DECEMBER 13 Call to Action! Hearing on the Dredging of the Delaware & Raritan Canal!

Please attend this hearing about the planned dredging of the D&R Canal to protect this beautiful and unique historical treasure!

DATE: Monday, December 13, 2010
TIME: 5:00 to 7:00
PLACE: Franklin Township Municipal Building
675 DeMott Lane, Somerset

Public Notice

Dredging of the Delaware and Raritan Canal

The New Jersey Water Supply Authority (Authority) is developing a program to dredge a 10.5 mile stretch of the Delaware and Raritan Canal from Lincoln Highway (Route 27) to Amwell Road in Franklin Township, Somerset County. Flow in this section of the Canal is being impeded by sediment accumulation and is compounded by the growth of weeds during the summer months when flow demand is the greatest. The water surface elevation of the Canal is typically raised during these periods, which causes water to discharge over the lower elevation spillways. The objective of the project is to remove an estimated 250,000 cubic yards of sediment from the Canal to restore flow capacity.

The Canal serves as a source of drinking water for millions of residents in central New Jersey and provides recreational opportunities for its numerous visitors. The dredging design will address the water supply needs for the area and take into account the surrounding cultural and natural resources.

In 1973, the Canal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This action placed the Canal under the protection of Section 106 of the National Historic Register Preservation Act of 1966 whereby any actions undertaken or licensed by as Federal agency which impact upon the resource are subject to review by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The Canal, which is within the D&R State Park, is also on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places whereby projects that impact the Canal require prior written authorization or consent from the NJDEP Historic Preservation Office. Accordingly, any rehabilitation or construction work undertaken along the Canal must consider the historic and cultural significance of the Canal and adverse effects to these features must be minimized.

An open house to discuss the project is scheduled for Monday, December 13, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Franklin Township Municipal Building, 675 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ. Members of the Urban Dredging Consultants design team and the URS Corporations, cultural resource consultants for the project, will join Authority staff to discuss project progress, schedule and answer questions raised before or during the meeting. There will be a presentation of the project at 6:00 that evening.

NOVEMBER 13-20 Awsome Events on the Delaware & Raritan Canal!

November 13 (Saturday)

Kingston Loop Walk: Join the naturalist of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in a loop walk that leads through the historic D&R Canal State Park, Mapleton Preserve (former site of Princeton Nurseries), Cook Natural Area, Middlesex County Open Space Park and the Heathcote Meadow Preserve. This hike is approximately 3.5 miles along mostly flat, dirt/gravel pathways and will start at 10:00 am. Participants will meet at the D & R Canal State Park’s Kingston Office located at 145 Mapleton Road. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration IS REQUIRED. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. Register for this program

Nov. 13 & 14 (Saturday & Sunday) Art Exhibit and Sale at the Blackwells Mills Canal House: Stop by the historic canal house on the corner of Blackwells Mills and Canal Road in the Franklin Township section of Somerset for this exhibit and sale. Landmarks and scenery of the area will be displayed as well as paintings by artist Barbara Della Peruta and artwork from the collection of Biff Heins. The house will be open on Saturday, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and on Sunday from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Registration is NOT required and admission is FREE! November 14 (Sunday) Canoe/Kayak the D & R Canal: Join the Sierra Club for this 11-mile paddle from Kingston to Amwell Road that begins at 9:00 am - this is the 4th Sierra Club fall paddle this season. There is one canal lock portage so bring portage wheels if you have them. The group will meet in Kingston directly off Route 27 (across from Eno Terra restaurant). Bring your own boat, equipment, lunch and beverages. Rentals are NOT available. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. This ride will be lead by George & Leona Fluck and sponsored by the Sierra Club. For further information please call 609-259-3734 or email Leona@pineypaddlers.com. November 20 (Saturday) Canoe/Kayak the D & R Canal: This is the last of the fall 2010 Sierra Club paddles along the D&R so join them for this 9-mile trip from Amwell Road to Demott Lane beginning at 10:00 am. There are 3 canal lock portages so bring portage wheels if you have them. Bring your own boat, equipment, lunch and beverages. Rentals are NOT available. Dinner option at Pooja's in Somerset. Please contact leaders to confirm trip and participation. INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELS. This ride will be lead by George & Leona Fluck and sponsored by the Sierra Club. For further information please call 609-259-3734 or email Leona@pineypaddlers.com

NOVEMBER 16 "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow!" at the Mary Jacobs Library

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Lives on Past Halloween!

