ROUND-UP: May 2010 (Updated 5/12!)

May 1 QUEENS DAY @ MEADOWS' VAN WICKLE HOUSE
May 1 MINI HISTORY FAIR @ ABRAHAM STAATS HOUSE
May 1 KINGSTON GREENWAYS 2ND CLEAN-UP DAY--FREE
May 2 GUIDED WALK THRU MURQUAND PARK--FREE
May 8 MAY IN OLD MONTGOMERY HOUSE TOUR
May 9 MIGRANT, BREEDING BIRDS GRASSLAND WALK--FREE
May 15 WASHINGTON, ROCHAMBEAU ROUTE THRU NJ
May 17 MEADOWS FOUNDATION OPEN BOARD MEETING
May 29 WALKING TOUR OF VICTORIAN SOMERVILLE--FREE

CLICK HERE to treat Mom to membership in one of the wonderful organizations that sponsor these exciting historical and environmental events!

CLICK HERE to read about the British raids on the Millstone Valley in an authentic 1777 edition of the London Chronicle recently acquired for the Kells Swan museum collection at Washington Crossing State Park!

CLICK HERE to find out how you can have your private or corporate event in a beautifully restored historic house!

MAY 29: Walking Tour of Victorian Somerville!

The Heritage Trail Association is proud to sponsor a guided walking tour around one of Somerville's most interesting and beautiful historic neighborhoods!

DATE: Saturday, May 29, 2010
TIME: Tours form at 10:00AM, 11:00AM, & 12:00AM
MEET: The Immaculate Conception Church (in front)
Mountain Ave & West High St., Somerville
DONATION: $5.00 Donation greatly appreciated
INFO: info@heritagetrail.org
(732) 356-8856

Beginning in the first half of the 19th Century, Somerville became a fashionable summer retreat for families from New York, many of whom became permanent residents of the elegant summer homes they built. A number of these fine old homes have been restored to their original architectural style, including Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Second Empire, and Gothic Revival. The guided tour will offer you the opportunity to learn more about these styles, as well as the lives and times of the period.

The Victorian Somerville Walking Tour takes about an hour and a half at a gentle pace and will be restricted to the sidewalk.

MAY 17: Meadows Foundation Open Board Meeting at the Van Wickle House

This meeting of the Meadows Foundation Board of Directors is open to the public!

DATE: Monday, May 17, 2010
TIME: 7:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset

Why not become a member of the Meadows Foundation or volunteer and get in on all the fun? OR, become a fan of the Meadows Foundation on Facebook?

MAY 15: Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Through New Jersey in 1781!

The Meadows Foundation is pleased to invite you to an exciting talk by Dr. Robert Selig, historian and expert on the role of French forces under the Comte de Rochambeau during the American Revolutionary War!

DATE: Saturday, May 15, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset
TKTS: $10.00/person
RSVP: MeadowsReserve@aol.com
(732) 560-1977

Dr. Selig will discuss the 1781 Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (W3R) through NJ, which stretched along the entire west side of Franklin Township. He currently serves as project historian to the National Park Services for the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail Project. Historians and history enthusiasts won't want to miss this talk!

Why not become a member of the Meadows Foundation or volunteer and get in on all the fun? OR, become a fan of the Meadows Foundation on Facebook?

MAY 9: Franklin Township Migrant & Breeding Birds Grasslands Walk

Please join the New Jersey Audubon Society for a two-hour walk through the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve to watch the beautiful migrant birds as they return to NJ and breeding sites as far north as Canada!

DATE: Sunday, May 9, 2010
TIME: 8:00AM to 10:00AM
MEET: Parking Lot, 1091 Canal Road
BRING: Comfortable walking shoes/boots; Weather-appropriate clothing
Suggested: Binoculars, Camera, Bird & Trail Guides, Friends & Families
INFO: John Loos, (732) 422-4326
NJ Audubon Society, (908) 873-9571

This event is FREE and NO Pre-Registration is Required!

Early May provides the ideal opportunity for wildlife and nature enthusiasts to see both migrant birds returning to NJ and passing through en route to points farther north! This leisurely tw0-hour walk through the Griggstown Native Grassland Preserve will be on mostly level terrain, and therefore appropriate for a variety of fitness levels. The preserve was one of two grassland habitats that were established through the cooperation of the NJ Audubon Society and Franklin Township. A 102-acre section of the property was plowed and planted with native grasses and wildflowers intended to provide habitat for birds that require grasslands for breeding.

MAY 8: May in Old Montgomery: Step Back in Time in Rocky Hill!

Why not celebrate Mother's Day weekend by taking Mom on a tour of unique and interesting homes in beautiful Old Montgomery?



