Trenton - Patriot's Week

Lots of events between Christmas and New Year's

Are you interested in learning more about the role of New Jersey troops in
the American Civil War on the eve of the upcoming Civil War
Sesquicentennial? If so, plan to visit the New Jersey State Museum on
Wednesday, December 29, 2010 to experience the semiannual unveiling of
five historic Civil War flags from the state's vast collection.

Organized by the New Jersey State Museum and the New Jersey Civil War
Heritage Association, the unveiling event features an educational gallery
walk by renowned flag historian Dr. David Martin.

When: Wednesday, December 29, 2010, 10 AM
Where: New Jersey State Museum, Galleries at 225 West State Street,
Trenton, New Jersey, 08608

The unveiling is one of several museum events planned for Trenton's annual
Patriot's Week celebration. For more information and additional historical
activities, visit www.patriotsweek.com

Cape May's Holiday Season

Through Jan. 2, 2011

Seven weeks of special holidays tours and events started in November with the Holiday Preview Weekend (Nov. 19-21). Many of these are annual events: 37th Annual
Christmas Candlelight House Tours (Dec. 4, 11, 18), Plus Lamplighter
Christmas Tours, Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides, Emlen Physick
Estate Christmas Tours, Holiday Inns Tours, Evening Holiday Lights
Trolley Rides, Evening Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides, Santa’s
Trolley Rides, and more. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the
Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call 609-884-5404 or
800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Exhibit: An exhibit of holiday traditions
through the years. Complete with working LGB trains, trees, toys and
more! At the Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048
Washington St., Cape May, through Sunday, Jan. 2. The Gallery is open
from 12:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1 and from 1:30 p.m. to
3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 2. Free admission. Sponsored by the
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more
information or gallery hours, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or
visit www.capemaymac.org.

Saturday, January 1 – Cape May County:
Ghosts of Christmas Past Trolley Rides: A member of the East Lynne
Theater Company will regale you with a Victorian holiday ghost tale as
you ride through Cape May’s festively decorated Historic District. 8
p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1. Adults: $10; children $7 (ages
3-12). Advance reservations strongly recommended. Sponsored by the
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more
information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit
www.capemaymac.org.

Holiday Lights Trolley Rides: Ride through Cape May’s Historic
District to see cheerfully decorated inns and homes as guides talk
about Victorian Christmas traditions, lead sing-alongs, and play
Christmas music. Rides last about 30 minutes and cost $10 per seat.
Your ticket is also good for admission to the Carriage House Gallery
exhibit plus a 10% discount at any of MAC’s Museum Shops. 5 p.m., 6
p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic
Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC). For more information, call
609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

1/16 Lecture: Girls’ Global Leadership: Alice Paul’s Legacy on the World Stage.

Emily Bent, a doctoral student in global women’s studies at the National
University of Ireland, Galway, will speak on “Girls’ Global Leadership:
Alice Paul’s Legacy on the World Stage.” at the Alice Paul Institute’s
annual meeting, and a video of an international exchange between the Alice
Paul Institute’s Girls Advisory Council and the girls of Awegys Secondary
School, Kigo, Uganda, will be shown.

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 16, 1 - 4 p.m. (business meeting for
members, 1 -2 p.m., program 2 - 4 p.m.)
WHERE: Moorestown Friends School Auditorium, 110 E. Main St., Moorestown.

The program is free and open to the public but advance registration by
Friday, Jan. 14, is required.

For more information or to register, contact the Alice Paul Institute at
856-231-1185 or info@alicepaul.org or visit its website at
www.alicepaul.org.

The Alice Paul Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
educating the public about the life and work of New Jersey’s most famous
suffragist, Alice Stokes Paul (1885-1977), author of the Equal Rights
Amendment, founder of the National Woman’s Party and a lifelong activist
for women’s equality. API’s mission is to educate the public about her
life, preserve historic Paulsdale, develop future leaders and work towards
achieving women’s equality. Paulsdale, Alice Paul’s Mt. Laurel birthplace
and family home, is a National Historic Landmark and serves as a center
for celebrating women’s history and leadership.

President born in NJ

Grover Cleveland is the only US president born in New Jersey. His birthplace in Caldwell is often open on December 26th. Children are welcome. Admisssion is free.

On 2010, it was Sunday, December 26th 1-4pm. Local residents won't want to miss this annual opportunity to show off our town's treasured historic site to their visiting guests. This year the Grover Cleveland Birthplace will host their 11th annual Boxing Day Holiday Open House complete with a free souvenir boxed piece of fruit cake to take home after your visit. The Garden Club of the Caldwells has decorated the house in a festive old-fashioned holiday theme. Also featuring recorded music of the era.

The event is sponsored by the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association, the New Jersey State Park Service volunteers, and the Birthplace staff. Also for last minute shoppers, we have museum-quality stocking stuffers for all ages at "Grover's Corner Shop". Conni Murray has been working harder than an elf on Christmas Eve hunting down outstanding items. The shop is well stocked with everything from tie-tacs and baseball caps featuring the Presidential Seal, clever t-shirts, playing cards, wooden toys, tree ornaments from the White House Historical Association, and more.

Grover Cleveland Birthplace NJ State Historic Site 207 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, NJ 07006 Phone: 973-226-0001 www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/historic/grover_cleveland/gc_home.htm For directions, historic photos, and more, go to: clevelandbirthplace.org

2010 Faraday Lecture: Dec.10, 2010, Rutgers

ToadHaven homeschool blog reminded me how many have loved past Faraday lectures.

Thsi year's dates are out: December 10, 11, & 12, 2010, 7pm: Physics Lecture Hall, Rutgers

Busch Campus
136 Frelinghuysen Rd
Piscataway , NJ

Rutgers Physics Dept. presents this year's Farady lecture on December 10th, 11th & 12th.
>http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~croft/FARADAY.HTML

In 1826, physicist Michael Faraday founded the Children's Christmas Lectures at London's Royal Institution. His goal was to communicate to children the excitement of scientific discovery. In keeping with the spirit of those lectures, Mark Croft, a professor of physics at Rutgers, and physics support specialist Dave Maiullo present a physics demonstration and lecture show for children of all ages each Dec. and on special occasions, like Rutgers Day . This event is held in the Physics Lecture Hall at 136 Frelinghuysen Road, on the Busch campus in Piscataway. Driving Directions The event is free of charge and open to the public. The demonstrations presented are based on those used in our physics courses. They were designed not just to inform but with an eye toward humor and exciting the imagination. The object of the show is to emphasize the fun in science. Demonstrations will include an exploding hydrogen balloon, a man lying on a bed of nails and the use of a fire extinguisher to shoot a person on roller skates across the room

State History Fair: May 7, 2011

Have you ever participated in a Revolutionary War military drill? Or
had the chance to plow a furrow? What about spinning wool on a real
spinning wheel? These are just a few of dozens of historical exhibits
and activities that will be featured when the "Spirit of the Jerseys
State History Fair" returns from a one-year hiatus in May 2011.

