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THE 10 BEST New Jersey Historical & Heritage Tours

Historical & heritage tours in new jersey.

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1. Private Central Park Pedicab Tour

2. 1 Day Tour to Philadelphia and Hershey's Chocolate World

3. Grand Lighthouse Tour from Cape May

4. Go City: Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions

5. 5 Star Shameless Name Dropping Walking Tour of Campus & Einstein's Neighborhood

6. Private Walking Tour of Hoboken, Only Half a Mile from Manhattan!

7. 7-Day Philadelphia, D.C, Niagara Falls, Boston Tour from New York

8. Washington D.C.& Philadelphia 2-Day Tour from New York City

9. Atlantic City Ghosts: Banshees of the Boardwalk

10. Historical Walking Tour in Mount Holly

11. Wild West Heist Interactive Escape Room in Northfield, New Jersey

12. New York and Jersey City on Private Tour American Revolution

13. Washington D.C. ,Niagara Falls 5-Day Tour from New York

14. Private Night in New York

15. The Philadelphia Sightseeing Day Pass: 35+ Historic Attractions & Tours

16. Statue of Liberty Ferry & 9/11 Museum Ticket From New Jersey Shared Tour

17. New York City Downtown & Hoboken NJ Walking Tour - Two Cities Two States

18. Jog the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Enjoy Historic Sightseeing

19. 8-day Tour to Visit Nine Top Schools in the East Coast from NYC

20. Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City 7-day Tour

21. Half Day New York City Private Tour

22. See NYC Across the Hudson from NJ

23. Trenton Scavenger Hunt: Patriots & Politics

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Historical Sites In NJ: These 16 Places Make Learning Fun

One of the best things about living in The Garden State is showing your kids a real piece of our country’s history at one (or all) of the historical sites in NJ. Of course, we’re lucky to have sites dating back to the Revolutionary War when Washington fought important battles that led to our freedom, but there are lots of other historical spots your family won’t want to miss. See where Thomas Edison invented electricity and motion pictures, the terminal where immigrants first landed on US soil, and some of the oldest iconic landmarks in the country. Ready to step back in time? Scroll down for the historical places in NJ you and your budding history buffs should have on your bucket list. ( featured p hoto credit: @kateystanley )

These are the 16 Best Historical Sites in NJ

Visit one of the 13 original buildings at Allaire State Park, one of the must-see historical sites in NJ. Photo taken at Allaire State Park . 

The Historic Village at Allaire Initially, this historical site in NJ was a thriving, self-sufficient industrial town of 400 people. These days, the original buildings operate as if they were still in the 19th century. You and your crew can swing by the carpenter and blacksmith shops to watch the volunteers at work and then stop by the general store to buy items that they made on-site, like necklaces (blacksmiths), dolls (textile artists), whistles (tinsmiths), and purses (leather smiths). And don’t forget to pop into the bakery for some fresh treats. The town is part of  Allaire State Park , which has many other attractions, including a forest full of dinosaurs and a train. 4263 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ 07727 (732) 919-3500

Historic Smithville This charming town gives you a glimpse into what a village looked like back in the 19th century, with cobblestone streets, footbridges, and pretty lake views. Historic Smithville started as a seven-acre stagecoach stop with one building—The Smithville Inn, and grew into a representation of a historic village, with buildings restored and repurposed into stores and eateries over the years. Kids will love riding the train and carousel, visiting the Toy Market, and then stopping by Scoop’s Place for some refreshing ice cream—and don’t forget to swing by Sweet Things to grab some candy before you go. 615 E. Moss Mill Rd., Smithville, NJ 08205 (609) 652-7777 (The Smithville Inn)

Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Train Terminal Most of us can probably trace our US beginnings to the CRRNJ train terminal, where immigrants landed after a stop on Ellis Island. During the time of operation, about two-thirds of immigrants made their way to the terminal and then continued their journey further into the US or settled in NJ or NY. You can make a stop here, too, read about this historical place in NJ with the interpretive displays, and then continue to Liberty State Park, where you can explore the grounds and more on the shores of the Hudson. 1 Audrey Zapp Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07305 (201) 915-0615

Lambert Tower This 70-foot tall tower, built in 1896 by Catholina Lambert, an English immigrant and silk mill entrepreneur, has panoramic views from the top with a nod to British royalty. While the Lambert Castle was built just a few years earlier, in 1892-1893, both the castle and tower were built in the style of the castles in Great Britain (where Catholina was raised). Climb to the top for the most amazing views of the Garret Mountain Reservation at this historical place in NJ. The Tower is open to the public from May-October Wednesdays through Saturdays. Lambert Castle Valley Road, Paterson, NJ 07505 (973) 881-4832

The Sterling Hill Mining Museum This museum was once one of the world’s best sources of zinc ore and is considered one of NJ’s most unusual attractions . The open-pit-turned-underground-mine, which had 35 miles of tunnels, stopped operations in 1986 and has a museum and currently offers tours on the weekends for the mine. There’s also the world’s most extensive collection of colorful fluorescent minerals, which will fascinate big kids and littles (and make time to pan for minerals in the Sluice mining station after). 30 Plant St., Ogdensburg, NJ 07439 (973) 209-7212

Haddonfield’s Dinosaur Discovery Park In 1858, a group of diggers excavated an almost-complete dinosaur skeleton in a Haddonfield farm—up until then, researchers had found only small, seemingly unconnected pieces in Europe and North America, proving dinosaurs were indeed on this continent. While you won’t see the skeleton, you can stand where the dinosaur was discovered and once roamed in this mini-park at the end of a suburban street. You’ll know you’re there when you see a couple of low-key historical plaques and a bench. End of Maple Avenue, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 (609) 313-6648

