Historic Happenings Blog

Hunters of the Sky: Live Owl and Raptor Presentation Freneau Woods Park 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747 Fri, Jul 31, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM (all ages) Enjoy an up-close view into the fascinating lives of raptors. Meet a live owl and raptors common to New Jersey brought to us from Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the behaviors and adaptations that make owls different from other raptors. One Session $12.00 Per Person

Sunset Kayak Tour of the Manasquan Reservoir Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center      331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 Fri, Jul 31, 2020, 6:30-8:00 PM (ages 10 and up, under 18 with adult) Enjoy the sunset from the water on this relaxing, naturalist-guided kayak tour of the Manasquan Reservoir. We will meet at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center and launch into the Reservoir in sit-on-top kayaks. While on the water we will keep an eye out for herons, eagles, and osprey while discussing local history and ecology. Be sure to wear clothes that can get wet, and don’t forget insect repellent and water! One Session $25.00 Per Person

Butterflies in Our Gardens Tour Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center     331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 Fri, Jul 31, 2020, 11:00-11:45 AM (adults) Butterflies abound in beautiful gardens at the parks! These flying jewels are exciting to see and fun to identify. Bring your cameras! Closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Walks may be a mile or more and some paths are unpaved. The program may be cancelled due to rain. Call 732-751-9453 for more information. One Session $2.00 Per Person

Drop-In Local Nature Lecture Series (adults): Toads of Monmouth County Freneau Woods Park 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747    Thursday, July 30, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM Join us for a series of eye-opening talks by Park System Naturalists to discover what’s lurking in the coastal waters of Monmouth County. The presentations are designed to inform the public of current issues, ecology, and science research, and to inspire an appreciation for the local natural world. Toads tend to be reclusive little creatures, often lurking unnoticed for much of the year. As a result, most people have a poor understanding of the life of these amazing amphibians, from tadpoles to toads. Join us as we learn more about the livelihood of these apprehensive amphibians, warts and all.

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Thursday, July 30, 2020, 3:30-4:30 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Enviro-Quest Shark River Park Shelter Building 1101 Schoolhouse Road, Wall, NJ 07753   Thursday, July 30, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages) Don’t know what to do on a weekday this summer break? Why not seek out some nature fun. Follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the Park System Naturalist is waiting. Once you are there you can join in a walk, activities, crafts, or games for 30-60 minutes of nature fun. Activities could include meeting a live animal, finding hidden treasure, discovering incredible parts of a flower, creating artwork with natural materials, or participating in a fun nature-themed game. You bring your sense of adventure and we’ll bring the rest! For additional details please call 732-751-9453.

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 3:00-4:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Manasquan Reservoir   Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center 331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 2:30-3:30 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Tidal Tuesdays - Seine the Cove Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan 383 3rd Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Tue, Jul 28, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Looking for some Tuesday fun by the shore? Stop by Fisherman’s Cove and join a Park System Naturalist and take part in a free seining program to see what creatures may be found swimming along Fisherman’s Cove. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull in our seine net. Seining portion runs for approximately 30-45 minutes. Please Note: • Closed-toe shoes are required. • The program will not run during inclement weather. • Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. • No swimming during the event. • This program is designed for individuals and families. No large groups, please. Additional Tidal Tuesday Activities Discover exciting things about nature and our coastal habitats with a fun nature activity before our drop-in seining begins!...

Cookstove Demonstration Historic Longstreet Farm 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel 07733 Saturday, July 25, 2020, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM (all ages) Stop by the out kitchen to see what’s cooking on the wood-fired stove. Discover how recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchens have changed since the 1890s.