The History Fair will move from its previous home at Washington
Crossing State Park to a new venue at the Historic Village at Allaire,
Allaire State Park, Farmingdale, in Monmouth County. It will be held
on Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"New Jersey has such a rich and important history, and played such a
key role in the founding of our nation,'' said Department of
Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. "We're pleased to
bring back this annual event to engage our residents and allow them to
experience and enjoy hundreds of years of our state's history in a
suitable and enjoyable setting."

The Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair was first held in 2004 to
celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the creation of the New Jersey's historic
sites system. It proved very popular, drawing more than 5,000 visitors in
2009. In 2008, the History Fair received an award of recognition from the
New Jersey Historical Commission for its leadership role in promoting the
State's history.

The free event was cancelled this year due to limited resources. It will be
revived next year under the joint sponsorship of the DEP's Office of
Historic Sites and the non-profit Allaire Village Inc. Organizers believe
the new venue at Allaire will be a fitting site for historical groups to
showcase their town or community history and its importance to New Jersey.

"There was so much interest from exhibitors and park visitors that we felt
there was enough appeal to revive the fair," said Beverly Weaver,
supervisor of the DEP's Office of Historic Sites. "The fair helps
cultivate the public's awareness of New Jersey's history in a lively,
engaging way.''

The new setting at Allaire State Park is well-known for its historic 19th
century iron making town, the Howell Iron Works Company, and the antique
train that runs through it on the Pine Creek Railroad. Also, the Manasquan
River winds through the park, which is a habitat for a wide variety of
wildflowers, trees, plants, birds and other wildlife.

Some groups, already registered to participate in the 2011 History Fair,
include the Genealogical Society of New Jersey, New Jersey State Archives,
Montclair Historical Society, Alice Paul Institute, New Jersey Civil War
Heritage Association, New Jersey Lighthouse Society, Monmouth Battlefield
State Park, New Jersey Scout Museum, Egg Harbor City Historical Society
and the Wool Merchant's Daughter.

Weaver also said visitors will be able to meet Civil War "veterans," observe
open-hearth cooking and explore the craft of blacksmithing. There will
even be paranormal investigators from the Shore Paranormal Research
Society of Toms River, who will detail work they have done at some
historic locations in New Jersey.

Also among activities that visitors can experience is a period baseball
game. Next year's fair will once again feature the Flemington Neshanocks,
a 19th century baseball club. They will play the Elizabeth Resolutes using
1864 rules. Players will wear uniforms and use equipment that reflects
this time period.

For continuous updates on the 2011 Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair
visit: www.njhistoryfair.org.

For general questions, call (732) 919-3500. If you're interested in
participating as an exhibitor, you can apply electronically at the fair's
website or call (609) 777-0238.

Petty's Run & Old Barracks in Trenton

The future of Petty's Run in Trenton is uncertain, although it seems the state has money earn-marked only for this archaeological site. Article from 27 Nov. 2010: Lt. Gov Guadagno wants archeological dig on NJ statehouse lawn buried. Angry preservationists charge she considers New Jersey historic site an ‘eyesore'. By Tom Herster Sr. NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

For more on Petty's Run, visit: http://www.pettysrun.org/

The rest of this is on the nearby Old Barracks Museum.

Special Events "Patriot's Week": Dec 26 & 28 in 2010.

The Old Barracks is located in downtown Trenton, next to the New Jersey State House, and is easily accessible. Parking information is provided by Trenton Downtown Association.

As of November 2010, the Old Barracks is open every day (except Thanksgiving, Dec, 24, 25, Jan 1st & Easter) from 10 am - 5pm, providing tours for small groups and individuals. (For groups of more than 15, please call ahead.) $8 for adults; $6 for seniors & Students with IDs. NJ TRANSIT offers service on the River Line to Trenton Station and can connect with any Capital Connection bus (601, 606, 608, 609) for service to the Old Barracks Museum. Passengers should get off at West State Street, far side of the Willow Street bus stop and walk 1/2 block south to the museum. Visit www.njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

History of the Old Barracks

1st American in Europe?

"Scientists have discovered a gene that would link some Icelanders with early Americans. These early Americans were most likely brought to the island via Viking raiders. The study is to be published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology."

Weblink:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1330484/First-American-Europe-Native-woman-kidnapped-Vikings-1000-years-ago.html

Field Trip List

If you use this - post a note or drop me an email - so I'll know it's used & worth continuing. If you're organizing an event, I'll help get the word out. To see a subset of the entries, use labels (from the list on the side). You may also want to view: Theatre List, Museum Exhibits and Weekend events. For most, if not all, of these events you can also order individual tickets and go on your own. You may need to make up a "school name" even for 2 or 3 tickets

1. February 3 - Mixed Media - Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
   
   
2. Montclair Homeschool meetings at the public library moved to Thursdays. Next one is Feb. 3rd
   
   
3. S-weekend days starting 2/5, 2/12, etc., 10 am - 12:30pm, April thru ?, 2011, Alice in Wonderland Performance Workshop ((973) 263-7020 ), character development, scene breakdown and basic acting technique for children offered by The Women's Theater Co.Parsippany, NJ. $490
   
   
4. March 2 - Portrait Painting I - Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
   
   
5. February 26 - March 5Colonial Williamsburgh (VA) Home Educator Days / Homeschooler Experience. Fall focus is on government & politics & ... For more info, visit their site or read the flyer. Next dates: September 10 - 25, 2011.
   
   
6. Skellig. March 3,4,8,9,10,11 11am; March 2 (4:30pm). New Victory Theater • 2 hours with Intermission. Based on the multi-award winning young adult novel, David Almond’s stage adaptation is a moving tale about family, friendship and the connections between us all. Contains some serious themes. Live music. Grades 4-8.
   
   
7. April 6 – Portrait Painting I - Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
   
   
8. Apri l 11. Princeton free Lecture.Larry Gonick and Randall Munroe Larry Gonick, author of The Cartoon History of the Universe; Randall Munroe, creator of xkcd Topic to be announced.
   
9. April 6,7,8, 13,14,15, 11 am. Boom Town (Las Vegas) Circus at New Victory Theatre (NYC) • 90 minutes/No Intermission. Cirque Mechanics. A rollicking rodeo of colorful characters, crazy contraptions and astounding acrobatics. Rip-roaring cowgirls and dynamite prospectors defy gravity in this awesome aerial adventure, setting off a stampede of wild and zany events. Grades 2 - 12.
   