Weehawken Dueling Grounds If you know, you know—this historical site in NJ is where the famous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr happened, a key part of history and a pivotal scene in the Broadway hit Hamilton . The duel took place on a ledge on the cliffs, below where a bust of Hamilton sits to commemorate the spot. (The actual dueling ground no longer exists because of a railroad line built-in 1870.) After you and your fam explore the history, relax in the adjacent Hamilton Park and enjoy a picturesque view of the Manhattan skyline—make sure to get some photos of your kiddos for the gram. Hamilton Ave., Weehawken, NJ 07086 (201) 319-6005

Historic Speedwell makes a lovely place to explore— with a park featuring a small waterfall, lake, and walking trail. Photo Credit: @kateystanley

Historic Speedwell   The Industrial Revolution began here when Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail showed people their electromagnetic telegraph in 1838, ushering in a new way to communicate messages across far distances through electric currents known as Morse Code. The 18th-century buildings and interactive museum have re-opened after three years, so it’s worth checking them out and exploring the lovely park that features a small waterfall, lake, and a walking trail. 333 Speedwell Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 285-6550

Thomas Edison National Historical Park The father of electricity, Thomas Edison, created many of his groundbreaking inventions in West Orange including the motion picture camera, higher-quality phonograph, sound recordings, silent movies, movies with sound, and an electric storage battery. Stop by the visitor center to see a short film about Edison’s life and work, take a peek into the laboratory where you can see where Edison worked, and then visit the grounds around his estate, Glenmont (tours are available inside the estate for adults only). 211 Main St., West Orange, NJ 07052 (973) 736-0550

Absecon Lighthouse Head to the shore to check out one of the oldest lighthouses in the US, built over 160 years ago in 1857, and the tallest one in NJ. If you and your fam decide to make the trek up the 228 steps, you can see the original Fresnel lens (a classic lighthouse lens), which was first lit in 1857, as well as fantastic views of the Atlantic City skyline—make sure to have your phone at the ready for some great candid shots.  31 S. Rhode Island Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 449-1360

Lucy the Elephant stands six stories high and was built 140 years ago, in 1881, to attract real estate buyers to the area. Photo taken at Lucy the Elephant

Lucy the Elephant It may be kitschy, but that’s part of the fun—one of the oldest roadside attractions in the US and a National Historic Landmark, Lucy the Elephant , stands at six stories high and was built 140 years ago in 1881 to attract real estate buyers to the area. Lucy recently went through a complete restoration inside and out, so it’s worth a visit again if you’ve been. You can take a guided inside tour before stopping by the gift shop to bring home a souvenir. 9200 Atlantic Ave., Margate, NJ 08402 (609) 823-6473

Revolutionary War Sites 

Stepping back into the 1700s at Jockey Hollow, where soldiers stayed in these log cabins (since re-created). This is one of those must-see historical places in NJ. Photo Credit: @kateystanley

Jockey Hollow Your whole family will be eager to explore the grounds of Jockey Hollow, the area where the Continental Army camped out during the winter of 1779 to 1780 (the coldest winter on record) and chopped down over 600 acres of trees to build shelter and make fires. Kids will love running up the hill to step inside the recreated log cabins where the soldiers and officers lived that winter. Afterward, they can learn the story of Tempe Wick and how she kept a horse in her bedroom at the restored Wick House, located in the lower part of the park. 586 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 543-4030

Washington Crossing State Park George Washington famously crossed the Delaware River to this side from Pennsylvania on Christmas night, 1776. For almost 10 hours, boats traveled back and forth to bring people, horses, and supplies into NJ. They then marched into Trenton and secured a significant victory (capturing 900 enemy soldiers) on December 26. Have your kids pose to recreate the iconic painting of his crossing on display at the Met—and snap a photo of them for the gram. 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville, NJ 08560 (609) 737-0623

Princeton Battlefield State Park After ten days of fighting—and three battles—George Washington led American troops to surprise and defeat a British army in one of the most intense battles of the Revolutionary War. The park is one of the historical sites in NJ with lots of monuments, including the Princeton Battlefield, the Clarke House Museum, the Mercer Oak, the Ionic Colonnade, and the medallion, a stone patio marking the approximate gravesite of 21 British and 15 American soldiers killed in the battle. 500 Mercer Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540 (609) 921-0074

Monmouth Battlefield State Park The battle that took place here was a critical turning point in the Revolution. The American army had experienced many losses in 1777, but in June 1778—after one of the longest battles of the war—they managed to keep the British back and hold the field. Take a history hike to see where Washington’s Army fought the battle and observe the wildlife and meadows along the way. 16 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726 (732) 462-9616

The Ford Mansion, aka Washington’s Headquarters One of the centerpieces of Revolutionary War historical places in NJ, this Georgian-style mansion was initially owned by Jacob Ford Jr., a prominent Morristown businessman, and served as George Washington’s military headquarters from December 1779 to June 1780. You can visit the mansion and several galleries with military memorabilia from the war, 18th-century artifacts, and notable artworks. Kids will enjoy touring the estate, fully furnished in eighteenth-century style with original pieces to replicate what it looked like while Washington stayed there. 30 Washington Place, Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 539-2016

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About Author

Caroline is a writer from central Jersey who loves checking out new boardwalks and beach towns (current faves include Long Branch and Ocean Grove), admiring the foliage and walking around downtown Princeton, and singing along to music—often with her younger sister. One of her favorite jobs was being a camp counselor and helping out at local, family-friendly events. She can regularly be found ordering a pie to go from Romeo's in Plainsboro, her favorite pizzeria.