DATE: Saturday, May 8, 2010 [Rain or Shine]
TIME: 10:00AM to 3:00PM
TKTS: $18.00 in advance, by mail (postmarked by May 5) or in person at Robinson's Fine Candies
* $20.00 day of, at the Rocky Hill Reformed Church
* Please see ticket order form below.
* Please make checks payable to the Van Harlingen Historical Society.
INFO: (908) 874-4820

History comes alive with May in Montgomery, the Van Harlingen Historical Society's most popular annual event! This years theme will recall the days before the village of Rocky Hill became independent borough in 1889, and was still part of 315-year-old Montgomery Township.

All the homes open to visitors on this self-guided tour will showcase the owners' efforts to preserve their 19th century charm!

Local eateries will offer special lunch offerings, you will find their ad and a discount coupon in the event's program book!

Please consider becoming a Friend of May in Montgomery or a member of the VHHS, and help them continue to sponsor exciting historical programs and maintaining their treasured buildings: the Dirck Gulick House, the Farm Museum, and the Bedensville Schoolhouse. Your name will be prominently listed in the program!

Click on Image of Ticket Order Form
To Enlarge and Print Out

MAY 2: Guided Walk Through Princeton's Marquand Park!

Please join Kingston Greenways Association member Roland Machold for a fascinating guided walk through the arboretum and recreation areas of this very special treasure, Marquand Park!

DATE: Sunday, May 2, 2010
TIME: 1:00PM until about 2:00PM
MEET: Junction of Stockton Street (Route 206) & Lovers' Lane
Parking is off Lover's Lane, Princeton
BRING: Optional picnic lunch to enjoy before or after leisurely walk

Judge Richard Field originally purchased a this property as 30 acre farm in 1842. Impressed by the horticultural discoveries of 19th century explorers and the landscaping of the great estates of England, he began the collection of trees and shrubs. This collection was continued by the subsequent owner, Professor Allan Marquand who purchased the property in 1885. In 1954, Prof. Marquand's wife Eleanor bequeathed it to the Borough of Princeton.

The park's 173 varieties of trees and shrubs, including spruces, firs, cedars, oaks, magnolias, tulips, ash and maples, as well as rarities such as the franklinia and the dove tree, are maintained by the Marquand Park Foundation, whose Chairman Is Kingston's own Sam deTuro of Woodwinds.

MAY 1: Kingston Greenways' Second Clean-Up!

Clean-Up #1 was such a wonderful success, now please join the Kingston Greenways for Clean-Up #2, another afternoon of fresh air, sunshine, fellowship, and a well-deserved Day of Beauty for the Cook Natural Area!

DATE: Saturday, May 1, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM to 4:00PM
MEET: Cook Natural Area Parking Lot
Junction of Heathcote Brook Road & Ridge Road, South Brunswick
INFO: (609) 924-3399

Clean-Up #2 will focus on the Cook Natural Area, and the parts of the Green Belt that adjoin Ridge Road, Division Street, and Mapleton Road in South Brunswick Township.

South Brunswick Township will supply the bags, gloves, and safety vests, but please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

MAY 1: Mini History Fair at the Abraham Staats House!

Please join the Friends of the Abraham Staats House for a fascinating Mini State History Fair celebrating the exciting heritage of historic New Jersey!

DATE: Saturday, May 1, 2010
TIME: 10:00AM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
TKTS: Tours of the Staats House, $7.00/Adults, $3.00/Children under 12
Admission to grounds & parking are free!
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

Come experience New Jersey heritage first hand as historical organizations and re-enactors bring four centuries of local history to life! Participating organizations, performers, and presenters include:

• The Long Hill String Band, a 5 piece acoustic band, will play fun, old-timey music throughout the day!

• The New Jersey Militia/Heard's Brigade and Outwater's Militia will set up camp and demonstrate what life was like for American militia during the time of the American Revolution!

• Arthur Lefkowitz, prominent New Jersey historian and author, will discuss his notable works which include The Long Retreat: The Calamitous American Defense of New Jersey, George Washington’s Indispensable Men, Bushnell’s Submarine: The Best Kept Secret of the American Revolution, and Benedict Arnold’s Army: The 1775 American Invasion of Canada.

• Harrison Brook Farm operators will discuss agricultural history, preservation and sustainable farming, and will also have plants for sale.

• The Hunterdon County Historical Society will exhibit artifacts that contrast historic and current lifestyles. Since 1885, the Hunterdon County Historical Society has collected and preserved Hunterdon’s social and material culture and shares it through its c.1845 Doric House museum and genealogical research library

• Somerset County Historical Organizations participating for the day will include the Somerset County Cultural and Historic Commission, Somerset County Historical Society and the Van Veghten House, Heritage Trail Association, and the Women's Guild of South Bound Brook.

• New Jersey Fire Museum - Help support their plans for the museum and the memorial for the fallen firefighters of New Jersey.

ATTENTION RE-ENACTORS, SUTLERS, & EXHIBITORS! Disappointed in the cancellation of the "Spirit of the Jersey's History Faire"? Your participation is very welcome at the Mini New Jersey State History Fair at the Abraham Staats House! Click here for registration information, and/or call (732) 469-5836, or email bkfaulks@gmail.com.

