Friday, January 25, 2019

2019 CALENDAR OF EVENTS: WE'RE UP TO 54 AND COUNTING!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Our 2019 calendar is still in the works but we are ready to share what our calendar currently looks like -- knowing it will only grow!  We want to make sure you pencil into your own calendars the events, talks, tours that you want to attend so you don't do something silly like make other plans that day!

We are so excited! We currently have 24 out of 26 of our municipalities on the calendar -- and yes, we are hopeful that the other 2 will join in for the fun this year!

We already have 22 walking tours booked, 20 talks, 5 museum open houses, and 7 very special events including a history bowl challenge, a bus tour, a theatre event, and a tour of a historical property that includes a summer kitchen, a mill, a winter kitchen and more!  That's 54 events so far for 2019 and we're still adding more! 


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 AND APRIL:



SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH:  2019 Opening Talk on the theme "Celebrating 305 Year's Of Hunterdon's Historic Hometowns and Hamlets":  "IT MAKES A VILLAGE":  Or does it make a hamlet?  Or a small town?  Or a borough?  And what exactly is "IT"?  What did it really take to make a settlement a settlement in our 18th and 19th centuries?  Then for it to thrive... and to survive.   A river?  A church?  A road?  A tavern?  Why did some remain viable and grow, while others all but disappeared?  Discover the logical and sometimes surprising ingredients that created our early Hunterdon hamlets and villages when Marilyn Cummings takes us on a nostalgic journey into Hunterdon's past, which remarkably is often our present as well!  Hunterdon County Library Main Branch, 314 Route 12, Flemington.  2 pm.  Free. Refreshments follow.

Snow Date if Library is closed is Saturday, March 2 at 2 pm.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/it-makes-a-village-tickets-55121066594

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH:  BLACK HISTORY MONTH TALK:  "IF THESE STONES COULD TALK":   Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with this wonderful talk and book-signing by local authors Beverly Mills and Elaine Buck as they present "If These Stones Could Talk:  African American Presence in the Hopewell Valley, Sourland Mountain, and Surrounding Region of New Jersey" -- a compelling group of stories about a Black minority  in a predominantly White region.  It provides a unique window to this little known part of history here in rural New Jersey - hamlets and hometowns that were once all part of Hunterdon County and, up until now, missing from the historical record.  Beverly Mills is the first African American woman to be elected to the Council in Pennington Borough and Elaine Buck is Church Clerk for the Second Calvary Baptist Church of Hopewell.  7 pm.  Main Branch of the County Library, 314 Route 12, Flemington.  Free.  Refreshments follow.  
Reservations strongly recommended.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/if-these-stones-could-talk-tickets-55121108720

SUNDAY, MARCH 3RD:  OPEN HOUSE:  BOUMAN-STICKNEY FARMSTEAD, 1-4 PM:  The Bouman-Stickney Farmstead is named for its former owners. Dutch homesteader, Thomas Bouman, originally purchased the property sometime before 1740.  The house was built in 1741 and stayed in the bouman family until about 1855.  The house is a magnificent stone bank house with Dutch and German architectural influences.  The stone for the facade, as well as the timbers for the rame were harvested from nearby Cushetunk Mountain.  Also on the property is a double corn crib wagon house built in the 1820s; it was moved from a nearby property and currently holds the Museums' collection of early farm tools.  Finally, the Wade--Wyckoff Barn, also on the property, is an example of a relatively rare farming structure - a New World Dutch Barn.  This barn was on the Wade Farm and moved to its new location in 2000.  Our talk on Friday night, June 21st on the History of the Hamlet of Readington will be given in this barn.

No registration is required.