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• Keep your historic site / park and surrounding property clean and green! Protect this site by taking your trash with you. Whatever you carry into the site, plan on carrying it out too. Bring a bag or two for trash, recycling and cleaning up after your pet. There are no trash receptacles at this site. Thank you!
• No Smoking on NJ State Park Service Property. Pursuant to N.J.P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-56)
• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at state historic sites [ N.J.A.C. 7:2-2.6]
• The collection or removal of any object from State Park property is prohibited without written permission from the Superintendent.
• Use of metal detecting devices on or unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) on or over the property is not permitted without a special use permit (SUP) from the State historic site / park.
• Commercial photography is not permitted on the property without a special use permit (SUP) from the historic site / park.
• Interior photography, videotaping or audio taping are not permitted in the Historic structure / visitor center / museum, except by prior written permission and for educational purposes only .
• Non-commercial photography is permitted on the property (outside), but please help preserve the historic site / park and any surrounding property by not attaching anything to, climbing or sitting on historic structures and features or disturbing any plants, wild or cultivated. Photography may not interfere with other visitors to the historic site / park or impede site operations.
• Food and beverages; pets/animals, except for service animals, are not permitted in the historic structure / visitor center / museum.
• Please refrain from touching objects/furnishings in and building components of historic structures and museums, except where invited to do so by staff.

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• For information about fishing and hunting, please refer to the NJ Fish and Wildlife website , or call the main information number in Trenton at 609-292-2965.

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Historical Society of Princeton

Princeton guided tours.

Take the Historical Society of Princeton's fabulous guided walking tours--offered every Sunday at 2:00 PM. Enjoy a two-mile walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Bainbridge House, Nassau Hall, the University Chapel and Palmer Square. The early history of Princeton, the founding of the University and the American Revolution are just some of the stories from Princeton's history that you will learn and enjoy on our tour.

When : Every Sunday throughout the year (except major holidays; weather permitting) Start time: 2 PM.  Themed History Walks are offered throughout the year; click here for more information. 

Tours start at Art@Bainbridge, 158 Nassau Street.

Fee: $10. Purchase tickets online .

Group Walking Tours:  Available by appointment for groups of 10 or more, with advance notice. For more information, visit www.princetonhistory.org or e-mail [email protected] or call 609-921-6748, x102.

Princeton Self-Guided Tours and Maps

A Self-Guided Tour of Historic Princeton:  Princeton's main historic sites, all within easy walking distance of the center of town.  Physical copies are available for $1 at the Historical Society’s museum at 354 Quaker Road; e-mail [email protected] for a digital copy.

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Central Jersey’s historic sites will captivate you. Central Jersey has played a central role in American history, from early settlement in colonial times, to the Revolutionary War, and the agricultural and industrial revolutions.

East Jersey Old Town Village & Low House

1050 River Rd, Piscataway + 1225 River Rd, Piscataway

East Jersey Old Town Village features reconstructed and replica 18th and 19th century structures that represent architecture typical of farm and merchant communities once found in the Raritan Valley. The Village offers awarding winning exhibits, living history, and seasonal programs. Built in 1741 at Raritan Landing for a wealthy Dutch merchant, the Cornelius Low House is a Historic National Register home and one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in New Jersey. The Low House mounts rotating exhibits about New Jersey history. Both are free and open Wednesday to Sunday, weekly.

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Estates and Historic Homes Login or Register to save this to your Favorites.

Whether New Jersey's historic homes and grand estates sits on a Revolutionary War battlefield, in a village of an era long gone or were once occcupied by a president, poet or industrial legend, they are architectural and decorative masterpieces. Spanning the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, these beautiful destinations are waiting for you to learn about their place in New Jersey's history.

Cape May Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts operates the Emlen Physick Estate , the town's only Victorian house museum. This historic estate is a prime example of the late 1800s trend toward personalized architecture, a staple of the Victorian and Arts and Crafts periods.

While visiting Camden, venture to the humble dwelling of the "The Good Gray Poet," the Walt Whitman House . This modest, two-story, wooden-framed structure designed in Greek Revival style was the only home owned by the "Leaves of Grass" author. A state historic site and National Historic Landmark, the restored Walt Whitman House today welcomes visitors from around the world looking to experience the last worldly surroundings of America's "Great Poet of Democracy." The renowned poet's house is furnished with a number of pieces owned and used by Whitman himself from the time he bought the house in 1884 until his death in 1892.

When in the Ivy League town of Princeton, explore Drumthwacket , the official residence of the governor of New Jersey. In fact, Drumthwacket is one of the most fabled and elegant of America's executive residences. Its history contains the stories of three families that made immense contributions to New Jersey and American history. Charles Smith Olden began the construction of Drumthwacket in 1835. Typical of the Greek Revival style, the house features a large portico with six Ionic columns. Drumthwacket is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been the official governor's residence since 1981. Nearby is historic Morven, the former New Jersey Governor's Mansion and 18th-century home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The National Historic Landmark, situated on five acres of manicured grounds and gardens, is now a museum showcasing New Jersey history and culture.

View the Ballantine House at The Newark Museum , a 27-room, late Victorian-style mansion built in 1885 for Jeannette and John Holme Ballantine of the celebrated Newark beer-brewing family. The original house had eight bedrooms and three bathrooms and has been a part of the museum since 1937. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. Today, two floors of the Ballantine House are interpreted as a suite of galleries called "House Home," which includes eight period rooms, two hallways and six thematic galleries - all filled with things that might have been found in people's homes from the 1650s to the present.

Situated on Garret Mountain in Paterson is Lambert Castle , which was built in 1892 for Catholina Lambert, an English immigrant who made his fortune in the Silk City. Fashioned after an English castle, interior rooms reflect the eclectic styles of America's Gilded Age. Naming the house Belle Vista, Lambert displayed his valuable paintings by Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet and others in a three-story, sky-lit atrium. In the late 1990s, the entire castle was transformed into a museum, which is managed by the Passaic County Historical Society. Visitors to the first floor will find restored period rooms, while the second and third floors showcase alternating exhibitions and the basement level is a historical research library.