Butterflies in Our Gardens Tour Huber Woods Park 25 Brown's Dock Road, Locust (Middletown Twp.), NJ 07760  Fri, Jul 24, 2020, 11:00-11:45 AM (adults) Butterflies abound in beautiful gardens at the parks! These flying jewels are exciting to see and fun to identify. Bring your cameras! Closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Walks may be a mile or more and some paths are unpaved. The program may be cancelled due to rain. Call 732-751-9453 for more information. One Session $2.00 Per Person

Enviro-Quest Freneau Woods Park Vis Ctr Parking Lot 360 Monastary Lane, Aberdeen Township, NJ 07747     Thursday, July 23, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages) Don’t know what to do on a weekday this summer break? Why not seek out some nature fun. Follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the Park System Naturalist is waiting. Once you are there you can join in a walk, activities, crafts, or games for 30-60 minutes of nature fun. Activities could include meeting a live animal, finding hidden treasure, discovering incredible parts of a flower, creating artwork with natural materials, or participating in a fun nature-themed game. You bring your sense of adventure and we’ll bring the rest! For additional details please call 732-751-9453.

Tidal Tuesdays - Seine the Cove Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan 383 3rd Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Tue, Jul 21, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Looking for some Tuesday fun by the shore? Stop by Fisherman’s Cove and join a Park System Naturalist and take part in a free seining program to see what creatures may be found swimming along Fisherman’s Cove. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull in our seine net. Seining portion runs for approximately 30-45 minutes. Please Note: • Closed-toe shoes are required. • The program will not run during inclement weather. • Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. • No swimming during the event. • This program is designed for individuals and families. No large groups, please. Additional Tidal Tuesday Activities Discover exciting things about nature and our coastal habitats with a fun nature activity before our drop-in seining begins!...

Chair Caning: Weaving a Pretty Seat Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Rd, Allentown, NJ 08501 Sunday, July 19, 2020, 1:00-4:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Chairs with caned seats are elegant, comfortable and cool. Be inspired to learn a new skill, restore a favorite chair or simply gain an appreciation of the craft. Brendan McConville will demonstrate the process and share a bit of the history of this furniture style at Historic Walnford.

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s at Longstreet Farm Monmouth County Park System 44 Longstreet Rd Holmdel 07733 Saturday, July 18, 2020, 1:00-3:00 PM REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED AGE RANGE:  All Ages FREE CALL:   WEBSITE MORE DETAILS:   n the mid-19th century, the accordion became a favorite of folk musicians. Enjoy the melodies as you visit the farmhouse. FREE! In the mid-19th century, the accordion became a favorite of folk musicians. Enjoy the melodies as you visit the farmhouse. FREE!

Canoe Rentals at Thompson Park Thompson Park, Marlu Lake 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft, NJ 07738 Saturday and Sunday,  July 18 & 19 , 2020, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM (ages 3 and up, under 18 with adult) Rent a canoe for a relaxing paddle on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; a limited number of canoes available. Cost: $15 per boat for 1-3 people for 2 hours of canoeing (cash or check only). Rental Available from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. All rentals must be returned by 3:00 PM.

Butterflies in Our Gardens Tour Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center     331 Georgia Tavern Road, Howell 07731 Fri, Jul 17, 2020, 11:00-11:45 AM (adults) Butterflies abound in beautiful gardens at the parks! These flying jewels are exciting to see and fun to identify. Bring your cameras! Closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Walks may be a mile or more and some paths are unpaved. The program may be cancelled due to rain. Call 732-751-9453 for more information. One Session $2.00 Per Person

Drop-In Local Nature Lecture Series (adults): Dolphins Facts & Tales Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Thursday, July 16, 2020, 7:00-8:00 PM Join us for a series of eye-opening talks by Park System Naturalists to discover what’s lurking in the coastal waters of Monmouth County. The presentations are designed to inform the public of current issues, ecology, and science research, and to inspire an appreciation for the local natural world. There are varieties of beautiful dolphins that can be found swimming along the shores of Monmouth County. Come join a park naturalist to find out the ecology associated with these delightful marine mammals. This presentation is a great opportunity to learn about the dolphins found in area waters. The talk will address the importance of dolphins to the local marine ecosystem, the factors which are affecting their survival, and ways you can help.