   
10. April 16-24 -National Park Week - free entrance at selected National Parks, plan your visit from here: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm )
    
    
11. The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy Apr. 27, 28, 29* (10:30am) Apr. 27 (4:30pm), May 3, 4, 5, 6 (10:30am). Recommended for Grades: 3 to 8 at The Duke on 42nd StreetTheater (Buy tickets from New Victory Theatre) • 60 minutes/No Intermission. Two performers invite audiences into their tent to hear the story of Cheeseboy’s quest to find his missing parents. Enter a world of inventive storytelling and charming illustrations to sail sea and sky with Cheeseboy as he discovers what to do when his planet turns to fondue.Told through projections, shadow puppetry, illustrations and intricate tabletop sets. Bench seating. Maximum audience of 140.
    
    
12. May 5 Flags Homeschool Day (pre-register)
    
    
13. May 5 – Landscape Watercolor - Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
    
    
14. Saturday, May 7 - History State Fair Historic Village at Allaire, Allaire State Park, Farmingdale, in Monmouth County. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    
    
15. June 9 – 3D Design- Montclair Art Museum Homeschool Days for 9 - 13 year olds, $6/student for noon - 2pm, Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org, 973-259-5136
    
    
16. June 21 -First day of summer - free entrance at selected National Parks, plan your visit from here: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm )
    
    
17. September 24 -Public Lands Day - free entrance at selected National Parks, plan your visit from here: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm )
    
    
18. November 11-13 -Veterans Day weekend - free entrance at selected National Parks, plan your visit from here: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm )
    

You may want to read ahead - since certain events require you to commit & buy tickets before they are sold out.



ANNUAL HS events include:

• SPLASH, late November at MIT
• late Feb - early March & again in September:Colonial Williamsburgh, the 1700s living history museum in Virginia, traditionally offers Home Education Days. Spring 2010 had rates as low as $5 per day! (Expect to register at least 10? days in advance or be a "walk-in").
• Spring Art Show at Historic Speedwell
• Trenton’s Patriots’ Week celebration of Trenton’s role in the American Revolution (about December 26 - 31), tours, lectures, exhibits, all week. some free & some $. INcludes events like: At the Barrack's Museum, Trenton: Old Barracks Museum. Special Events "Patriot's Week" Located in downtown Trenton, next to the New Jersey State House, and is easily accessible. Parking information is provided by Trenton Downtown Association.
  
  
• February 26 - March 5: Colonial Williamsburgh (VA) Home Educator Days / Homeschooler Experience. Fall focus is on government & politics & ... For more info, visit their site or read the flyer. Next dates: September 10 - 25, 2011.

Montclair Art Homeschool Days 2010

All Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, noon-2 p.m.
HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (Ages 4 – 13)
$6 per child. Adults $12.
(FREE for ADULT members)

The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator.

• December 9 - Charcoal Drawing: Capturing Shadow and Light
• January 19 - Printmaking
• February 10 - Mixed Media
• March 16 - Portrait Painting I
• April - Portrait Painting II
• May 18 - Landscape Watercolor
• June 9 - 3D Design

Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
(Note: if you are a member of channel 13, you might get a discount on admission)

To see this yourself or check for more dates, go to MAM's Family Program Page or call 973-746-5555 for more details.

Weekend Events

Special or one-time weekend events. You can also check out my list of museums and centers open most weekends.of the Morris Area. (METC, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown; ... )

1. 11/26 - 12/21: Christmas Festival at the Morristown Green. Santa's Arrival and The Lighting of the Green Ceremony opens the month-long Morristown Partnership event beginning on Friday, November 26 at 6:30pm and every weekend through December 21st. Santa visits, photos, and goody bags, miniature electric train rides around the Green, hands-on holiday activities and entertainment every weekend, ice sculpting demonstrations, and thousands of lighted decorations on the Morristown Green and antique-replica streets lights. Free street parking from 12/13 through 12/24/2010!
2. 11/26 - 12/12. Oliver! Called the perfect "London Christmas Matinee," Charles’ Dickens’ "Oliver" will herald in the holiday season with performances Nov 26th through Dec 12th in the Sitnick Theatre of Lackland. The story of the orphan boy, Oliver Twist, who is swept into a band of pickpockets led by the wily Fagin in 19th century London is a perennial favorite with songs such as "Where is Love," "Who Will Buy" and "Consider Yourself." Lackland Center Sitnik Theatre, 400 Jefferson Street, Hackettstown NJ 07840
3. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.
• Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5 - Program — A Macculloch Hall Classic Christmas — See holiday decorations by the Garden Club of Morristown, Christmas exhibit and iconic Thomas Nast holiday images and enjoy special tours of the period rooms. Find unique gifts created just for the museum’s expanded holiday shop, including Thomas Nast Christmas cards, wrapping paper and ornaments, along with other traditional toys and unique stocking stuffers.
• Saturday December 4: Museum open from 12 – 5pm; at 2pm the talented children from the Community Theatre Performing Arts Company will perform a selection of holiday songs and carols. The Company is made up of students from throughout Morris County who use their talent to give back to the community, performing for non-profit and community groups all over the tri-state area.
• Sunday, December 5: Museum open from 12 – 5pm; from 2 – 4pm Sharlys Dugan of the acclaimed Dugan’s Hooligans will perform in the main gallery. Sharlys, 16, is an engaging and multi-talented performer. A three time Irish harp champion, she’s played with the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, has her own solo CD, and is currently studying the concert harp. Be sure to join us to hear Sharlys perform holiday and classic favorites. General admission for Classic Christmas applies; members free.
  
• Exhibits: A Century of Family Life & Hearth and Home: Every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday through June 30, 2011 from 1 pm to 4 pm.
  
  
4. ongoing: Fosterfields Write On Program: Fosterfields is presenting this exciting new program that draws on the wealth of local history and focuses on those who interpreted and recorded it. Visit Fosterfields for a look at farm life in Morris County 100 years ago. Call for weekly programs. Throughout the year, farming, live–stock and domestic life demonstrations follow actual events documented in Charles Foster's 1901 farm journal. A shuttle bus is available to The Willows mansion for handicapped and elderly visitors on Sundays.
5. (move ahead of lots on Dec 4th & 5th)
   
6. Acorn Hall, the headquarters of the Morris County Historical Society, is an 1853 house remodeled into the Italianate Villa style in 1860. It is open to the public on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (closed December 26), and 1-7 on Friday, December 3, 10, and 17. Special events are planned throughout the season; call 973-267-3465 or see www.acornhall.org for details
• Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, December 3, 4 to 7 p.m. (Tours of Acorn Hall’s Victorian Christmas decorations and the stunning “Gowns” exhibit, Oakleaf Gallery Gift Shop with special discounts for members, Wine and cheese, Live music, Free gift with admission, Door prizes.
• Family Night, Friday, December 10, 4 to 7 p.m., Pictures with Santa. A free holiday photo card for every child, Tours of Acorn Hall’s Victorian Christmas decorations including the famous upside-down Christmas tree, Oakleaf Gallery Gift Shop with special discounts for members, Christmas carol sing-along, Hot cocoa and cookies, Door prizes,
• Wine and Wassail, Friday, December 17, 4 to 7 p.m.. Tours of Acorn Hall’s period rooms decorated for a Victorian Christmas. Wine and wassail, Live music, Oakleaf , Free gift with admission, Door prizes
• Current Exhibit: (Every Sunday, Monday and Thursday.) "Gowns: From Birth to Bedroom to Ballroom" showcases the varieties of “gowns” that define a woman’s life – christening, ball, wedding, dressing, and even nightgowns. Featuring more than two dozen garments from the Society’s costume collection, as well as loaned items, "Gowns" runs into 2011.
• 12/3-1/16. Acorn Hall. Victorian Christmas: Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday. Acorn Hall, a mid-19th-century Italianate mansion in Morristown, is celebrating a Victorian-style Christmas from December 3 to January 16 with lavish holiday decorations throughout its period rooms. The Hall’s famous upside-down Christmas tree, an homage to Queen Victoria’s 1860 holiday, will once again hang in the library. The Oakleaf Gallery gift shop will offer a delightful variety of ornaments, books, and gifts for young and old.
  