For more information on these buildings and other facilities owned by the Readington Museums, please visit their site https://www.readingtontwpnj.gov/bowman-stickney

TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH:  "305 FUN FACTS ABOUT HUNTERDON'S MUNICIPALITIES:  Do you remember the fun we had in 2014 with 300 Fun Facts About Hunterdon County? That fun, one-a-day tear-off calendar.... Well, author and historian John Kuhl has been back at it, authoring "305 Fun Facts About Hunterdon Historic Hometowns and Hamlets" - another fun journey exploring the interesting and often quirky history of one of the oldest counties in the United States.  This talk will expand on some of the most fun of the Fun Facts about our 26 municipalities!
Free. Reservations are recommended. Refreshments follow.
7pm.  Main Branch of the County Library, 314 Route 12, Flemington

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/305-fun-facts-about-hunterdons-municipalities-tickets-55121152852

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

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.


Walk limited to 20 people.  Free, but are Reservations Required.
Walk begins at 10:30 am; meeting location will be disclosed to people with reservations only.
Rain date is Sunday, March 24th at 2 pm.

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-new-amsterdam-tickets-55121533992

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:  
DETAILS AND RESERVATIONS FOR THIS EVENT WILL BE READY IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
Walk begins at 10:30 am; meeting location will be disclosed to people with reservations only.
Rain date is Sunday, April 7th at 2 pm.

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 20 people.  Free, but Reservations will be 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.   
7 pm.  Main Branch of the County Library.  Free.  Reservations Required.  
Refreshments follow.

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:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walking-tour-of-four-delaware-township-hamlets-morning-session-rosemont-raven-rock-tickets-55122169894

For the afternoon session:
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.

COMING THIS SPRING, SUMMER, FALL AND WINTER:  DOZENS OF CELEBRATIONS OF OUR HOMETOWNS AND HAMLETS OVER THE LAST 305 YEARS!:

Saturday, May 4:  Walking Tour of Ringoes, 10 am/2 pm; Rain Date: May 5, 10 am/2 pm
Tuesday, May 7:  The History of Quakertown, 7 pm, Main Branch of the Library
Saturday, May 18:  Walking Tour of Three Bridges, 10 am; Rain Date:  May 19, 10 am
Sunday, May 19:  The Palantine Settlement Patterns in Hunterdon County, 2 pm, Main Branch of the Library
Wednesday, May 22:  The History of Bethlehem Township’s Hamlets, 7 pm, North Branch of the Library
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
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
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:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, AND SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10:  PHOTOGRAPHY OF JIM AMON AT EAST AMWELL'S CLAWSON HOUSE MUSEUM
Plants and Animals Native to the Sourlands
1-4pm
Clawson House Museum
1053 Old York Road, Ringoes
FREE
Camera in hand, Jim Amon heads to the Sourlands whenever he can. Amon, a resident of Lambertville, has a deep and long  connection with the  Sourlands. For more infomration visit: https://sourland.org








Sunday, December 9, 2018

OUR HOLIDAY FUN THIS SATURDAY, NEXT YEAR'S THEME AND MORE FROM AROUND THE COUNTY!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

OUR LAST EVENT OF 2019 WITH OUR THEME "WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE" CONCLUDES WITH A SPLASH (😀) THIS 
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH:  HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!  Come with the kiddos or just yourself!  

10 AM TO 2 PM: CHILDREN, TWEENS, TEENS (AND YES, YOU, TOO, MOM/DAD) CAN MAKE A BRACELET WITH THE HISTORIC ROPE MACHINE:  choose different colors of yarns and make an amazing bracelet to keep or give as a gift!  You pick the yarn and turn the crank handle and the machine twists and turns and knits the yarn into a colorful and interesting piece of jewelry!  FREE.

11 AM TO NOON: Teacher and Historian Janice Armstrong will be with us for CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL CRAFTS AND GAMES: Corn Husk Toys, Lenape Medicine Pouch and more…. your children can create a toy out of corn husks just like children would have in the 1800’s. They can make their own Lenape Medicine Pouch to fill with tiny treasures. For children ages 6-12 years old.  FREE.