DATE: Tuesday, November 16, 2010

TIME: 7:00PM

PLACE: Mary Jacobs Library

64 Washington Street, Rocky Hill

INFO: (908) 874-4820

woolleyfam@aol.com

www.vanharlingen.org

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

Van Harlingen Historical Society of Montgomery Township, in honor of the township's early Dutch heritage, presents Ichabod Crane, Washington Irving, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Neill Hartley, of the American Historical Theatre, is a convincing Washington Irving, the father of the American short story, who brings the audience into Irving’s world of Ichabod Crane and the The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Neill Hartley is a mesmerizing Ichabod Crane; tall and slim like Ichabod, he narrates his tale and then then enters it himself, bringing an all new adaptation of this eccentric story. The interactive one-man interpretation of the headless horseman draws the audience directly into the schoolmaster's world in sleepy Tarry Town. It makes for a perfectly eerie entertaining event. The program, followed by discussion about Washington Irving who also wrote Rip Van Winkle, ends with a dramatic reading of the story's postscript.

This program is funded by the Horizons Speakers Bureau of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, as state partner for the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Browse Events at this Location

The Mary Jacobs Library is located on Route 518 (Washington St) in Rocky Hill, one third of a mile from the intersection of Routes 206 and 518. From Somerville, go south on Route 206 about 12 miles and turn left onto Route 518. The library is on the left side of Washington St. From Princeton, go north on Route 206 and turn right onto Route 518. From New Brunswick, proceed south about 10 miles on Route 27 and bear right onto Route 518 shortly after Kendall Park. Drive about three miles to Rocky Hill and turn right at the library.

OCTOBER 9-10: Colonial Times IV, Event & Banquent!

Please join the Meadows Foundation for their fourth annual Colonial Times Event & Banquet at the Wyckoff-Garretson House!

DATES/TIMES: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 10AM-5PM
Sunday, October 10, 2010, 12PM-5PM
PLACE: Wyckoff-Garretson House
215 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset

Exciting & FREE family-friendly events include:

• Live Music of the Period!
• Open Hearth Cooking Demonstrations!
• Encampment of Daniel Morgan's Rifle Company & John Lamb's Artillery Company!
• Rifle & Cannon Demonstrations!

THE BANQUET
DATE: Saturday, October 9, 2010
TIME: 6PM
PLACE: The Hageman Barn
209 S. Middlebush Rd., Somerset
TKTS: $30.00 per person
Checks payable to: Van Wickle House, 1289 Easton Ave, Somerset, NJ, 08873
RSVP: MUST reserve before October 4

After dinner, Dr. Marc Mappen will speak about his latest book, There's More to New Jersey than the Sopranos! Books will be available for purchase and signing for $20.00.

SEPTEMBER 25 Walk the Path to Rockingham!

Celebrate National Public Lands Day and the gorgeous season with a fresh morning walk from the Kingston Canal House to historic Rockingham!

DATE: Saturday, September 25, 2010
(Inclement Weather Cancels)
TIME: 9:30AM
MEET: The Kingston Canal House
Off Route 27, 4 miles north of Princeton
RSVP: Pre-registration Required
INFO: (609) 924-5705

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

[From the Milepost Newsletter]
"In addition to receiving an introduction to the story of the D&R from the park historian, participants will visit two historic homes along the way--the Kingston Canal House and 18th century Rockingham. The group will then walk along the canal to Rockingham where they will be treated to a tour of the restored 1783 headquarters of George Washington. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and join us for this 2.5-mile round trip walk."

