Historic Happenings Blog

S aturday, May 4  - Hopewell Township, Mercer County Sheep Shearing On Saturday at Howell Living Farm, Eugene Sheninger of Rockaway Twp. will highlight the program with sheep herding demonstrations.  Sheninger will use Border Collies to work the flock and to introduce visitors to herding techniques. Keeping with the farm's time period, shearers will use hand shears during the sheep shearing demonstrations. Throughout the day, visitors can meet twin lambs and try their hand at spinning wool. Wool products and natural fleeces will be on display and for sale. Baked goods and lunch fare will be available in the visitor center throughout the day. Howell Living Farm represents typical farm life between 1890 and 1910. The farm is operated by the Mercer County Parks Commission. It is located at 70 Wooden's Lane, Lambertville, NJ. For more information. call 609-737-3299 or visit  www.howellfarm.org .

Sunday, April 28 – Union County 1:00 to 4:00, rain or shine Annual Sheep to Shawl Festival Miller-Cory House Museum  614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield     Springtime on an early American farm was the real beginning of the new year, the time when the cycle of seasons began. It brought numerous outdoor chores after the long winter – preparing the fields, building fences, early planting… and sheep shearing.  On Sunday, April 28, follow the sounds of sheep bleating to the Sheep to Shawl Festival at the Miller-Cory House Museum, 614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield. The process of sheep shearing will be demonstrated by a master shearer, using hand shears as was done in early America. The process of turning wool into cloth will continue with demonstrations of spinning and weaving. Visitors may also watch the performance of 18th century farm tasks such as wash day and soap making. Children can enjoy various crafts. An herb sale and a bake sale will be c...

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 publi...

Saturday, April 27  - Morris Township, Morris County Born to Be Shorn On Saturday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township join a fun and unique experience of turning fleece into woolen fiber. Watch a live sheep shearing as it was done in the past without electricity, enjoy hands-on activities, such as weaving, spinning, and crafting. Meet the cute baby lambs and tour The Willows. Admission: $8 for adults; $7 for seniors (65+); $6 for children ages 3 – 16. FREE for children under age 3. Friends members half price with a current membership card. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is located at 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown, NJ. For more information, call 973-326-7645 or visit  www.morrisparks.net .