10 AM TO 4:30 PM:  Meanwhile, adults can shop their hearts content with OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY SALE where we offer blowout prices on merchandise and have items that are classics for holiday gifts.  
We will be offering specials on
  • books
  • rain slickers
  • umbrellas
  • t-shirts
  • note cards and more!
We still have our woven throw in stock as well as our beautiful watercolor print "Blue Skies" of the Hunterdon Historic Courthouse painted by Dan Campanelli -- an amazing gift for someone you love who has a special place for this painting in an office, den or family room.

An AMAZING goody basket will also be up for grabs that day, and 

We will be serving FREE hot chocolate, lemonade and fabulous cookies and snacks all day!!


2PM:  MOVIE SHOWING "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE":  Following our festivities, join us for a special holiday showing of "Its a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in Frank Capra's classic.  "Water, Water Everywhere" indeed! -- this classic film opens up with our hero pondering if his life is worth living on a historical truss bridge over churning water in a small town called Bedford Falls.... The inspiration for this was our very own Califon Borough and their gorgeous, restored historic truss bridge!  The villain of the story, Mr. Potter, creates a depressing vision of a residential development called "Pottersville" -- perhaps taken from nearby Potterstown.... Free hot chocolate, lemonade and treats will be available.  FREE.

Come for the sale, goodies, music and crafts and stay for a holiday classic with deep Hunterdon roots!  Our holiday gift to you!

Main Branch, Hunterdon County Library, Route 12.  Festivities start at 10 am and end at 4:30 pm.  No reservations required.

ANNOUNCING OUR 2019 THEME:
 2019 ushers in Hunterdon County's 305th anniversary! Can you believe that it's been 5 years since our big year in 2014?!  Well, we have designed a special them around such a special year!  Join us in "CELEBRATING 305 YEARS OF HUNTERDON'S HISTORIC HOMETOWNS AND HAMLETS":

The 300th is partnering with all of our local historical societies, commissions and committees, local museums, and special friends to bring you:
  • walking tours of towns and hamlets;
  • local museum open houses;
  • talks about the history of our local hamlets and small towns; 
  • historical talks covering the settlement patterns of different nationalities that have made Hunterdon what it is today;
  • special, fun events including a Hunterdon History Bowl with prizes for audience participation!; 
  • a special bus tour that will zigzag and touch all 26 of our municipalities - with stops - in one day!; 
  • 305 Fun Facts About Our Municipalities; 
  • A special talk on what makes a hamlet a hamlet (Alas, poor Yorick, this has nothing to do with Shakespeare!);Image result for hamlet
  • and so much more.  
WE HAVE ALREADY BOOKED MORE THAN 40 TALKS AND WALKS WITH SOME OF OUR MUNICIPAL PARTNERS and we are planning, in total, about 60 walks, talks and events that cover our municipalities' history!!  

And we have really fun merchandise:  our new 305 FUN FACTS ABOUT HUNTERDON'S HISTORIC HOMETOWNS AND HAMLETS One-a-Day tear-off calendar is available now!! at $6 each OR 2 for $10, it is a terrific stocking stuffer, desk calendar or gift!  We also have a new t-shirt coming out that really celebrates our hometowns and hamlets!  Expect our (mostly complete) calendar to hit your inbox by mid to late January.  It's going to be a really exciting, fun and packed year!

THE 2019 305 FUN FACTS TEAR OFF CALENDAR IS AVAILABLE AT ALL THREE BRANCHES OF THE HUNTERDON COUNTY LIBRARY AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE ALL DAY ON THE 15TH OF DECEMBER. 

 PLEASE WATCH FOR FUTURE E-NEWSLETTERS AND OUR CALENDAR AT 

 DECEMBER HISTORY AND HERITAGE EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS AROUND OR ABOUT HUNTERDON COUNTY


EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT:  This show runs on Saturdays and Sundays thru December 30th:  East Awmell Museum.  Come explore the art of N. Frances Parker in a new exhibition at the East Amwell Museum!  Free, but donations are gratefully accepted. 1pm to 4pm 
For more information visit the East Amwell Township Historical Society's web site