Liberty Hall Museum in Union is positioned on 23 gorgeous acres and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1772 for William Livingston, New Jersey's first governor, Liberty Hall was home to seven generations of the Livingston/Kean family until 1995. Predating the American Revolution, Liberty Hall was a great Colonial plantation during the 18th century and evolved into an Italianate-style Victorian country home in the 19th century. As a result of this continual occupancy by the same family for more than 200 years, the 50 lavish period rooms are furnished with American furniture, art, ceramics, textiles, toys, books, portraits and memorabilia.

Skylands Manor in Ringwood is the 117-acre former estate of Clarence Lewis, a civil engineer and stepson of William Salomon, founder of the New York banking house. Built in 1924, the magnificent, Tudor-style stone mansion was designed by John Russell Pope, one of America's foremost architects during the country's turn-of-the-century gilded age.

Part of the National Historic Landmark District, Ringwood Manor in Ringwood is a beautiful country house that was home to a succession of well-known ironmasters for nearly 200 years. The Federal-style manor house was constructed in 1807 by the Ryerson family and the subsequent owners, the Abram S. Hewitt family - America's foremost ironmaster - added Italianate and Gothic Revival styles to the estate. The resulting eclectic mix of 51 rooms was the largest house in America until the late 1800s.

The alluring, rural areas of the Garden State that attracted wealthy industrialists and financiers of the past continue to attract thousands of visitors today to explore these grand, architectural works of art.

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Take a step back in time with a visit to n.j.’s beautiful historic homes, like this article share it with your friends.

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Hunter Hulbert - Community

New Jersey is rich in history, and the abundance of historic homes across the state will take you back in time. These structures allow us to relive and experience what life used to be like over the centuries, providing more insight into the beautiful place we call home: the Garden State.

From the northern tip of Passaic and Bergen counties, inland to Morris and Mercer county, all the way down to the southernmost point in Cape May, there is no lack of historic homes to visit — each one distinct in architecture and character. Let’s explore, shall we?

Ringwood Manor. Photo by Anthony Gadaleta

Ringwood Manor, Ringwood

Located within the picturesque natural beauty of the New Jersey Skylands lies Ringwood Manor . Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the home is situated in Ringwood State Park, which is filled with walking and hiking trails waiting to be explored. The manor has roots in Native American history and dates to the early 20th century.

Guided tours of the manor are held Wednesday-Sunday on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. except noon. Admission to the manor costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 62 and older, $5 for children between 6 to 12 years old and free for children 5 and younger.

When planning your visit, be sure to check the latest updates on the tour schedule and make sure that the manor is open, as that’s subject to change. Starting from Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, a small, per-car parking fee is required to enter the park. New Jersey residents pay $5 and out-of-state residents pay $7.

On Sun., June 5, the manor is having an Antiques and Vintage Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the event is free, with only a small parking fee to enter the park. It’s ideal for the collector and enthusiast alike.

For more information on tours, events or other inquiries, be sure to visit the website .

Address: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, N.J. 07456

The Hermitage. Photo by Anthony Gadaleta

The Hermitage, Ho-Ho-Kus

Nestled in the affluent Bergen County town of Ho-Ho-Kus, The Hermitage is truly a hidden gem. A historic home and museum, the home boasts bountiful history and beautiful ornate architecture on the interior and exterior. Covering a multitude of time periods, the home has seen many eras and owners.

You can explore and wander the grounds and gardens of the property daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of the home typically run on weekends at 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. You can also arrange a tour by appointment on Thursdays and Fridays. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and younger.

On Sat., May 21, The Hermitage hosts Afternoon Tea starting at 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets cost $60 per person. It’s an excellent way to experience history and indulge in some tea time.

Be sure to visit during the 50th Anniversary Celebration on Sat., June 11 at Sun Valley Farms in Mahwah from 1 to 4 p.m. The fee for the event is $100 per person for general admission, $250 for VIP, $25 for children 12 and younger and $75 for members of The Hermitage. It’s a special way to celebrate the history and legacy of The Hermitage with the local community.

The Hermitage also hosts a number of lectures and seasonal craft shows throughout the year. For more details, visit the website .

Address: 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J. 07423

Macculloch Hall. Photo by Anthony Gadaleta

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown

Morristown is synonymous with history, and the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is just another example of a local piece of it. This Federal-style, brick mansion was the former home of the Macculloch family during the early 19th century and has ties to the American Revolution.

Macculloch is open weekdays by appointment only, and, when visiting, make sure to schedule at least 48 hours or more in advance. You can also choose to roam the gardens of the property as it is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For tours of Macculloch, tickets cost $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $6 for students, $4 for children ages 12 and younger, and free for children ages 5 and younger. Members also have free admission.

The museum also hosts a multitude of events, both in-person and virtually, which is ideal for families with young children. During the months of May and June, there are Growing in the Gardens events from 2 to 2:30 p.m., held on every other Tuesday, and Guess & Go Story Time children’s events held every Wednesday in May at noon (both events are held virtually on Facebook Live).

Be sure to check their full list of events on the website .

Address: 45 MacCulloch Ave., Morristown, N.J. 07960

Morven Museum & Garden. Photo by Anthony Gadaleta

Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton

Known as the former Governor’s Mansion, the Morven Museum & Garden , is a now historic home and museum just steps away from the heart of downtown Princeton. A true historical symbol of the Garden State, it now hosts many special events and exhibitions.

Morven is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours of the home are held at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 60 and older, $8 for students with an ID, $8 for children ages 7 to 18, $8 for individuals that are active military, and free for children ages 6 and younger. Members also have free admission.

Morven also hosts private events for special occasions as well. Visit the website for more information.

Address: 55 Stockton St., Princeton, N.J. 08540

Emlen Physick Estate. Photo by Anthony Gadaleta

Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May

Beautifully situated in the historic town of Cape May on the southernmost tip of the state, the Emlen Physick Estate is perhaps one of the best-known symbols of this seaside community. It’s an iconic example of late 19th century Victorian architecture.