7. METC, Madison, NJ: Crafting Chocolate: A Delectable Trade, Saturday, December 4th 1 PM - 4 PM, Join local chocolatiers for a delicious chocolate filled afternoon. Participants will tour around the Museum, meet each chocolatier and learn about their chocolate making process, while sampling some. Limited amount of tickets sold. Pre-registration strongly advised; call 973-377-2982 x14. Admission is $10 for non-members and $5 for Members.

8. 12/4-5. Handcrafted Holidays: Crafters Trunk Show and Stickley Museum Open House highlight handcrafts and offer guests an old-fashioned holiday welcome, craft demonstrations, and more, amid festive period decorations. The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, 2352 Route 10 West, Morris Plains, NJ

9. 12/4 - 12/12. Gingerbread Wonderland. This December marks the 19th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland. Guests, young and old, marvel at the creativity, skills and sense of optimism that characterizes this charming and ecumenical exhibit of over 200 edible structures. Past year’s “gingerbreads” have included models of Notre Dame cathedral, Hanukah menorahs, Japanese temples, Chinese pagodas, European castles and neighborhood sweet shops. Groups of 8 or more must make a reservation by calling at 973-326-7601. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 E. Hanover Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960

10. METC, Madison, NJ: Chocolate Shoe Workshop, Sunday, December 5th 2 PM - 5 PM Join artist and educator, Rachel Prager as she leads a tasty shoe-making workshop. Using nothing but chocolate, participants will create a life-size chocolate shoe and learn how to decorate it using various techniques. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required by Monday, November, 29th; call 973-377-2982 x14. Admission is $30 for non-members & $25 for Members.
11. 12/5. Ride on the Whippany Railway Museum's SANTA CLAUS SPECIAL.The 10-mile, 45-minute round trip excursion from Whippany to Roseland and return allows riders time to enjoy the Spirit of the Season and the merriment on the train. Santa Claus makes his way through the train and visits with every child onboard. Santa's train crew follows along, giving the kids a special gift from Santa. For full details and ONLINE TICKET ordering, visit the website: www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net or call: 973-887-8177.
    
    
12. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, December 11th, 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
    
    
13. METC, Madison, NJ: Dragon Tales Pajama Party, Friday, January 14th, 5 - 6 PM, Everyone is invited to a Dragon Pajama Party at the Museum. Come ready for bed, make some dragon crafts and meet dragon puppet "Hermione..." as she recites some of her favorite dragon stories. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12. $3 admission/ person.
    
    
14. Jan. 15: 10 am: Flint and Steel, Wick House at Jockey Hollow.Come and learn how to start a fire they way they did before matches and explore how important and necessary these two materials were during the Revolutionary War.
    1:30pm Feeding the Army: Why didn’t the army have enough to eat during their encampment here? Join us around a warm hearth as we explore the reasons why local farmers weren’t feeding the army.
    
    
15. METC, Madison, NJ: Pre-Groundhog Day: Tuesday, February 1st 4 PM - 5 PM. Pop-up to the Museum and celebrate Groundhog Day with an afternoon of ground hog theme activities. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended. Call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person.
    
    
16. February 4th,8pm New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: HMS Pinafore. Gilbert and Sullivan’s delightful comedic tale about overblown nationalism, personal ambition and forbidden love amongst the social classes of British society and the Royal Navy. The Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
17. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, February 12th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
18. METC, Madison, NJ: Colonial Cooking Contest, Saturday, February 26th 10 AM - 5 PM. Research a historic recipe, cook it and enter it in the Museum's 2nd annual Colonial Cooking Contest. Participants are asked to use a recipe from Early American times (cookbooks and recipes are available at the Museum) and make it as close as possible to the original recipe. Dishes will be judged and awards will be granted.
    
    Children's (12 and under) & Family division will take place at 10am. The adult division will take place at 2pm. Space is limited. Pre-registration required by Friday, February 18th. Call 973-377-2982 x14 to register or for more information. $5 registration fee (includes Museum admission) and Regular Admission for all others.
19. METC, Madison, NJ: Happy Birthday Widget! Monday, February 28th 4 PM - 5 PM. You are invited to celebrate our mascot, Widget the Beaver's birthday. Join us at the Museum for an afternoon of fun beaver activities and birthday goodies. Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person.
20. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, March 12th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join the Education staff at the Museum to celebrate the Tooth Fairy. Story telling, tooth care information and crafts will take place. Advance registration required; call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
21. METC, Madison, NJ: Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Thursday, March 31st 4 - 5 PM - Friday, April 1st Regular Hours. Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll for a sleepover on Tuesday, March 31st. Enjoy a snack and story time with your toy and then tuck them in to spend the night at the Museum. Come back on Wednesday, April 1st between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm to pick-up your stuffed animal, make a craft and find out what mischief they have gotten into during the night! Appropriate for children 2-6 years old. Advance registration recommended; call 973-377-2982 x12 for more information. $3 admission/ person(includes both day's activities).
22. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, April 9th 1 PM - 3 PM, Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
23. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, May 14th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
24. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Saturday, June 11th 1 PM - 3 PM. Join us at the Museum for lots of family fun and a craft activity. Advance registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x12. Regular Admission.
25. METC, Madison, NJ: Family Fun Day, Ice Cream Social. Saturday, July 9th 1 PM - 3 PM. Cool off from the hot summer sun at METC's annual Ice Cream Social. Make your own ice cream sundae and participate in the numerous games and activities taking place, while you explore our current exhibit. Drop in any time between the hours of 1-3 pm to participate. Advanced registration recommended, call 973-377-2982 x14 for more information. $3 for Members & $5 for Non-Members.

See more at the Morristown Tourism Board's Morris_county_calendar_of_events

Future/Annual:

1. Annual New Jersey Meadowlands Festival of Birding: one weekend in mid-September: Folks of all experience levels from around the state and region will come together to share their interest and knowledge of birds in a variety of venues in the Meadowlands. The Meadowlands contains over 8,000 acres of valuable wetland habitat, and is home to over 280 bird species. As in past years, the Festival is comprised of two days of activities including walks, eco-cruises, paddles, indoor workshops and presentations led by some of the area’s most accomplished and respected birders. Breakfast and lunch & keynote expected on Saturday.
   