Sunset Kayak Tour of the Navesink Hartshorne Woods Claypit Creek Parking Lot 239 Locust Ave, Locust, NJ 07760 Thu, Jul 16, 2020, 6:30-8:30 PM (ages 10 and up, under 18 with adult) Enjoy the sunset from the water on this leisurely, naturalist-guided kayak tour of the Navesink River. While on the water we will keep an eye out for herons, egrets, and osprey while discussing local history and ecology. Be sure to wear clothes that can get wet, and don’t forget insect repellent and water! One Session $35 Per Person

Enviro-Quest Big Brook Park Dock 521 Route 520, Marlboro, NJ 07746 Thursday, July 16, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages) Don’t know what to do on a weekday this summer break? Why not seek out some nature fun. Follow the Enviro-Quest signs to where the Park System Naturalist is waiting. Once you are there you can join in a walk, activities, crafts, or games for 30-60 minutes of nature fun. Activities could include meeting a live animal, finding hidden treasure, discovering incredible parts of a flower, creating artwork with natural materials, or participating in a fun nature-themed game. You bring your sense of adventure and we’ll bring the rest! For additional details please call 732-751-9453.

Casual Birder @ Crosswicks Creek Park  Crosswicks Creek Park (meet in the parking area across from 4 Polhemustown Rd.) 4 Polhemustown Road, Allentown, NJ 08501 Thursday, July 16, 2020, at 9:00 AM (ages 8 and up, under 18 with adult) Join a Park System Naturalist for a leisurely walk on well-maintained trails in our parks. We will explore a different park each session as we discuss seasonal points of interest, search for signs of wildlife, and identify a bird or two. This is a free 1 1/2-2 hour program, but feel free to join in or drop out at any point during the walk. Dress for the weather as light rain and snow are not deterrents. Hit the trails with us at 9:00 AM

Twilight Firefly Hike Big Brook Park 521 Route 520, Marlboro, NJ 07746 Tuesday, July 14, 2020 (all ages, under 18 with adult) The twinkling lights of summer nights invite us to explore the magic around us. Join us for a family-friendly adventure along easy trails. We will use all our senses to search for fireflies and other creatures that make their homes in our parks. Bring your own flashlight to help light your way.

Tidal Tuesdays - Seine the Cove Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan 383 3rd Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Tue, Jul 14, 2020, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM (all ages, under 18 with adult) Looking for some Tuesday fun by the shore? Stop by Fisherman’s Cove and join a Park System Naturalist and take part in a free seining program to see what creatures may be found swimming along Fisherman’s Cove. Discover a variety of fish, crabs, and other sea creatures as we pull in our seine net. Seining portion runs for approximately 30-45 minutes. Please Note: • Closed-toe shoes are required. • The program will not run during inclement weather. • Parents or guardians are required to stay with and supervise their children. • No swimming during the event. • This program is designed for individuals and families. No large groups, please. Additional Tidal Tuesday Activities Discover exciting things about nature and our coastal habitats with a fun nature activity before our drop-in seining begins!...

Co-Ed Open Basketball - 20 & up Fort Monmouth Rec Ctr Gym A Mondays, June 1-August 31, 6:00-8:00 PM Mondays, March 2-May 18, 2020, 8:00-10:00 PM Mondays, January 13-February 24, 2020, 8:00-10:00 PM Mon, Sep 9-Oct 28 8:00-10:00 PM Mon, Nov 18-Jan 6 8:00-10:00 PM Mon, Jun 3-Aug 26 8:00-10:00 PM Mon, Apr 29-May 20 8:00-10:00 PM Mon, Mar 4-Apr 22 8:00-10:00 PM  Mon, Sep 10-Dec 3 8:00-10:00 PM Mon, Dec 10-Feb 25 8:00-10:00 PM  No class 12/24, 12/31, 1/21, 2/18 (ages 20 and up) Looking for a place to play some hoops but don’t want the commitment of a structured league? This basketball program is open to men and women. The emphasis of this program is exercise and fun. Prefer to just drop in? Eight Sessions $40.00 Per Person Drop by for one session for $5.00 (cash or check only)