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH:  CHRISTMAS OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WITH RIDLEY AND ANNE ENSLOW:  Anne and Ridley Enslow return to the North County Branch Library in Clinton at 2pm, where they will sing songs about Washington Hamilton, Lafayette and other founding fathers, talk about Christmas traditions in the 18th century, and of course, end the show with Christmas carol sing-alongs. Some of the program would would focus on New Years and Twelfth Night, which were bigger holidays than Christmas in the 18th century.   Free. Reservations strongly recommended.  CONTACT: Reference Librarian Dana Neubauer, 730-6135.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11TH:  PRALLSVILLE SPEAKERS SERIES:  NEW JERSEY'S COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE TOLD IN 100 BUILDINGS, 7 PM:  In this the most crowded and developed state in the union, a substantial number of buildings remain from our colonial past, including the Royal Governor’s Mansion in Perth Amboy, the still functioning Black Horse Inn in Mendham, the meetinghouse style Fairfield Presbyterian Church in Salem County, to Nassau Hall on the grounds of Princeton University, to Washington’s Headquarters in Morristown, to the Sandy Hook, Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the country.
And the past isn’t really dead, several of our contemporary architectural styles can trace their roots to the Colonial Era.
 
Sandwiched between Philadelphia and New York City, Benjamin Franklin’s proverbial barrel tapped at both ends, New Jersey often doesn’t get due credit for its contributions to colonial and early American life, including its rich and diverse architectural heritage. This diverse architecture reflects its early settlers who were the most varied in all the colonies, except perhaps for New York City, coming from The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, France, Ireland, Scotland, and a number of English regions, with each group bringing their building traditions with them.
Join David Veasey to learn more about these diverse architecture styles and influences on Friday, January 11th at 7PM at Prallsville Mills, 33 Risler Street, Stockton, NJ.

David Veasey, the speaker, is a life-long New Jersey resident and has given illustrated talks all over the state. He has also written other books about the state. Veasey  lives in Morris Plains, and was graduated from Drew University, Madison, and holds a Master’s Degree from New York University. Veasey has worked as a writer his entire career.

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.  You can find the Mills online at www.prallsvillemills.org.

NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM VILLAGE:


Clinton, NJ: The Red Mill Museum Village is proudly announces the opening of our brand new exhibit: The Sound of the Times: The Michael Molnar Collection
This new exhibit highlights the radio, one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. A collection of antique and vintage radios is on loan to the Museum from collector and radio enthusiast Michael Molnar, who has been collecting for over 30 years. He has co-curated this very special exhibit which traces the evolution of radio and shares stories of the cultural impact it had on society.
For enjoyment, visitors can listen to a radio from over 70 years ago, hearing the sounds of the time. Ever wonder how was radio different from today? Try to tune a radio from a hundred years ago and find out for yourself!  Relive the Golden Age of Radio by visiting this amazing collection, currently on display on the 2nd floor of the Mill through March 2019.
This exhibition was made possible thanks to funding generously provided by the Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation.
For more information including hours and admission, please visit https://theredmill.org/

LOOK FOR THE HUNTERDON 300TH'S (almost complete) 2019 CALENDAR EVENTS TO HIT YOUR IN-BOX IN JANUARY!!!  

HAVE A BLESSED, SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! 


Monday, November 19, 2018

ANNOUNCING OUR DECEMBER PROGRAMS AND OUR THEME FOR AN HISTORIC 2019!