The home is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for guided tours of the home cost $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 3 to 12, and are at a discounted rate of 25% off for members.

The Emlen Physick Estate also hosts many events throughout the year through the Cape May MAC Association, including seasonal craft shows, festivals and holiday celebrations. For more information on events and other seasonal festivities, be sure to visit the website .

Address: 1048 Washington St., Cape May, N.J. 08204

No matter what season you plan on visiting, from snowy, winter days to hot, summer afternoons, you’ll learn more about the local stories embedded in our state’s history. These historic homes are all a must-visit to experience the splendor of the Garden State.

Anthony Gadaleta is a travel writer and photographer based in New Jersey. He creates curated travel and lifestyle content through Capturing Life’s Moments , a website dedicated to his passion for travel.

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5 comments on “ Take a step back in time with a visit to N.J.’s beautiful historic homes ”

I’m looking forward to visit my home state. I live in PA now and NJ has many things to do and visit. Thank you for the opportunity to do so.

Of course! 🙂

I can’t wait to see these historical homes, anthony is incredibly well spoken and knows what he’s talking about!

Thank you so much for your kind words Eliza! So glad I inspired your next travel adventure. 🙂

How did you manage to neglect to include The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in Morris Plains, NJ? A true hidden gem.

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• 6 Must-See Historic Towns in New Jersey

Visiting historic sites induces a feeling unlike any other — it gives you a sense of connection to the past and what life may have been like in a different time. More importantly, it enables you to explore different backgrounds, cultures, and customs that open your eyes to new approaches. The state of New Jersey is one of the most historically significant states in the nation. The area was first inhabited sometime around 12,000 years ago by indigenous Lenape Native Americans and, subsequently, by European settlers around 1609. Fueled by the desire for a better life, millions of immigrants arrived and contributed to the state’s booming economy, finding work in factories, textile plants, and railroad openings. In this article, we will explore six must-see historic towns in New Jersey.

Named after Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey, this coastal town offers a stunning beach, tasty dining options, and fascinating historical sites. For example, Cape May Beach provides beachgoers with silky smooth sand and dazzling views of the Atlantic Ocean. To avoid the crowd, visit during dusk or dawn when the sky transforms into a breathtaking gradient of different colors. A short 10-minute drive brings you to Cape May Lighthouse, a 165-year-old landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places — it allows you to ascend 199 steps to the top, where you can enjoy once-in-a-lifetime views of Delaware Bay. To get a glimpse of what life was like before, stop by the Historic Cold Spring Village — the biggest open-air living museum in the state of New Jersey — here, on 30 acres of open land, you can witness 19th-century architecture and historical interpreters working the same way blacksmiths and weavers did back in the day.

Walking through the streets of this historic town is a privilege. The town of Princeton played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War, which altered the trajectory of the conflict and human history forever after the Continental forces, under the leadership of George Washington, decisively defeated the British. In addition, Princeton also served as a temporary base for the Continental Army between June 30 and November 4, 1783. The Historical Society of Princeton, a famous local museum, provides walking tours around town and delves into the origins of Princeton's history, as well as various notable landmarks pertinent to the Revolutionary War. Other sites of interest include the Nassau Hall, Palmer Square, and the Princeton University Art Museum, which features over 72,000 historical pieces. Lastly, consider visiting the Princeton University campus, the fourth-oldest higher education institute in the U.S., which opened its doors 278 years ago. The Ivy League school offers tours to prospective students, parents, and visitors curious about the prestigious university.

When the Continental Army was in the middle of its bloody campaign, George Washington established Morristown as a vital winter encampment for its strategic location and proximity to natural resources. The Morristown National Historical Park, one of America's first national historic landmarks, stands on 1,705 acres of land and features a museum, Ford Mansion (which served as General Washington's headquarters between 1779-1780), and the Pennsylvania Line Encampment Site, where more than 2,000 soldiers were sheltered. Furthermore, the park boasts over 500,000 artifacts and 27 miles of hiking trails to explore. A short 13-minute journey away lies the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a stunning sanctuary filled with hiking trails and elevated boardwalks, serving as the perfect getaway to witness the assembly of 200+ species of birds that migrate and pause for a break.

This town's storied past dates back to 1698, making it one of New Jersey's oldest settlements. When parts of Cranbury achieved recognition on the National Register of Historic Places, nominators affirmed Cranbury's immaculate architecture and well-preserved history, stating: "Cranbury is the best preserved 19th-century village in Middlesex County... While there are many small mill towns in New Jersey, few are in such an undisturbed environment as that of Cranbury." If that sparked your interest, the Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society offers two-hour tours, taking visitors on an interactive walk through the historic district. In addition, the Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society enterprise owns four properties, including the Cranbury Museum, which displays permanent exhibits, centuries-old farm tools that once cultivated the land, and indigenous artifacts. Less than 10 minutes away, the Plainsboro Preserve offers a delightful and relaxing environment to wind down while watching McCormack Lake. Despite being only 50 acres, the preserve is home to various species, including otters, turtles, fish, and birds.

Not to be confused with the Salem of Massachusetts , where the famous witch trials happened, this lesser-known Salem is where the Salem Tomato Trials took place after Robert Gibbon Johnson munched on a basket full of tomatoes at the Salem County Courthouse, debunking the myth that tomatoes were poisonous, a widely held belief at the time. Built 289 years ago, the same courthouse still stands today. Other historic sites and museums in the area include the John Printz Park Log Cabin, the Salem City Fire Museum, and the Salem County Historical Society Museum. Established in 1884, the Salem County Historical Society Museum continues to function, showcasing over 10,000 historical artifacts, vintage furniture, art, sleighs, and Native American materials. Not too far away lies the Supawna Meadows, a nature lover's haven that features hundreds of animal and plant species, including the rarely-seen American Woodcock bird.