Drop-In Kayak Tours @ Swimming River Park Swimming River Park, Red Bank 475 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701 Monday, July 13, 2020, 1:00-2:00 PM (ages 12 and up, under 18 with participating adult) The Park System is offering kayak nature tours of both the beautiful Swimming River and Manasquan Reservoir. Novice paddlers welcome. All equipment is provided. Both single and tandem kayaks are available for use on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is limited to only 12 participants. Wear appropriate clothing that can get wet. Weight limit 250 lbs. for singles; 450 lbs. for tandems. Fee: $20 per person (cash or check only; no pre-registration required). All tours depart on time.

Princeton, Mercer County Historic Princeton Walking Tour Enjoy a 1.9 mile, two-hour walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Bainbridge House, Nassau Hall, the University Chapel, and Palmer Square. The early history of Princeton, the founding of the University, and the American Revolution are just some of the stories from Princeton’s history that you will learn on your tour. Admission: $7 per adult; $4 children ages 6 to 12; free for children age 5 and under. Tours begin in front of the Bainbridge House, 158 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ. Tour begins at 2:00 pm and ends at 4:00 pm. Walk up ticket sales are cash only; guides cannot provide change. Space is limited. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 609-921-6748 or visit  www.princetonhistory.org . When : Every Sunday throughout the year (except major holidays; weather permitting) Start time: 2 PM.  Themed History Walks are offered t...

SUNDAYS Historic Seabrook-Wilson House Tours Sundays, through October 25, 1:00-4:00 PM Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758 Ever wondered what it looks like inside that mysterious white building by the bay? Now is your chance to find out as the historic Seabrook-Wilson House opens its doors for informal tours. The Seabrook-Wilson House dates back to the early 1700s and is one of the oldest homes along the Jersey shore. The house includes displays on the ecology of the bay and local history.  Enjoy views of New York City and the beauty of Sandy Hook Bay while visiting this celebrated house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

SUNDAYS Open Pool Time at Fort Monmouth Rec Center Monmouth County Park System Fort Monmouth Rec Center 2566 Guam Lane Tinton Falls 07724 Pool Season May 23 to September 7 Mondays - 7:30 am to 9:00 am; and, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesdays - 7:30 am to 9:00 am; and, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesdays - 7:30 am to 9:00 am; and, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursdays - 7:30 am to 9:00 am; and, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday - 7:30 am to 9:00 am; and, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED AGE RANGE:  All Ages CALL:  (732) 842-4000, ext. 4312 WEBSITE Pool Fees: Daily Pass Weekdays: Family (up to 4 people) - $20 Single - $7 Daily Pass Weekends & Holidays: Family (up to 4 people) - $30 Single - $10 Monthly Pass: Family (up to 4 people) - $100 Single - $60 Season Pass: Family (up to 4 people) - $200 Single - $100 EARLY BIRD WORKOUT Monday-Friday, 7:30-9 a.m. Get a workout by swimming o...

History Kids Club- July Workshop History Kids Club - Experience History "Hands-On!" About this Event History Kids Club is designed for children ages 5-12 years old, who want to experience history first hand and learn the different trades, tasks and lifestyles of an 1830s Howell Iron Works villager. The club will meet monthly for history centered workshops where children can complete a fun and educational activity that represents an element of life in the 19th century. After completing multiple workshops, children earn a History Kids patch and the opportunity to work toward becoming a mentor for other History Kids! Parents are encouraged to stay and assist their child in the activities. July: Learn how to make your own paper! Tickets are $10 per person Tickets are non-refundable Space is limited! Register early! Facebook Facebook Messenger LinkedIn Twitter email Date And Time Sun, July 12, 2020 10:00 AM...