WE ARE DOWN TO THE WIRE ON OUR 2018 THEME -- JUST TWO EVENTS TO GO!  A RARE TALK ABOUT OUR TINY, BUT MIGHTY, RIVER TO OUR NORTH, THE MUSCONETCONG, AND OUR HOLIDAY BASH WITH LOTS OF STUFF HAPPENING WITH FUN FOR ALL AGES!  WANNA KNOW NEXT YEAR'S THEME...? KEEP READING FOR THE BIG REVEAL!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH:  "THE MUSCONETCONG - HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE HISTORIC ASBURY MILL AND BEYOND:  The Musconetcong watershed has been a great place to live for the last 13,000 years.  The watershed’s water, land, and habitat resources made it a great place to be when the glaciers of the last ice age retreated and are what make it a great place for farming and outdoor recreation today.  Hear about the history of northwestern New Jersey from the setting of the former Hoffman Grist Mill, a restoration project of the Musconetcong Watershed Association that has been gaining steam over the last couple of years.  Located in the Asbury Historic District, it is home to some notable American trends that happened a bit earlier than elsewhere – the early agro-industrial revolution, the Second Great Awakening, and transportation technology innovation.  Alan Hunt, PhD, and Executive Director of the Musconetcong Watershed Association will talk about how history of place links with modern-day caring for place, and the linkage between the Association’s ongoing ecological, historical and conservation education efforts.  Main Branch County Library, Route 12.  7 pm.  Free with free refreshments.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-musconetcong-historical-highlights-from-the-historic-asbury-mill-and-beyond-tickets-51442578136

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH:  HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!  Come with the kiddos or just yourself!  

10 AM TO 2 PM: CHILDREN, TWEENS, TEENS (AND YES, YOU, TOO, MOM/DAD) CAN MAKE A BRACELET WITH THE HISTORIC ROPE MACHINE:  choose different colors of yarns and make an amazing bracelet to keep or give as a gift!  You pick the yarn and turn the crank handle and the machine twists and turns and knits the yarn into a colorful and interesting piece of jewelry!  FREE.

11 AM TO NOON: Teacher and Historian Janice Armstrong will be with us for CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL CRAFTS AND GAMES: Corn Husk Toys, Lenape Medicine Pouch and more…. your children can create a toy out of corn husks just like children would have in the 1800’s. They can make their own Lenape Medicine Pouch to fill with tiny treasures. For children ages 6-12 years old.  FREE.

10 AM TO 4:30 PM:  Meanwhile, adults can shop their hearts content with our annual Holiday sale where we offer blowout prices on merchandise and have items that are classics for holiday gifts.  An amazing goody basket will also be up for grabs that day and we will be serving free hot chocolate, lemonade and fabulous cookies and snacks all day.


2PM:  MOVIE SHOWING "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE":  Following our festivities, join us for a special holiday showing of "Its a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in Frank Capra's classic.  "Water, Water Everywhere" indeed! -- this classic film opens up with our hero pondering if his life is worth living on a historical truss bridge over churning water in a small town called Bedford Falls.... The inspiration for this was our very own Califon Borough and their gorgeous, restored historic truss bridge!  The villain of the story, Mr. Potter, creates a depressing vision of a residential development called "Pottersville" -- perhaps taken from nearby Potterstown.... Free hot chocolate, lemonade and treats will be available.  FREE.

Come for the sale, goodies, music and crafts and stay for a holiday classic with deep Hunterdon roots!  Our holiday gift to you!

Main Branch, Hunterdon County Library, Route 12.  Festivities start at 10 am and end at 4:30 pm.  No reservations required.

ANNOUNCING OUR 2019 THEME -- 2019 ushers in Hunterdon County's 305th anniversary! Can you believe that it's been 5 years since our big year in 2014?!  Well, we have designed a special them around such a special year!  Join us in "CELEBRATING 305 YEARS OF HUNTERDON'S HISTORIC HOMETOWNS AND HAMLETS".  The 300th is partnering with all of our local historical societies, commissions and committees, local museums, and special friends to bring you:
  • walking tours of towns and hamlets; 
  • local museum open houses;
  • talks about the history of our local hamlets and small towns; 
  • historical talks covering the migration patterns of different nationalities that have made Hunterdon what it is today; 
  • special, fun events; 
  • a special bus tour that will zigzag and touch all 26 of our municipalities - with stops - in one day!; 
  • 305 Fun Facts About Our Municipalities; 
  • A special talk on what makes a hamlet a hamlet (Alas, poor Yorick, this has nothing to do with Shakespeare!);
  • and so much more.  
We HAVE ALREADY BOOKED MORE THAN 30 TALKS AND WALKS WITH SOME OF OUR MUNICIPAL PARTNERS and we are planning, in total, about 60 walks, talks and events that cover our municipalities' history!!  

