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.