Lambertville

This quaint town rests on the shores of the Delaware River and is known for its impeccably maintained historic buildings. To put it in perspective, several historic sites are included in the National Register of Historic Places. One such site is the Delaware and Raritan Canal, which Irish immigrants excavated almost entirely by hand and simple tools. Another prominent feature in Lambertville is the Goat Hill Overlook. There are no goats, but it is easy to hike and provides spectacular views of the river. More importantly, George Washington and Charles Cornwallis utilized the peak during the Revolutionary War to spy on the opposing battalions below. For all your food cravings, consider visiting The Hawke, a casual steakhouse with a cozy atmosphere in a 19th-century home, with indoor and outdoor dining options available.

In conclusion, these six must-see towns offer a glimpse into one of America's most historically significant states. From the steps of a nearly three-century-old courtyard to Revolutionary War battlegrounds that forever changed history, these towns will leave you feeling inspired, grateful, and enlightened.

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The Best New Jersey Mansions Open to the Public

The latest update for New Jersey Mansions Open to the Public is written by  Lindsay Podolak .

D o you ever wonder what it’s like to live in an old mansion? Well, wonder no longer! Many of New Jersey’s sprawling estates are open to the public, offering guided tours and special events. We’ve rounded up the best NJ mansions that welcome visitors. They’re great for exploring with friends and family.

Quick Click Guide : Select an NJ Region below to find a Mansion near you. | North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |

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North Jersey

Lambert Castle

Editor’s Note : Lambert Castle is currently closed due to a planned renovation in 2020. We will update this feature when they reopen. Location: 3 Valley Road, Paterson Details: Located on Garret Mountain overlooking Paterson, this beautiful estate resembles an old English castle. English immigrant Catholina Lambert made his fortune in the silk industry, then built the castle in the late 19th century. The castle houses a large collection of American and European art, much to the delight of his many prominent visitors. Lambert’s son Walter later sold the castle to the city of Paterson in 1925. Since then, extensive renovations have restored the building to its former glory. Every November, you can visit the Lambert Castle Holiday Boutique to shop for festive decor, crafts, jewelry and more. Why I like it: Members of the Passaic County Historical Society receive free admission; otherwise, adults pay just $5 and children ages 5-17 are $3. More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call .

Ringwood Manor

Location: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood Details: Ringwood Manor served as a summer home to ironmasters Peter Cooper and Abram S. Hewitt during the Gilded Age. Though building began in 1810, the final phase did not complete until 1910. Inside the manor, you’ll find neo-classical decor along with French designs and furniture. Each December, the estate is open to the public during the Victorian Christmas weekends. It then closes in January and February before opening again with limited hours in March. Meanwhile, you can take a guided tour Wednesdays through Sundays from April to November at select times; of course, it’s best to call ahead to confirm availability. Why I like it: Free, self-guided tours of the the estate’s carriage barn take place every weekend from May – October between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call .

Shippen Manor

Location: 8 Belvidere Avenue, Oxford Details: The Shippen Manor has over 250 years of history inside its walls. The Georgian-style home is made from local stone and features three chimneys. A tour of the family dining room shows a portrait of original owner Dr. William Shippen II, a famous local surgeon, above the fireplace. You can learn more about Shippen Manor through our Jersey Through History series . Why I like it: Seasonal events such as candlelight tours in the winter and lawn concerts during the summer make Shippen Manor a year-round family destination. More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call .

Skylands Manor

Location: 5 Morris Road, Ringwood Details: Designed in the mid-1920s by American architect John Russell Pope, this Tudor Revival mansion was made to appear centuries old. The building has a weathered stone facade and its slate roof contains ripples and sags. Additionally, the dining room’s oak paneling comes from an English seacoast town and the breakfast room is lined with fine green Italian marble. Skylands Manor also notably sits within the expansive New Jersey Botanical Garden. Guided tours of the manor house are available on select Sundays throughout the year. Why I like it: After your tour of the Manor, visit the free Botanical Garden that’s open all year. More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call .

Central Jersey

Drumthwacket

Location: 354 Stockton Street (Route 206), Princeton Details: Drumthwacket has been the official residence of New Jersey’s governor since 1981. The home was built in 1835 by Charles Smith Olden, who later became the state’s 28th governor. It sits near the site of the Battle of Princeton , a significant battle during the American Revolution. Drumthwacket is open most Wednesdays at 1:00 pm for guided public tours, except during the holidays. The home also hosts an Annual Spring Carnival to provide a day of fun and games for children with special needs and their families. Why I like it: Students can use the online student portal to play games, view an interactive map of New Jersey and learn more about local inventors. More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call .

Liberty Hall Museum

Location: 1003 Morris Avenue, Union Details: Liberty Hall was built in 1772 for William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor. (And also a signer of the Constitution.) Originally a 14-room Georgian-style home, Liberty Hall is now a 50-room Victorian-style mansion. The museum also houses ceramics, textiles, toys, furniture, and tools owned by seven generations of the Kean and Livingston families. They are open Wednesday through Sunday from April to December, with limited hours in March. Liberty Hall closes during January and February, except to group reservations of 10 or more. Check the website calendar for special events such as afternoon tea, a Dr. Seuss birthday celebration and more. Why I like it: You won’t want to miss the museum’s rare 1796 Madeira wine collection. A staff member actually found the collection during a recent renovation. More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call .

Jersey Shore

Emlen Physick Estate

Location: 1048 Washington Street, Cape May Details: The Emlen Physick Estate is a glimpse into New Jersey’s Victorian past, as seen through its design and decor. Emlen Physick Jr., along with his widowed mother and maiden aunt, moved in when it was completed in 1879. The stately grounds include Hill House and the Carriage House, as well as the Carroll Gallery, which often features new art. Special guided tours are available for kids (with an adult present). Families can also explore Physick Estate on a fun and educational scavenger hunt any day of the week! Likewise, spring and summer events include the Sip Into Spring Festival and the Craft Beer, Music & Crab Festival. Why I like it: Into ghosts? The Emlen Physick Estate is Cape May’s original haunted house, with many spirits said to roam the halls. More info: Visit the website or you can click here to call .