And we have really fun merchandise coming out in our celebration of our municipalities including a new-, Fun Facts tear-off calendar for 2019 - AVAILABLE NOW, "305 Fun Facts About Hunterdon's Municipalities" - at $5 each, it is a terrific stocking stuffer, desk calendar or gift!  We also have a new t-shirt coming out that really celebrates our hometowns and hamlets!  Expect our (mostly complete) calendar to hit your inbox by mid to late January.  It's going to be a really exciting, fun and packed year!

TO PURCHASE THE 2019 305 FUN FACTS TEAR OFF CALENDAR, WE WILL HAVE THEM AVAILABLE AT BOTH EVENTS ON DECEMBER 4TH AND 15TH AND YOU CAN FIND THEM FOR SALE AT THE REFERENCE ROOMS AT ALL THREE COUNTY LIBRARY BRANCHES STARTING BLACK FRIDAY. 

OUR GREAT FRIEND, JANICE GROVER, OWNER OF GROVER GLOBAL FOOD MARKETING IN EAST AMWELL, HAS DONATED FABULOUSLY DELICIOUS ITALIAN COOKIES FOR ALL OF OUR TALKS THRU THE END OF 2018.  COME FOR THE COOKIES AND STAY FOR THE LECTURE!  THANK YOU, JANICE!!

 PLEASE WATCH FOR FUTURE E-NEWSLETTERS AND OUR CALENDAR AT 

 DECEMBER HISTORY AND HERITAGE EVENTS FROM OUR PARTNERS AROUND OR ABOUT HUNTERDON COUNTY


EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT:  This show runs on Saturdays and Sundays thru December 30th:  East Awmell Museum.  Come explore the art of N. Frances Parker in a new exhibition at the East Amwell Museum!  Free, but donations are gratefully accepted. 1pm to 4pm 
For more information visit the East Amwell Township Historical Society's web site


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2ND:  READINGTON MUSEUMS DUTCH CHRISTMAS:  Dutch Sint-Nicolaas Day to be Celebrated at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, .1pm - 4pm:  As a way to honor the Dutch heritage of the 1741 Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, the Readington Museums will be hosting Dutch Sint-Nicolaas Day n Sunday, December 2, 2018 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Sinterklaas will be available for pictures and Colonial musicians, Anne and Ridley Enslow, will perform historic holiday pieces that showcase an historic violin and hammered dulcimer. In addition, historic cooks, Bev Altrath and Arlene Soong will demonstrate authentic 18th century Dutch cooking using the Farmstead’s original open hearth. They plan to make waffles and gingerbread over the open flame. Visitors may also make a pomander ornament to take home, as well as enjoy cider and homemade Dutch cookies. The program is free, but donations are gladly accepted.  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.readingtontwpnj.gov or call 908-236-2327. 



SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2ND:  EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR, 1pm-4:30pm:  Once again, the East Amwell Historical Society has outdone itself by lining up four incredible local homes to present at our 6th Annual Holiday House Tour -- THIS TOUR INCLUDES A SPECIAL VISIT TO THE LANDIS HOUSE IN RINGOES! NOT TO BE MISSED.  This year we will start out at one of the largest Victorian houses in the township. This 1850 house has large rooms, high ceilings and will be totally decorated for the holidays. Next we will travel to a restored barn that has large open spaces, big beams, lots of nooks and crannies and beautiful views.