SEPTEMBER 12: 2010 Somerville Jazz Festival

Calling all Hep Cats! Pack yourself a picnic and head to the Somerset Court House Green for an entire afternoon of jazz that's hot, cool, and free!




DATE: Sunday, September 12, 2010 [Rain or Shine!] TIME: 1PM to 6PM
PLACE: Somerset County Court House Green
East Main & Grove, Downtown Somerville

BRING

• Blankets, Chairs (Lawn seating only)
• Picnics, but food will be available for purchase
• Beverage, non-alcoholic only, no glass (cans & plastic OK)
• (Beer & Wine available for purchase, 21 & over with ID only)

CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Allstar Line-Up
  
• Music Schedule
• Parking & Other Event Info
• How to Get to the Event
• Tell 5 Friends, Win a T-shirt!

SEPTEMBER 11 & 12 Civil War Camp at the Van Liew Suydam House!

The Meadows Foundation welcomes the 6th New Hampshire Co. C Volunteers back to the Van Liew Suydam House!

DATES & TIMES Rain or Shine
Saturday, September 11, 2010: 10AM to 5PM
Sunday, September 12, 2010: 10AM to 2PM
PLACE: Van Liew Suydam House

280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
INFO: 732-748-7657

ADMISSION IS FREE!!! ($5. Parking Donation per Car Appreciated!)

The 6th New Hampshire Co. C Volunteers will demonstrate camp life for the average Union soldier of the Civil War, including drilling events for children and firing demonstrations! Complementary refreshments will be served!

SEPTEMBER 12 'Oh Freedom!' African-American Soldiers in the Revolutionary War!

Treat yourself and your family to a special speaking engagement by dynamic historian and performer, Joe Becton, the opening of the "Oh, Freedom!" exhibit at the Van Horne House with a presentation on "African-American Soldiers & the Revolutionary War"!

DATE: Sunday, September 12, 2010
Exhibit runs from September 10 to November 10, 2010
TIME: Starts at 2PM
PLACE: The Van Horne House
941 Main Street, Bridgewater
RSVP: Reservations Not Required, but Appreciated
INFO: (732) 356-8856
info@heritagetrail.com

ADMISSION IS FREE!!! ($5.00 Donation Appreciated)

[From the Website]
"While the war is often characterized as fight between the colonist seeking independence from Great Brittan and a foreign king trying to maintain control over his subjects, the issues were far more complex. Initially, less than a third of the population supported the rebellion and about the same number strongly support the Crown. The balance were either pacifist favoring a peaceful solution or chose to remain neutral. The African-American community was no different.

Some New Jersey slaves escaped to the promise of freedom proclaimed by the British and served in loyalist military units. Others enlisted in local militias or in the Continental Army in exchange for the promise of liberty - a promise sometimes not kept. Free African Americans also chose sides as the Revolution in New Jersey turned into a civil war.

Joe Becton is a member of the Association for the Study of African American History and Life and of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. He has published a number of articles on the War of 1812 and on Africans in the American Revolution. Joe Becton is the co-founder of the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops Civil War re-enactors and Vice President of the United States Colored Troops Monument Committee of Philadelphia."

SEPTEMBER 11 Harvest Festival & Pie Contest at the Hageman Farm!

The Meadows Foundation is delighted to invite you and your entire family to celebrate the season and sample 19th Centurey life with an old fashioned Harvest Festival and apple pie contest at the Hageman Farm!

DATE: Saturday, September 11, 2010
TIME: 1:00PM to 4:00PM
PLACE: The Hageman Farm
209 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
CONTACT: Mary Anne McMillan, (732) 447-8360
info@themeadowsfoundation.org

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
(SUGGESTED DONATION FOR PARKING, $5.00)

Fun for the whole family and old-timey games for the kids!

[From the website]
"Hageman Farm committee chair MaryAnne McMillan said, 'We encourage the community to visit the farm to learn more about the really fascinating history of the farm and the apple itself, and to play games that reflect the history of 19th Century farm life.' The properties are publicly financed and cared for by volunteers. Participation supports the Township's efforts to preserve and protect these properties."