South Jersey

Batsto Mansion

Location: Batsto Road, Batsto Details: Generations of ironmasters lived in the 32-room Batsto Mansion, located in the center of Batsto Village. The mansion was renovated in the late 1800s to reflect the Italianate style of architecture. Fourteen rooms of the mansion are currently open for the public to tour, including the parlors, dining room, library, and bedrooms. Guided tours of the mansion cost $3 per adult and $1 per child. Why I like it: Walk through the rest of Batsto Village to make a day of it. See the remains of the ghost town, including a post office, library, general store, and other homes. More info: Visit the website .

White Hill Mansion

Location: 217 Fourth Street, Fieldsboro Details: In 1757, merchant Robert Field inherited land from his father and built what is now White Hill Mansion. Over the years it passed through the hands of several different families, and ended up as an upscale German restaurant from 1923 through 1972. But when these owners intended to demolish the home, the borough of Fieldsboro purchased the property. Now it is a historic landmark, and archaeological digs have turned up over 30,000 artifacts and evidence of Native American occupation on the land. See the website for tour dates as well as special yoga events. Why I like it: During the popular Ghost Hunt, guests tour the mansion for five hours in the dark. Be sure to bring any ghost-seeking equipment you have! More info: Visit the website .

Hero (Top) Feature Image: © Emlen Physick Estate / Facebook Additional Images (in Order) Courtesy: Passaic County Historical Society / Website Drumthwacket Foundation / Website Emlen Physick Estate / Facebook Friends of White Hill Mansion / Facebook

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Historical Walking Tour

Historical Walking Tour Elizabeth Ave & Broad Street Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201

Elizabeth's Historic Heartline Walking Tour

Are your kids bored with history? Do they have a hard time finding it relevant? If so, Elizabeth's historical city walking tours can help give them a brand new perspective. With smartphone-enabled audio accompanying historical streets and architecture that span over 350 years, even the biggest history detractors will love learning about Elizabeth's rich past.

Walking Tour Highlights There are many historical sites that are part of the Elizabeth's Historic Heartline Walking Tour. The walking tour, for example, includes the Belcher-Ogden Mansion . It also features the Bonnell House , which is one of the oldest residences in the state, built between 1670 and 1685. The walking tour also stops at the Snyder Academy of Elizabethtown , First Presbyterian Church , Elizabeth River Trail , the Elizabeth Public Library , Liberty Hall , Ritz Theater , Minute Man Statue , St. John's Episcopal Church, Veteran's Memorial Waterfront Park , and Boxwood Hall , which hosted George Washington and Alexander Hamilton among others. The walking tour gives visitors an opportunity to explore at their own pace and experience Elizabeth's history as New Jersey's first provincial capital up to the city's current role as the county seat of Union County.

Point of Interest: Elizabeth River Trail The Elizabeth River Trail highlights the history of Elizabeth with artwork from local artists displayed along its path. The trail restores some of the natural beauty of the urban waters that played an important part in Elizabeth’s development as a city.

Point of Interest: Ritz Theatre Built-in 1926 and known for its Art Deco design, the Ritz Theatre is one of the largest and oldest fully operational theaters in New Jersey. Over the years, many legendary performers have graced this majestic theater’s stage, from the Marx Brothers, George Burns, and Jack Benny, Ray Charles, Harry Chapin, Maya Angelou, Chaka Kahn, Rodney Dangerfield, Miles Davis, and many others. The theatre was a cultural landmark through the 1960s.

Point of Interest: St. John's Episcopal Church Founded in 1706, the church is known for its features, including stained glass, rich woodwork and a cemetery. St. John’s Episcopal Church is known as one of the oldest Episcopal Churches in America. Jonathan Dayton, who lived at Boxwood Hall, is buried in an unmarked grave in this church's cemetery. Dayton had served as a lieutenant and paymaster in the Revolutionary War. In 1789, he was one of four signers of the United States Constitution for the state of New Jersey.

How Does Elizabeth's History's Heartline Walking Tour work? Including tours of Elizabeth Ave and Broad Street, the walking tour uses smartphone technology to bring the historic places of Elizabeth to life for visitors. When taking the tour, simply use a QR code reader app to scan the QR code seen at each historical site. Once downloaded, just press play on your smartphone and hear a description of each site as you explore it.

Elizabeth is full of history, beauty, and fun. Explore the city through not only walking tours, but also by public transportation to visit parks, shops, dining, and nightlife opportunities. Walk among history in Elizabeth, NJ.

Download our "Elizabeth's Historic Heartline" Walking Tour Pamphlet Here!

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• Walking Tours

If you have more than eight people in your group, please contact [email protected] to schedule a private tour. Private tours of town and campus are available by request for up to 25 participants ($15 per person, $150 minimum).

Walking tours are generously supported by

Princeton History Sunday Tour

Enjoy a 2-mile walk around downtown Princeton and the University campus as you learn about historic sites in the area, including Nassau Hall, University Chapel, and Palmer Square. In addition to the early history of the town, founding of the University and Revolutionary War,  guides will share some of the  lesser-known stories of Princeton’s diverse past. 

Tickets are $15. 

Advance purchase is required. Ticket sales end at 1:00 PM on the day of the tour (or when the tour is sold out). Due to space limitations, we cannot accommodate last minute add-ons at the start of the tour. 

Portions of the tour may include stairs and hills, please notify guide of any accessibility needs.