On to a 1735 home that was recently featured in Country Sampler magazine. This house, originally a general store, is filled with antiques and historic memorabilia that will surely excite everyone entering through its historic front door.
Next stop is the Henry Landis House in downtown Ringoes. This home was on our very first tour and since then every year people have asked to have it on again. Built in 1750, this stone house was at the center of the Revolutionary War and was where General Lafayette recuperated from an illness. You might even see his ghost!
Finally after returning to our cars, people will be invited back to the newly opened East Amwell Museum for refreshments. This is the first year the Museum is decorated for the holidays and will have special exhibits of antique Christmas cards, Angels, and Santa’s. You will also have the opportunity of seeing our current photography show by noted local photographer Nancy Parker. And don’t worry, we will have hot cider and refreshments there to finish your tour.
Space is very limited and this event sells out quickly. Tickets are $25 per person and seats must be paid for in advance. For reservations, please contact Gloria Wargo by email at gloria.wargo@yahoo.com or by calling her at 908-782-1601. Send checks to EAHS, P.O. Box 98, Ringoes, NJ 08551. Buses leave the East Amwell Municipal Building at 1pm and should return by 4:30. From the Municipal Building, people will drive their own vehicles to the Museum for refreshments. Guests should plan to arrive at 12:45 p.m. so they can be checked in and seated, as the bus will leave promptly at 1 p.m.
For more information visit the East Amwell Township Historical Societies Website


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8TH:  UNION FORGE HERITAGE ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: CHRISTMAS TEA AT TURNER HOUSE:  
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What better place to enjoy a Christmas themed Traditional Afternoon Tea  than the Joseph Turner  House decorated in Victorian holiday splendor. Come enjoy a perfect cup of hot tea along with a  wide variety of scones, tea sandwiches and sweet treats. Musical  entertainment, Door Prizes and Raffles will be offered with admission. 12pm to 2pm.  117 Van Syckels road, Hampton.  $40 per person.
Reservations required.
Call 908-892-3949 or email the Union Forge Heritage Association


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9TH:  VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AND CONCERT AT THE HISTORIC JOSEPH TURNER HOUSE:
Join the Union Forge Heritage Association at our home decked out in Victorian Christmas style and enjoy some food, drink and Holiday Cheer!
Professional harpist Mary Cruz of HarpTime will entertain guests by playing the traditional holiday favorites as well as some familiar contemporary tunes.
Bring a non-perishable food item, to be donated to the local Food Pantry, and receive a voucher for a free tour of our Museum anytime in 2019!
3pm-7pm.  Admission $7 per person.  117 Van Syckel’s Road, Hampton NJ 08827
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH:  CHIRSTMAS OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS WITH RIDLEY AND ANNE ENSLOW:  Anne and Ridley Enslow return to the North County Branch Library in Clinton at 2pm, where they will sing songs about Washington Hamilton, Lafayette and other founding fathers, talk about Christmas traditions in the 18th century, and of course, end the show with Christmas carol sing-alongs. Some of the program would would focus on New Years and Twelfth Night, which were bigger holidays than Christmas in the 18th century.   Free. Reservations strongly recommended.  CONTACT: Reference Librarian Dana Neubauer, 730-6135.

NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE RED MILL MUSEUM VILLAGE:


Clinton, NJ: The Red Mill Museum Village is proudly announces the opening of our brand new exhibit: The Sound of the Times: The Michael Molnar Collection
This new exhibit highlights the radio, one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. A collection of antique and vintage radios is on loan to the Museum from collector and radio enthusiast Michael Molnar, who has been collecting for over 30 years. He has co-curated this very special exhibit which traces the evolution of radio and shares stories of the cultural impact it had on society.
For enjoyment, visitors can listen to a radio from over 70 years ago, hearing the sounds of the time. Ever wonder how was radio different from today? Try to tune a radio from a hundred years ago and find out for yourself!  Relive the Golden Age of Radio by visiting this amazing collection, currently on display on the 2nd floor of the Mill through March 2019.
This exhibition was made possible thanks to funding generously provided by the Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation.
For more information including hours and admission, please visit https://theredmill.org/


LOOK FOR THE HUNTERDON 300TH'S (almost complete) 2019 CALENDAR EVENTS TO HIT YOUR IN-BOX IN JANUARY!!!  

HAVE A BLESSED, SAFE, HEALTHY AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON....