Historic Happenings Blog

Saturday, December 7 - Fair Lawn, Bergen County Dutch Christmas Garretson Forge and Farm will its annual Dutch Christmas celebration on Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, replete with Sinter Klaas, baked goods, craft tables, and craft demonstrations. Admission is free. The Garretson, one of the oldest historic sites in Bergen County, was home to six generations of the Garretson family and remains a rare surviving example of simple farming life that was prevalent in the 1700s and 1800s. The Forge and Farm are located at 4-02 River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ. For more information, call 551-206-4380 or 201-797-7545 or visit  www.garretsonfarm.org .

December 5-14 – Passaic County     Celebrate Holidays of New Jersey’s Past at Van Riper-Hopper House Museum, recreating Dutch holiday traditions from 1786 to 1928 when the Van Riper-Hopper family lived in the house.  Admission is $4 adult; $3 senior citizens; $1 child, and free to active military and five family members. 533 Berdan Ave., Wayne, NJ  www.waynetownship.com  973-694-7192. December 5 through 14 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Sunday, December 2 - River Edge, Bergen County Sinter Klaas Day Enjoy Jersey Dutch holiday treats, refreshments, and a visit with Sinter Klaas in the restored tavern in Campbell-Christie House, 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ, on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. See open-hearth cooking in authentic Jersey Dutch Out Kitchen. All three Jersey-Dutch sandstone houses are open for tours. For that special holiday gift, browse unique historical gift shop. We have a children's pine cone bird feeder and ornament workshop throughout the afternoon. For that special holiday gift, browse the unique historical gift shop.  Live Christmas trees will be available for purchase. Event parking in parking lot across street. Free admission. For more information, call 201-343-9492 or visit  www.bergencountyhistory.org .

Sunday, December 2 - Readington Township, Hunterdon County Dutch Sint-Nikolaas Day to be Celebrated at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead As a way to honor the Dutch heritage of the 1741 Bouman-Stickney Farmstead, the Readington Museums will be hosting Dutch Sint-Nikolaas Day on Sunday. The program runs continuously between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. Dutch Sinterklass 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. This program is held at the Bouman-Stickney Farmstead in the Stanton section of Readington, GPS address: 114 Dreahook Road Lebanon NJ 08833. Alt...