   2009 Admission was $40.00 for people 18 and over & children 9 and under are not permitted to attend – sorry! The Festival of Birding is organized by Hackensack Riverkeeper and NJ Audubon, and is sponsored by the NJ Meadowlands Commission. www.hackensackriverkeeper.org

2. late March, Saturday. 10 am - 5pm, Annual Astronomy Day at the Morris Museum
   
   
3. late November, Saturday. 10 am - 5pm, Mineral Day at the Morris Museum

Geography Awareness Week 2010: Freshwater

November 14-20: Geography Awareness Week 2010

Water is one of the defining issues of the 21^st century. Of all the water on the planet, less than 1% is available for human use. Will we have enough to support a growing global population, and how will a changing climate affect access to freshwater around the world? Discover the fascinating geography of Earth's most precious natural resource through activities, multimedia, quizzes, and more this Geography Awareness Week—and learn what you can to do help, both globally and locally.

Launched in 1987 by presidential proclamation, Geography Awareness Week is an annual opportunity for families and schools to engage in fun, educational experiences that draw attention to Geo-Literacy and the importance of geographic understanding in ensuring our nation's economic competitiveness, national security, environmental sustainability, and the livability of our communities in the 21^st century.

See more at National Geographic's http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/gaw.html

Geo Washington Reenactment

Although the park was all but closed last year, thanks to the Bucks County Visitors Bureau, the beloved Christmas Day reenactment that has to do with the birth of America, not the birth of Christ, will live on.

• Saturday, December 4, 7pm -2nd Annual Save the Crossing FundraiserLocation: Crossing Vineyards & Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing, PA. 215-493-6500 crossingvineyards.com . Fees: Tickets $100 Per Person. Proceeds support the reenactment of George Washington’s Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware. Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres, wine, beer, spirits, music, and a live auction. Tickets may be purchased at Crossing Vineyards or by visiting crossingvineyards.com. Can't attend? Please consider a donation!
  
  
• December 12, 11am-3pm -Crossing Dress RehearsalFees: Fees charged. Full-blown re-enactment of the crossing with Military impressions, period building open and period demonstrations throughout the day.
  
  
• December 25, 1pm -Christmas Day Crossing Join us in honoring the soldiers of 1776 as we recreate their heroic Crossing of the Delaware. Wear warm clothes, arrive early and be prepared to walk a bit from parking as we always have a full house to celebrate the holiday in this patriotic fashion.

Scientists Make Dinosaur Find at NJ Construction Site

Scientists Make Dinosaur Find at NJ Construction Site By MICHAEL HOROWICZ   Here’s one that will get kids and scientists all over the world very excited. A well preserved fossil of a dinosaur footprint was just found at a construction site in Clifton, New Jersey.  Three big toes of a dinosaur from the Jurassic era can be seen on the rock that's about the size of a small car.  The foot fossil will be removed from the site of the new Four Seasons at Great Notch residential complex, currently under construction in the Woodland park section of Clifton, later today by volunteers and taken to the Museum of the State of New Jersey. It will be examined by scientists at a museum facility in Trenton.  Doug Fenichel of developer K. Hovnanian Homes, tells NBC New York that his firm is working with the museum “to strike a delicate balance between preserving our history and the progress of a new community.”  Both groups plan to hold a news conference to show off the fossil before it is taken to Trenton.  Dinosaur footprint is discovered at Clifton construction site 

Liberty Science Center classes

November 17, 2010 Homeschool Residency Programs
Locomotion Commotion
All aboard for an exciting adventure on trains and motion! In this exciting workshop, young scientists will engage in activities that help them understand the physics behind trains. How do they move? Why do trains need to ride on tracks? Join for this moving workshop and discover the answers to those questions and more.

Program Times: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Lunch from 11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Age Requirement: 3 - 8 years old and caregivers

Program Price: $24.00 per pair


Astronomy
Take a journey through our galaxy and learn about the stars and solar system. Participants will enter our digital planetarium to learn about celestial navigation and the mythology of constellations. Students will also explore the concept of scale relative to our universe and help identify a "mystery star."

Program Times: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Lunch from 11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Age Requirement: 8 - 10 years old

Program Price: $24.00 child


Everyday Chemistry
Matter and Reactions! Learn basic concepts in chemistry that deals with everyday "stuff". Students will take part in activities that explain why chemistry is all about changes and participate in "messy" hands-on activities that explain concepts such as polymers, acids and bases, mixture and compounds, and many other themes.

Program Times: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm; Lunch from 11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Age Requirement: 11 - 13 years old

Program Price: $24.00 child


Outbreak: Infection and Disease
What causes people to get sick? Explore the tiny worlds of disease-causing microbes in this program. Participants will perform some tests to identify bacteria, look at the causes and symptoms of some major diseases, and learn about the ways in which we can prevent infections.

Program Times: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm; Lunch from 11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Age Requirement: 14 - 16 years old

Program Price: $24.00 child

To register, please contact our Reservations Department at 201.253.1310. Please sign up quickly. Space is limited!

Walking Tour of the AT&T “Pole Farm”: 10/23/2010

Free Historical Walking Tour of the AT&T “Pole Farm”
Lawrence & Hopewell Townships, Mercer County
by Lawrence Historical Society ( http://www.thelhs.org/ ) Saturday, October 23, 11a.m.

This is a free event but pre-registration is required. To register, visit http://bit.ly/d4NMyu.
This is expected to be 1-2 hours, 1.75 mile.

The 800-acre "Pole Farm" section of Mercer County Park Northwest began the 20th century as farmland, but then was converted by AT&T into what
was for several decades the world's largest shortwave transmitting station, with more than 2,000 poles supporting antennas carrying phone
calls to cities around the world. However, by the close of the century it had reverted to open parkland set aside for passive recreation, one
of the few major 20th century industrial sites in New Jersey to have vanished almost completely. Join Lawrence Township Historian Dennis
Waters for a walking tour to learn about this important story in the history of communications and to visit several locations where traces
of the past can still be seen.

About the walk: We will meet at the "pole" near the Federal City Road entrance to the park at 11:00 a.m. sharp and walk to the parking area
near the Keefe Road entrance. This will be a leisurely 1.75-mile walk on well-maintained trails over generally flat terrain, though you
should be prepared for possible wet or muddy spots and there is one small stream crossing. We may wander a short distance off the trail
once or twice. Plan on two hours, but longer if you need to walk the 1.75 miles back to your car. If you do not want to walk back, you are
encouraged to carpool and leave a car at each end. Please note that there are no restroom facilities at the park.

The rain date is Sunday, October 24th, same time.

Fall Annual offerings

Hay rides & corn mazes too!

1. early October Poetry. http://www.dodgepoetry.org/ (13th annual was October 7-10, 2010) part of NJPAC and Newark's Downtown Arts District to Host the Festival
   
   
2. Gingerbread Wonderland - (Registration mid-November, only 250 entries were accepted in 2007 so register early.) Gingerbread creations crafted by families, individuals, school classes and scout groups exhibited for about 2 weeks after Thanksgiving. This event has become a holiday tradition in Morris County. Time: 10 am to 5 pm daily, 8 pm Fridays. Admission: Free. Location: Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township. For more information: 973.326.7601 www.arboretumfriends.org
   
   
3. Virtual Field Trip - Use your computer to attend the HHMI Holiday lectures webcast, 4 lectures (2 a day) in the first week in December, starting at 10 a.m. Often 1st weekend in December. On demand viewing available within a week in you missed it. In 2010, "Viral Outbreak : The Science of Emerging Disease," watch two leading virus reasearchers explain how they use both simple and sophisticated technologies to detect and fight infectious agents. Infectious diseases are a serious threat to world health. In 2008. Making Your Mind: Molecules, Motion & Memory. In 2007 you'd have heard about the Evolution of an Epidemic. You can order (free) DVDs of past lectures on their website.
   
   
4. Rutgers Faraday Children's Lecture. (3 identical shows ~1 hr. 15 min. length), Usually first weekend in December, Friday, Sat., & Sunday, at 7:00 PM. (double check the location though, may be: The Physics Lecture Hall: 136 Frelinghuysen Road Busch Campus in Piscataway.)
   
   
5. and of course, registering students for the SAT if that is what they need.
   

METC: Educator Hours!

METC Educator Workshop in Madison, NJ
Thursday, October 21st 4 PM - 6 PM
The Museum will host a workshop for educators, which will provide teachers with two hours of Continuing Education Units and will feature crafts and history-based lesson ideas for the classroom. Advanced registration required, call 973-377-2982 x12. $10 Admission, fee waived for the first 10 who book an educational program.
Educators are requested to RSVP; however, drop-ins are permitted on a first-come-first-served basis.

RSVP to Meg Wastie, Education Coordinator,
at (973) 377-2982, ext. 12 or by email to schools@metc.org.

More to Field Trip List - 2010

2009-10 "school year" field trip dates, continued from current/main Gryphon Academy Field Trip List, return there for earlier dates. I am not sure when your "school year" begins and ends, but these are fall dates already out:

1. January 6-17 "Nearly Lear" buy tickets through New Victory Theatre (Manhattan) but at the Duke on 42nd Street, 65 minutes. Grades 9-12 / Ages 12 & up: Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool – and every other character – to tell the story of King Lear in an original, mischievous and poignant adaptation of the Shakespeare.
   

   I enjoy going to shows where there is a question period with the actors afterward - or a related workshop, especially if I have to travel far for the event. Workshops for "Reinventing Shakespeare's Nearly Lear" at New Victory Theatre on January 15th, at noon or 4:30pm ($17). For ages 11 & up. Since it has become so difficult as homeschoolers to attend New Victory's "one school time" schows. that may be the way to go.
   

2. January 19 - Printmaking. Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (Ages 4 – 13), $6 per child. Adults $12. (FREE for ADULT members). The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator. Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
   
   
3. February 10 - Mixed Media. Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (Ages 4 – 13), $6 per child. Adults $12. (FREE for ADULT members). The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator. Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
   
   
4. February 26 - March 5: Colonial Williamsburgh (VA) Home Educator Days / Homeschooler Experience. Fall focus is on government & politics & ... For more info, visit their site or read the flyer. Next dates: September 10 - 25, 2011.
   
   
5. Skellig. March 3,4,8,9,10,11 11am; March 2 (4:30pm). New Victory Theater • 2 hours with Intermission. Based on the multi-award winning young adult novel, David Almond’s stage adaptation is a moving tale about family, friendship and the connections between us all. Contains some serious themes. Live music. Grades 4-8.
   
   
6. March 16 - Portrait Painting I. Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (Ages 4 – 13), $6 per child. Adults $12. (FREE for ADULT members). The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator. Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
   
   
7. April xx - Portrait Painting II. Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (Ages 4 – 13), $6 per child. Adults $12. (FREE for ADULT members). The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator. Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
   
   
8. Apri l 11. Princeton free Lecture. Larry Gonick and Randall Munroe Larry Gonick, author of The Cartoon History of the Universe; Randall Munroe, creator of xkcd Topic to be announced.
   
   
9. April 6,7,8, 13,14,15, 11 am. Boom Town (Las Vegas) Circus at New Victory Theatre (NYC) • 90 minutes/No Intermission. Cirque Mechanics. A rollicking rodeo of colorful characters, crazy contraptions and astounding acrobatics. Rip-roaring cowgirls and dynamite prospectors defy gravity in this awesome aerial adventure, setting off a stampede of wild and zany events. Grades 2 - 12.
   
   
10. The Tragical Life of Cheeseboy Apr. 27, 28, 29* (10:30am) Apr. 27 (4:30pm), May 3, 4, 5, 6 (10:30am). Recommended for Grades: 3 to 8 at The Duke on 42nd StreetTheater (Buy tickets from New Victory Theatre) • 60 minutes/No Intermission. Two performers invite audiences into their tent to hear the story of Cheeseboy’s quest to find his missing parents. Enter a world of inventive storytelling and charming illustrations to sail sea and sky with Cheeseboy as he discovers what to do when his planet turns to fondue.Told through projections, shadow puppetry, illustrations and intricate tabletop sets. Bench seating. Maximum audience of 140.
    
    
11. May 18 - Landscape Watercolor. Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (Ages 4 – 13), $6 per child. Adults $12. (FREE for ADULT members). The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator. Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
    
    
12. June 9 - 3D Design. Montclair Art Museum Homeschool days (ages 4 - 13) are Thursdays, HOMESCHOOL DAY, 12 – 2 pm (Ages 4 – 13), $6 per child. Adults $12. (FREE for ADULT members). The Montclair Art Museum invites you and other Homeschooling families for a fun and educational afternoon. These two-hour programs will include a gallery tour and studio art project led by a Museum educator. Please RSVP to bbalsimelli@montclairartmuseum.org or (973) 259-5167.
    

= = = = =

Weekends - Morris County Parks

Cooper Gristmill

à Saturday, October 16^th, Celebrate Apples
Visitors can assist with cider pressing as it was done in 1880s Milltown/ Chester. They can use a hand-cranked apple peeler, and decorate an apple. Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: Cooper Gristmill. Cost: FREE. Donation appreciated.

à Saturday, October 30, A Miller’s Halloween
For a fun-filled afternoon, enjoy spooky storytelling at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Come in costume if you’d like! Create corn husk dolls, color pumpkins, and play old time games. Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: Cooper Gristmill. Cost: FREE. Donation appreciated.

Fosterfields Farm

à Saturday, October 16, “Amaizing” Corn is Popping
Come to the Farmhouse and help make popcorn. Vintage utensils and the wood burning stove will be used. Lean about the different types of corn (maize). Time: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

à Saturday, October 23, Cider Pressing: A “Must” See!
Watch the apple cider press in action as it produces the popular drink called “must.” After seeing the demonstration, enjoy a sample of non-alcoholic cider. Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

à Sunday, October 24, Family Activity Center: Pumpkin Decorating
Families are invited to select and decorate a pumpkin with natural plant materials to take home. At the farm, play old-fashioned games with a Halloween theme. Parental supervision required. Time: 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Location: Fosterfields. Cost: Admission.

Economist Student Subscription

I don't think I can call this the "best" resource of our homeschool year, but a good one that we discovered this year: student subscription to "The Economist".

School Year (39 issues) for $54 (SAVE 80% off the newsstand price)

Both children read at least some of it every week - without any prompting; we will continue to use it & could have started sooner.

Homeschool Days: Virginia

We drive to Baltimore and/or DC every year but are just starting to keep track of homeschooling events there. COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURGH is the biggest of these but Mount Vernon is not bad & I am sure there are plenty more!

1. (Richmond, VA) Fall homeschool day: Music in the Civil War. Sunday, August 22, 2010 - Wednesday, September 22, 2010 (10:00 AM-2:00 PM). Two 1 1/2 sessions. Revervations requested. Museum of the Confederacy, 1201 E. Clay Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Admission Fee: $4.00
   
   
2. Colonial Williamsburgh (VA), the 1700s living history museum in Virginia offers Homeschooler Experience: Fall focus is on government & politics & ... For more info, visit their site or read the flyer. Next dates are: September 11-26, 2010; February 26 - March 5; and September 10 - 25, 2011. (2008/09 rates as low as $5 per day!) (Expect to register at least 10? days in advance or be a "walk-in") . http://www.history.org/History/teaching/groupTours/SchoolandYouth/homeschools.cfm
   
   Homeschoolers describe past visits at:
   
   • Seafarers attended in September 2007
   • Why Homeschool loves Colonial Williamsburgh
     
     
3. At the same time as Williamsburgh: Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center also offer Homeschool programs September 11-26, 2010. The fee is $10.25 per family member (youth or adult) for general admission to both museums. Children under age four are free. Homeschool ticket holders can visit both museums as many times as they like during the date range. The fee also includes one optional hands-on program and one optional guided tour of Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. Classroom capacity is limited to 25 people for hands-on programs. Please register in advance to ensure a place in the program. Walk-ins will be accepted if space is available.
   
   Please register in advance to ensure a place in the program by calling group reservations at (757) 253-4939 or at the visitor services desk at either museum. Purchase your tickets online. Once you have purchased tickets, please preregister for hands-on programs and guided tours. To do this, call group reservations at (757) 253-4939. The pre-registration deadline for hands-on programs and guided tours is 5 p.m. three business days prior to the program/tour.
   
   
4. Homeschool Day at the Virginia State Fair - September 27, 2010. Location: Meadow Event Park off 1-95 Exit 98, next to Kings Dominion, Thanks to HEAV's partnership with the State Fair, you and your family can visit the State Fair at a reduced price on Homeschool Day!
   
   
5. Wed, October 6, 2010: Virginia Air and Space Center Homeschool Open House, Hampton VA
   
   
6. Thursday, October 21: Homeschool Day at the Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton, VA. Special rates for homeschool families: $3/student and $5/adult if purchased in advance; $5/student and $7/adult if purchased at-the-door; free for children 5 and under. Registration: Call 540-332-7850 to purchase tickets in advance. Pre-registration deadline: Monday, October 18, 2010.
   
   
7. Friday, November 5, 2010: Homeschool Day at Mount Vernon - Friday, November 5, 2010. Special rates for homeschool families: $7 for homeschool students (age 6-18); $10 for adults; free for children 5 and under. Registration: Visit www.MountVernon.org/Homeschool to purchase tickets in advance.
   
   
8. Nauticus (Norfolk, VA) is a contemporary museum that uses the natural setting of Norfolk's harbor to showcase global maritime commerce and the world's largest Navy. Annual homeschool day. $12.95 per child (ages 4-17); $14.95 per adult; children 3 and under complimentary includes "first come, first served" workshops.
   
   Last year it was: December 9, 2009 (but it was January 15th in 2008.) Register online up to about a week before VIA their SECURE SERVER! or call 757-664-1021 for more information. http://www.nauticus.org/homeschool.html
   
   
9. (Newport News) Virginia Living Museum Homeschool Day: March 3, 2010: The Virginia Living Museum in Newport News will open its classroom doors to homeschoolers with a selection of fun and engaging classroom programs that highlight important natural science and earth science concepts for elementary and middle school grades. Handle critters, planetarium, special labs for high schoolers. Advance registration is required. Call 757-595-9135 for information and to register. Free curriculum support materials will be provided when registered for classroom programs. Registration deadline is noon on Tuesday, March 2.

Last updated: August 2010

Homeschool Days: Maryland

Be sure and check out the Virgina Days too!

• September 2010: 9/7 thru 9/24 Maryland Science Center Homeschool Days. Visit www.marylanddsciencecenter.org for more information
  
  
• January tbd, 2011: MACHE HS Day at MD Capitol and Old Annapolis Walking tour. See www.machemd.org for more details.
  
  
• April: Friday, 4/15 and Saturday 4/16: MACHE Homeschool Curriculum Fair at Frederick Fairgrounds. TLC Members get in Free! Visit www.machemd.org for more information.

many are sponsored by the Maryland Association of Christian Home Educators.

Equality Day

Did you know that today's the 90th anniversary of a woman's right to vote?

Equality Day

Perhaps we all should be celebrating this right to vote and "Remember the Ladies" who worked so hard for this.

National Fossil Day: October 13

To help you prepare for the first annual National Fossil Day (October 13), the National Park Service recently launched a new website full of educational resources and information designed specifically for students and teachers.

National Fossil Day is now part of Earth Science Week!

Homeschool Aquarium Days (Camden,NJ)

Camden's Adventure Aquarium is offering homeschool weeks --- where you get the group rate discount, even if you're going with just you & yours on any of these dates:
Dates Available:
September 13th - 17th
October 4th - 8th
November 15th - 19th
December 13th - 17th
Pricing: $11.00/person

*All prices do not include additional 7% NJ State tax. However, advanced reservations are required. Please complete their order form and mail/fax with payment at least 10 days prior to chosen date. Walk-up customers will receive regular admission prices.

Lunchroom reservations can only be made for groups of 15 or more. Please plan ahead and complete a reservation request form and a representative will contact you within 1-2 business days.

Interested in adding a film from our 4D Theater to your visit? Click here to learn about all of the movies now playing in the 4D Theater.