The large farm house was built by Benjamin Hageman in 1861 in an Italianate and early Victorian style. The Horse and Dairy Barns were designed and built by Garretson Hageman, Benjamin's eldest son and graduate of Rutgers School of Engineering, in 1976. The Horse Barn, which combines Dutch and English design elements is believed to be the only one of this style and size ever built. Both barns are being meticulously restored for community use and the Horse Barn will be open to the public for the entire festival!

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 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 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: 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!

MARCH 27: Walk to Rockingham!

Enjoy a fresh, spring morning with a D & R Canal State Park historian and naturalist guided walk along the towpath from the Mapleton Preserve to the Rockingham Historic Site for a house tour, and then back again!

DATE: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Weather Permitting
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: D&R State Park Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
WEAR: Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
RSVP: Pre-registration Requested
REGISTER HERE

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

From the park headquarters, this 3.5 walk will first pass through a portion of the former Princeton Nursery grounds and by the historic Kingston Canal House on the way to the D & R Canal towpath. The group will then proceed along historic towpath to the beautifully restored Rockingham house, George Washington's 1783 headquarter during the American War of Independence!

Why not join one of these organizations and get in on all the fun?
Friends of the Princeton Nursery Lands
Kingston Greenways Association
D & R Canal Watch

MARCH 21: Bike the Towpath to Lawrence Township!

D & R Canal Watch invites you to get some exercise, enjoy a fresh morning bike ride, and learn about the history of the canal with canal expert, Bob Barth!

DATE: Sunday, March 21, 2010
TIME: 10:00AM
MEET: Griggstown Causeway, Franklin Twsp.
BRING: Bike, Helmet, Lunch
INFO: Bob Barth, (201) 401-3121

Bob Barth will lead you on this 26-mile ride along the towpath, all the way to Lawrence Township and back and explain structures and history of the canal as you go!

MARCH 5: Evening Woodcock Watch

Please join Audubon volunteer, Arlene Oley, and D & R Canal State Park naturalist, Stephanie Fox, for a dusk-time walk into the Mapleton Preserve in search of fanciful Woodcock!

DATE: Friday, March 5, 2010
TIME: 6:30PM
PLACE: D & R Canal Park, Kingston Office
145 Mapleton Road, Kingston
BRING: Flashlight, for walk back to parking area

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

In addition to enjoying the delightful sights and sound of the adorable woodcock, the group can also expect to hear the chirps and peeps of the frogs and toads who also call the preserve and Central NJ their home!

MARCH 13: "The Story of the D&R Canal" at the Blackwells Mills Canal House

Please come to the historic Blackwells Mills Canal House for a presentation about the history of the canal by the D & R Canal State Park's historian!

DATE: Saturday, March 13, 2010
TIME: 2:00PM
PLACE: The Blackwells Mills Canal House
598 Canal Road, Somerset
RSVP: Registration NOT required, but seating is limited, so please arrive early.

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

This hour-long, PowerPoint presentation will feature historic and modern photographs will be included to illustrate the past and present life of this active waterway.

February 20 & 27: BLACK HISTORY EXHIBIT & HOUSE TOURS

Come celebrate Black History Month with free tours of the Abraham Staats House featuring a fascinating exhibit on slavery and the contributions of blacks to our national heritage, presented by local historian, Mrs. Joyce Smith!

DATE: Saturday, February 20 & 27, 2010
TIME: 12:00 to 2:00PM
PLACE: The Abraham Staats House
17 Von Steuben Lane, South Bound Brook
INFO: info@staatshouse.org

ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

This special Black History Month event is brought to you by the South Bound Brook Historic Preservation Advisory Commission in conjunction with The Friends of the Abraham Staats House, Inc., and in partnership with the Women's Guild of South Bound Brook. Historian, Mrs. Joyce Smith, is a member of the Women's Guild.

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!