Monmouth County - Holmdel - Wool Days Sheep Shearing Spring Festival Celebration @ Historic Longstreet Farms


Saturday - Sunday, 27 - 28 - Holmdel, Monmouth County
Wool Days Spring Festival Celebration


For more than 400 years, the arrival of spring in Monmouth County has been celebrated through community gatherings centered around the making of wool, and woolen textiles, from sheep. As both a matter of self-reliance and survival as well as a commercial venture, the role of domesticated sheep and wool-making in the 13 colonies was so important that the number of sheep in North America grew from 400 head in 1630 to more than 100,000 in just ten years.

The Monmouth County Historical Association, in partnership with the Monmouth County Park System, is continuing this seasonal tradition at the 2019 Wool Days, where families can enjoy an immersive experience and learn “by doing” how our ancestors made wool from sheep here in New Jersey in colonial times. Wool Days is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Holmdel Park, from 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm.  All events are open to the public and admission is free.

Wool Days begins at Historic Longstreet Farm, where the resident sheep will be shorn of their winter coats, in the age-old springtime custom. Following demonstrations of canine shepherding skills and the techniques of veteran shearers, participants can take a wagon ride to the Holmes-Hendrickson House, built in 1754, located a half-mile away. 

There, costumed interpreters will demonstrate spinning and weaving practices from the 18th century, while visitors can take a turn at the loom, pitch in and “card” recently cropped wool, and learn the art of indigo dyeing, creating a unique keepsake to take home. Docents will conduct tours of Holmes-Hendrickson House, a rare surviving example of Georgian and Dutch vernacular architecture that illustrates 18th century everyday farm life in Monmouth County.

Holmes-Hendrickson House is located at 62 Longstreet Road and Longstreet Farm at 44 Longstreet Road both in Holmdel, NJ. Wool Days activities at Holmes-Hendrickson House will take place rain or shine. Please check with Longstreet Farm, 732-946-3758, for any schedule changes there due to inclement weather.

Monmouth County Historical Association is a private non-profit organization that has been working to preserve history and provide educational opportunities since its founding in 1898. The Historical Association’s Museum and Library is located at 70 Court Street in Freehold, NJ. Museum hours are: Tuesdays - Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Library is open Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Historic House museums are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from May 1 through September 30, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For further information about the Association, call 732-462-1466 or visit www.monmouthhistory.org.
Location: 44 Longstreet Rd, Holmdel, NJ 07733, USA

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