MAY 1: Queen's Day Returns to the Meadows!

The Meadows Foundation--Stewards of Early Dutch & American Heritage--welcomes you to celebrate Koninginnedag, the birthday of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands!


DATE: Saturday, May 1, 1020
TIME: 11:00AM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Van Wickle House
1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset
SUGGESTED DONATION: $5.00 per Carload

Family-Fun-Filled Events Include:

• Festive Violanta Music (Dutch Street Organ)!
• Performances by the Famous Van Wickle Dutch Dancers!
• Fun Games for Children!
• Delicious Lunch Items for Sale!
• Lovely Souvenirs & Street Fair Wares!

[Click Image to Enlarge Flyer!]

STREET FAIR VENDORS WANTED:

• Be part of the Meadows celebration of the Queen's Birthday!
• New merchandise only, please.
• $25.00 for a card-sized table.
• Larger spaces are available.
• Set-up time is 10:00AM.
• Click on image below to enlarge & print-out "Vendor Registration Form".

Why not become a member of the Meadows Foundation or volunteer and get in on all the fun? OR, become a fan of the Meadows Foundation on Facebook?

APRIL 17: Arbor Day Celebration at the Mapleton Preserve!

The Friends of the Princeton Nursery Lands (FPNL) and the D & R Canal State Park welcome one and all to the Mapleton Preserve for a fun-filled day in celebration of Springtime and nature!

DATE: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Rain Date: Sunday, April 18
TIME: 10:00AM to 11:30AM, & 1:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: D & R Canal State Park Headquarters
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
INFO: Karen Linder, (609) 683-0483
www.fpnl.org

All Celebration Events Are FREE!!!

• 10:00AM: History Walk! Vicki Chirco, D & R Canal State Park historian, will lead a walk beginning at the Park Headquarters and highlight the history of the canal and Princeton Nurseries. Click HERE to pre-register (REQUIRED).
• 1:00PM: Tree Walk! Jim Consolloy, former Head Grounds Manager for Princeton University, responsible for maintaining the university's 2300 acres and 400 species of trees, will lead a tree walk featuring spring-flowering trees and the unique tree varieties that grow at the Mapleton Preserve, and share tips on tree identification and care.
• Learn the Proper Way to Plant a Tree! After the Tree Walk, join the FPNL in their traditional planting of trees donated by the Princeton Nurseries, which once operated a wholesale tree nursery on the site. The Arboretum is named for the Flemer family, which included William Flemer III, the legendary plantsman who developed some of the best loved plants in American horticulture, including the Princeton Sentry Gingko, the 'Snow Queen' Hydrangea, and the October Glory Maple.
• 3:00PM: Traditional Seasonal Dancing! Four different dance groups, Handsome Molly, The Griggstown Lock Rapper Sword Team, Millstone River Morris, and The Princeton Country Dancers, will perform traditional Springtime dances including the "molly", "rapper sword" dances, the "morris", and Maypole dances. For more information, please visit www.fpnl.org.
• Each participant will receive a baby flowering or evergreen tree to take home!

APRIL 10 & 11: Battle of Bound Brook & Middlebrook Encampment

THE REDCOATS ARE COMING!!! Please join the Friends of the Abraham Staats House (FASH) in waging the Battle of Bound Brook and rallying Washington's army at the Middlebrook Encampment!

TIME: Saturday & Sunday, April 10 & 11, 2010
DATE: 10:00AM to 5:00PM
PLACE: Abraham Staats House
17 von Stuben Lane, South Bound Brook
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

This two-day program explores the exciting events of the American Revolutionary War surrounding the Battle of Bound Brook and Middlebrook Encampments, from 1777 to 1779, and extremely important time in New Jersey and American history!

Weekend Activities and Events Include:

• 18th Century Soldiers' Encampment on the grounds of the Abraham Staats House, illustrating the daily life events of American and British troops during the American Revolution.
• Tours of the Historic Abraham Staats House (c. 1740), home of the Staats family for over 200 years, which served as the headquarters for George Washington's "Drillmaster", Baron von Steuben.
• Presentations and Demonstrations, staged throughout the weekend, include: a lecture by noted historian Robert A. Mayers, author of The War Man: The True Story of a Citizen-Soldier Who Fought from Quebec to Yorktown; an exhibition of Native American trade beads and wampum by collector Earl Becker; and, eminent historian H. Kels Swan and accomplished musician Tom Harabin (President of FASH) will play music of the Colonial Era throughout the weekend.

Why not become a Friend of the Abraham Staats House and get in on all the fun? Click here and discover what a wonderful, life-long friend a house can be!

Other Sponsors of the Battle of Bound Brook: Borough of South Bound Brook & the Borough of Bound Brook, Bound Brook CommUnity Development Association, The Sheriff's Department of Somerset County, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA