Historic Happenings Blog

Sunday, November 24 – Union County 2:00 to 4:00     “Thanksgiving Dinner Demonstration & 18th-Century Table Customs” Miller-Cory House Museum, 614 Mountain Avenue, Westfield       A special day of thanks has been part of the American tradition since 1621. The Miller-Cory House Museum cooks will demonstrate the preparation of an early American Thanksgiving feast over the museum’s open-hearth fire, using colonial recipes and seasonal ingredients.  (Please note that this is a demonstration only; dinner is not being served.) Proper colonial dining also requires proper table customs.  The program includes a presentation on authentic early American manners, place settings, and other interesting “table-top traditions.”  Docents will be available to guide visitors through the restored, fully furnished colonial-era farmhouse. Admission is $5 ages 13 and older; $3 ages 3-12, and free age 2 and younger. 908-23...

Sunday, November 24  - Farmingdale, Monmouth County Early 19th Century Thanksgiving Celebrate an early 19th Century Thanksgiving with the villagers of James P. Allaire's Howell Iron Works Company on Sunday between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm! The historic homes, craft shops, and retail buildings will be open to welcome you for a special "Day of Thanks." Starting at 11:00 am, a special program at the historic chapel, craft demonstrations (blacksmith, tinsmith, carpentry, leather-making, and more), cooking at the Manager's House over its 18th-century open hearth, and other special activities for adults and children. The Bakery, General Store, and Enameling Building's Museum Store will be open for early holiday shopping. Additional early 19th century period cooking and other activities to "give thanks" will be spread throughout the village! This event is FREE. Tractor and wagon rides will also be happening at the event from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. The rides will be bo...

Sunday, November 17 - Morris Township, Morris County Thanksgiving Harvest Home and Armistice Observance Step back in time and celebrate Thanksgiving and Armistice Day in 1918 at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm from 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm. Begin by following the enticing aromas to The Willows and Farmhouse kitchens where a Thanksgiving feast is being prepared. While the harvest has been gathered, there is still much to do on the farm. Help husk corn saw the wood that is needed for winter heating and cooking, and make animal food with the one-cylinder gasoline engine operation. Be sure to take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the farm, visit the farm animals, and assist with egg collection. The Armistice, or cease-fire that officially stopped the carnage of WWI, went into effect in Europe on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 am. Over the years, Armistice Day, later named Veterans Day, has honored the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces. At 1:00 pm, join in a special program ...