Historic Happenings Blog

Saturday, February 15 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County Valentine's Day Rides, Music, and Silhouettes   The air may be chilly, but Howell Living Farm's wintery landscape is the perfect setting for a heartwarming Valentine's Day ride. Couples can take a romantic spin in a two-seater sleigh or carriage pulled by a team of light workhorses. Families and groups can snuggle into a bobsled or hay wagon pulled by a handsome team of drafts. No matter the hitch, the horses will be wearing their finest bells. The site is open from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Inside the farmhouse there will be live music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, soup on the stove, and a children's craft program from 11:00 - 3:00 pm for a small materials fee. In the Charles Fish Barn, renowned artist Lauren Muney will be demonstrating the elegant process of cutting silhouettes by hand—and talking with visitors about the history of this traditional craft. Individual portraits can be purchased to benefit the far...

Historical Valentines Historic Walnford 62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501 Saturday & Sunday, February 8 & 9, 2020, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (ages 10 and up) Elegant, simple or elaborate, humorous, even insulting cards are part of Valentine’s Day history. View samples of historical 19th century Valentines at Walnford and make your own heartfelt, carefully crafted card to send to your true love using our wide array of historically inspired materials. Open to ages 10 and up.   This event will take place at Historic Walnford from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. While there, visit the large, elegant Walnford home built in 1774, the 19th century gristmill and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road, 08501. For more information, call 609-259-6275 or visit  www.monmouthcountyparks.com .

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February 15-16 – Ocean County Lady Magpie's Tea & Curiosities Valentine-Themed Tea Captain's House  February 15 & 16, 12 noon - 5pm      Tired of the cold? Warm up with a hot cup of tea and some Valentine-themed treats at Lady Magpie's Tea & Curiosities at the Captain's House on February 15 or 16. Lady Magpie's is open Fridays and Saturdays each week between noon and 5pm.  Tuckerton Seaport, Main Street, Tuckerton

Saturday, February 16 - Hopewell Township, Mercer County Valentine Sleigh/Wagon Rides The incurably romantic can warm-up for Valentine's Day at Howell Farm from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. For our married or courtin' folks, we offer the Farms circa 1900 horse-drawn sleigh (or carriage) for rides.  Families and groups will enjoy a horse-drawn bobsled (or wagon) ride. Weather permitting rides are offered free, on a first come, first serve basis. Hot chocolate and a hand-warming fire are among the outdoor amenities. Visitors can purchase cakes, cookies, and other delights, as well as hearty lunch fare in the Visitor Center. Valentine treats will be available for purchase to eat at the farm or to take home for that special someone. Howell Living Farm represents a 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....

Thursday, February 14 -- Atlantic County Valentine’s Day Group Vow Renewal Ceremony at Absecon Light   THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14 TH  AT 6PM with champagne toast & dancing to ROMANTIC LIVE MUSIC Absecon Lighthouse is hosting its annual “Evening of Romance & Renewal” on Valentine's Day, Thursday, February 14 th . Couples are invited to take part in a group Vow Renewal ceremony by a non-denominational minister in the Keeper's Cottage at 6pm, followed by a champagne toast of congratulations and romantic dancing to the beautiful sounds of classic songs and standards, performed by vocalist Lisa Camp and her keyboardist. What better way to set the mood for a romantic dinner out in Atlantic City afterward? Plus, couples are being offered a special King Bedroom rate of $49 at the Golden Nugget for this special evening and have a chance to win a future overnight stay and dinner at the Golden Nugget. A donation minimum of $40 per couple includes the ceremony,...

Thursday, February 14 -- Mercer County VALENTINE PARTY STORYTIME 11:00 a.m. Join us as we read  The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Party  by Jan Berenstain. We’ll also have a Valentine’s Day party of our own, creating a Valentine craft to take home and share.  All materials and a take-home treat provided. Bring along your favorite storytime blanket to sit on. https://morvenmuseum.squarespace.com/storytime $10 for two adults with up to 3 children; Free with Morven’s  Family Membership Ages 2 to 6

Galentine's Day Party Wednesday, February 13 Leslie Knope said it best -- "What's Galentine's Day? Only the BEST day of the year!" And that, ladies, it is! Grab your girlfriends and join us for a fun evening of snacking, drinking champagne and wine, and crafting Galentine's Day cards.  It's a great night out and an opportunity for all gals to celebrate their friendships with other gals! Must be 21 years or older to attend. Program Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Program Fee: $25.00 per person, $20.00 for museum members/Kean Alumni. Reservations required by February 8 Make a Reservation CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION Please call  908-527-0400  or email  libertyhall@kean.edu

Saturday-Sunday, February 9-10 – Passaic County Saturday - Sunday, February 9  - 10 - Paterson, Passaic County Valentine Craft at Lambert Castle A little history and fun for the whole family! The Passaic County Historical Society is offering a free craft activity for children of all ages on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Lambert Castle, home of the Passaic County Historical Society. Learn about early Valentine cards and the evolution of the holiday and also have a chance to make your own Victorian-style Valentine. This activity is free with regular museum admission. The activity will be ongoing throughout the museum's open hours. Passaic County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was founded to cultivate interest among individuals and the community-at-large in the rich history of Passaic County. To this end, our museum in Lambert Castle showcases examples of the County's cultural and artistic diversity, as well as examples of the County's natural, civ...

Friday, February 8 – Passaic County      The Passaic County Historical Society is now taking reservations for its Valentine’s Day Masquerade ball scheduled for Friday, February 8 th ,  from 7 pm to 11 pm at Lambert Castle (3 Valley Road, Paterson NJ).  Grab a mask and join us at Lambert Castle for some dancing and fun. Desserts will be served and a cash bar will be available. Semi-formal attire requested, and mask required. Tickets are $25 per person. No one under twenty-one years will be admitted. Reservations required by February 4th. To make reservations please call (973)247-0085, ext 201.     Passaic County Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded to cultivate interest among individuals and the community-at-large in the rich history of Passaic County. To this end, our museum in Lambert Castle showcases examples of the County’s cultural and artistic diversity, as well as examples of the County’s natural, civil, military...

Storytime Ages 3 to 6 $10; Free with Family membership Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. January 14: Valentine Party Storytime Join us as we read  The   Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Party  by Jan Berenstain. We’ll also have a Valentine’s Day party of our own, creating a Valentine craft to take home and share. All materials and take-home treat provided. Bring along your favorite storytime blanket to sit on.