limited and reservations will be required. Time to be announced. $10 dollar suggested donation to go to the Hunterdon County Historical Society for the preservation of our county's historical treasures. Refreshments follow.
This event is limited to 20 people. Reservations are required. Ticketing opens up no October 1st. Go to or cut and paste into a new url: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-in-time-for-halloween-the-tale-of-the-murderer-little-jim-tickets-621834542857
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH: "STORIES OF THE MILFORD HOTEL THRU ITS REGISTRY": with Milford Historian Rob Castagna. A fascinating look at who visited Milford and their stories including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
EVENTS FROM OUR HISTORICAL PARTNERS AROUND THE COUNTY:
SATURDAY, MAY 20TH, 10 AM TO 1:30 PM: 1759 VOUGHT HOUSE SPRING OPEN HOUSE: Learn about the historic Vought Family and tour this unique historic home. Meet the NJ Frontier Guard of 1756 and see the collection of early militia artifacts. Talk with the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It's World Bee Day! Talk with a beekeeper. 35 Gray Rock Road, Clinton, NJ
MAY 24TH, 7 PM: EAST AMWELL HISTORICAL SOCIETY: THE FIVE MOST INFLUENTIAL PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS IN HISTORY: In recognition of stigma free (Mental Health) month, EAHS is hosting a talk on the “5 most influential psychiatric drugs in history” followed by a question and answer period on current treatments. Their speaker, Laura Vega, 3rd year Medical Student Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. Her interests include historical perspectives around old and new treatments. She has a passion for discussing the history of psychiatry. Laura received her Bachelor’s in Science at Towson University, Maryland, and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. Laura will be introduced by Dr Gary Grover, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Professor of Cell Biology and Neuroscience Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. Gary has been honored by Rotary International with the National Award for Vocation Service for his lifelong commitment to medical education. Clawsen House, 1055 Old York Road, Ringoes.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 11 AM TO 5 PM: HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR, FLEMINGTON HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION: FOR INFORMATION CONTACT THE hpc@historicflemington.com
JUNE 25TH: NOON TO 3 PM: DEDICATION OF JACOB FRANCIS MARKER AT THE FLEMINGTON BAPTIST CHURCH: DETAILS FORTHCOMING
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