Advance reservations are required. All orders must be in ten (10) days prior to your requested visitation date. No orders will be taken over the phone. The above admission rate applies to orders made in advance only. Walk-up customers will receive regular admission prices. Thank You!

Adventure Aquarium
1 Aquarium Drive
Camden, NJ 08103
P: 856.365.3300 x.7544
F: 856.365.3311

UACNJ observatory at Jenny Jump

The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey (UACNJ) operate an observatory in Jenny Jump State Park in Hope, NJ.

Public programs are offered every Saturday evening from April through October. These programs begin at 8 PM with a lecture on an astronomy-related topic and include observing with the 16” Greenwood telescope if the weather cooperates. Lectures are held rain or shine. Star-gazing until 10:30, weather permitting.

See www.uacnj.org for more information.

Upcoming programs (for the latest, see their website):

- 10/16 - Getting started in Astronomy

United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey operates an observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest off Far View Road in Hope Township. Public programs are offered every Saturday evening from April through October. These programs begin at 8 PM with a lecture on an astronomy-related topic and include observing with the 16” Greenwood telescope if the weather cooperates. Lectures are held rain or shine.

For more information, see www.uacnj.org or contact Diane at jefferfamily@gmail.com.

All ages are welcome to attend. See the latest schedule under "Public programs".

Past Programs included:

• Buying or Building a Telescope - Finding our how to get your own telescope
• Astrophotography - An amateur astronomer takes you on a photographic tour of his universe.
• The Latest Findings in Astronomy - Our present understanding of the celestial phenomena in our Cosmos.

If you have an interest in astronomy or just need an excuse to get out on a Saturday night, UACNJ is seeking adult volunteers (observers) to help with these public programs. Observers help with all aspects of the public program – directing cars for parking, setting up a/v equipment for the speaker, handling sales of astronomy books and trinkets, preparing the lecture hall, etc. – and need not have a vast knowledge of astronomy. Those who are interested can train to become qualified to use the Greenwood telescope.

See www.uacnj.org for more information.

If someone wants to arrange for a private session (lecture and observing) for a homeschool group, this can be done for a nominal fee (probably $3 per person). If you are interested in something like this, please let Diane Jeffer know (jefferfamily@gmail.com) and he will put you in touch with the appropriate person.

CCM's Longo Planetarium

CCM's planetarium has been renovated & renamed & re-opened!!

Next public shows: August 13, 2010, 7:00 pm

August 14, 2010, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 5 pm

Peer deep into space through the eyes of the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope and travel back billions of years to witness the birth of our universe. On this breathtaking excursion you'll witness the formation of galaxies and explore some of the most wondrous nebulae and astronomical structures yet discovered. As your travels continue, you'll fly deep into our own Milky Way galaxy and return home to Earth on a spectacular tour through the solar system.

Cohen Hall building is currently being renovated which could affect the air conditioning in the Longo Planetarium. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

CCM Planetarium admission prices for their monthly programs look the same as in 2007 & 2008!

$5 for adults, $4 for CCM students/faculty/staff and seniors,
$3 for kids 12 and under

Earth Science Week 2010: Exploring Energy

AGI invites you to take part in Earth Science Week 2010! Being held October 10-16, Earth Science Week 2010 will encourage people everywhere to explore the natural world and learn about the geosciences.

“Exploring Energy,” the theme of Earth Science Week 2010, will engage young people and the public in learning about Earth's energy resources.

Measure The Earth

The "measure the earth like the ancients" Noon Day Project is done twice a year. (Fall registrations close around 9/14. They do it again in March.) You may enjoy reading the "Measuring With the Mind chapter of Joy Hakim's The Story of Science first.

Fall Time Frame: September 7th – October 11th
Target Measurement week(s): September 17-28

Purpose: To recreate the remarkable measurement of the circumference of the earth that was done over 2000 years ago. Using only simple tools such as rulers, protractors, and meter sticks, students will measure shadows cast by a meter stick at different locations on the earth.

Liberty Science Homeschool Days

The Liberty Science Center will be Hosting a more Home School Days.

September 28, 2010,
February 8, 2011

Give your child in-depth science knowledge through Liberty Science Center's hands-on experiences. For more information, please contact Ruben Rosario at 201.253.1533 or rrosario@lsc.org.

In the past special pricing has been arranged for the Home School groups attending that day. Group Rate Cost: $10.50 per Child/ $5.00 for accompanying adult

Your students can travel to fascinating lands, through amazing ecosystems and even back in time with eye-popping films shown on the nation's largest IMAX Dome screen. You'll all feel a part of the action! You can also choose a 3-D experience in the Joseph D. Williams 3-D theater. Check the website for movies and times http://www.lsc.org

FREE: Your class will enjoy Free Live Science Demonstrations and Labs they can participate in throughout the day. See the website for the variety we offer, and check at the Welcome Desk for the schedule that day.

Lunch : we have space for you to bring your own, and a full service café to
select on the spot.

They look forward to seeing you soon!

for more information, visit their website or contact: Mary McDonald
Director, Group Sales & Telemarketing
Liberty Science Center
(T) 201-253-1214
(F) 201-434-6100
(mailto:mmcdonald@lsc.org)

Two and under are free for the exhibits only. We have a wonderful area on our second floor that was created with the younger children in mind. I Explore is a restricted area for children under 5 years of age and it is wonderful! They will touch, play and learn all on their level…. A Great Area! The IMAX Theater is one area that we do not recommend until a child is about 5. However it is up to the parent discretion.

Homeschool Days - NJ

at least the following places have special homescholing days at their sites in NJ:

1. Liberty Science Museum, NJ

2. Camden Aquarium, Camden, NJ
   
   
3. Historic Speedwell, Morristown
   
   
4. Sculpture Garden
   

National Night Out: 8/3/2010

Enjoy a night of FREE food, soda, ice skating, and more. Explore police vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, helicopters, and the Red Cross Fire Safety House. Skate with the NJ Devil, mascot of the New Jersey Devils and get an autograph from Grant Marshall, alumni of the New Jersey Devils.

Date: Tuesday, August 3
Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
Location: Mennen Sports Arena, Morris Twp.
Cost: FREE
Contact: 973-326-7600

Earth Science Week - annual

2010 theme: “Exploring Energy”

AGI invites you to take part in Earth Science Week 2010! Being held October 10-16, Earth Science Week 2010 will encourage people everywhere to explore the natural world and learn about the geosciences.

Check out the latest edition of their e-newsletter, The Earth Science Week Update.

Selections from 2009:
# During Earth Science Week 2009, NASA released six short educational videos, all part of a series entitled “Tides of Change.” The videos are posted at http://climate.nasa.gov/esw. Navigating to NASA's ESW Webpage will also link you to many multimedia and K-12 educational resources
# Download a PDF of NOAA's Climate Literacy Guide.
# The Pulse of Earth Science: National Status of K-12 Earth Science Education website