Tours are held in light rain; in the event of severe inclement weather, a message will be sent to the email address used when booking. You can also click here for an update on HSP’s calendar of events. Refunds or ticket exchanges will be issued only if the tour is cancelled.

PARKING: Meters are enforced 7 days a week. Free parking is available on weekends in Princeton University’s numbered lots.

Princeton History Walking Tour on April 28, 2024, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Princeton University Eating Clubs Tour on May 4, 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Click to buy tickets or  view more dates .

Themed History Walks

Historic stony brook: gateway to princeton history.

Before there was a “Princeton,” six Quaker families established a community on the fertile ground along Stony Brook. This two-hour hike explores the lives of the early settlers and the community they established, while following a portion of the trail George Washington took from Trenton to the Princeton Battlefield. Stops include the Stony Brook Meeting House and Burial Ground, walking a portion of the “hidden” back road into Princeton, and a view of the Battlefield. Tour starts at 354 Quaker Road, Princeton.

Check back for spring 2024 tour dates.

Oppenheimer Walking Tour

Want to learn more about Princeton’s role in J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life and the development of the atomic bombs? Inspired by the release of Christopher Nolan’s movie, this tour will traverse the University campus (including locations where Oppenheimer was filmed) while sharing stories about the local academic figures recruited to work on the Manhattan Project. Tour starts outside the Princeton Garden Theatre, 160 Nassau Street.

Check back for additional tour dates.

Historic Jugtown Tour

Join historian Clifford Zink for a tour of Princeton’s third oldest neighborhood, the Jugtown Historic District. First called Queenston, the area started as a crossroads settlement around 1730. View the architectural evolution of the neighborhood, while enjoying some stories of people who lived and worked here. Locations will include the site of the potteries that gave Jugtown its name, the attempted women’s college in Princeton, and the quarries that supplied stone for the construction of many of Princeton’s buildings. Tour starts in front of the Hook and Ladder Co. firehouse, 27 N. Harrison Street.

Tickets are available for the following date: April 6  at 10:00 am. 

Princeton University Eating Clubs

Join author Clifford Zink on a walking tour outside Princeton University’s majestic eating clubs. Learn about the architecture, origins, and development of the sixteen Classical and Gothic-style clubhouses, which date from 1895 to 1928.  Tour starts outside Colonial Club, 40 Prospect Avenue.

Copies of Zink’s 2017 book,  The Princeton Eating Clubs , will be available for sale at a discounted price at the tour. Co-sponsored by Princeton Prospect Foundation and the Historical Society of Princeton.

Tickets are available for the following dates: April 13 and May 4 at 10:00 am. 

• Digital Tours

Explore some of Princeton’s most notable – and more hidden – places, with the help of unique material from HSP’s extensive collections. Click the links below to access our digital tours on the web via a smartphone, tablet, or computer:

Albert E. Hinds Memorial Walking Tour: African American Life in Princeton

“green oval” tour: a snapshot of 18th century princeton, hamilton’s princeton, garden state history garden digital exhibition, princeton’s public schools: a history, jews in an ivy league town: the evolution of princeton’s jewish community.

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Visualize the town and campus as you’ve never seen them before! Working from photographs, teams recreate iconic Princeton structures out of LEGO building blocks. Choose among more than 50 historic structures, famous residences, community buildings, and houses of worship to construct a scale model. When complete, models are placed on a 30-foot map of Princeton, providing an amazing aerial view.

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Walk with a guide through the nooks and crannies of local history!

History Tours will Return in 2024!

HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS

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Historical walking tours of beautiful downtown Mount Holly, NJ. Come explore the nooks and crannies of local history!

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We lead fun, informative, & entertaining historical walking tours of beautiful downtown Mount Holly, NJ. Tag along with our friendly guides as we walk you through the nooks and crannies of local history! 

Why Mount Holly?

Mount Holly traces its history all the way back to our colonial founding in 1677. From Revolutionary War battles to the reportedly haunted Historic Burlington County Prison Museum, Mount Holly is a hidden gem of a city with a ton of stories to tell! 

Plenty to do!

Mount Holly is the distinctive Seat of Burlington County, a small town city with plenty to see and do after your tour. Our guides can recommend all the places to shop, dine, and play throughout the downtown and beyond. Come see for yourself!

Supported in part by a grant from NJ Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism

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Historical Walking Tours of downtown Bordentown, NJ

BURLINGTON CITY

Historical Walking Tours of downtown Burlington City, NJ

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One hour Walking History Tour through the nooks & crannies of downtown Mount Holly, NJ.

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See the stunning tour beneath the Battleship New Jersey fans are paying $225 to experience

• Updated: Apr. 21, 2024, 9:11 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 20, 2024, 8:01 a.m.

• Nyah Marshall | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Tours of the Battleship New Jersey as it sits in dry dock began this month, giving visitors a rare chance to see the hull of a fully exposed battleship and an opportunity to walk beneath a massive piece of American history.

The USS New Jersey , the most decorated battleship in U.S. Navy history, left its home pier on the Camden waterfront and was towed to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard for major repairs on March 27.

Public tours are being offered on weekends through the end of May while the battleship undergoes restoration at the shipyard.

Tickets and can be purchased through the Battleship New Jersey museum’s website for $225. The tours are limited to people ages 16 or older. Veterans who served on the battleship can get discounted tickets for $170.

As of Thursday, more than 70% of tickets have been sold, according to officials.

For Libby Jones, who has been the Battleship New Jersey museum’s director of eduction for six years, the guided dry dock tours are a big change of pace.

The first weekend of tours, which began on April 6, completely sold out. People from around the country and the world have come to see the 887-feet long decommissioned warship out of water, said Jones, who serves as a tour guide.

“We’ve seen people from all over,” Jones said. “We saw folks from Switzerland ... somebody came from the Philippines just for a tour.”

Before joining the dry dock tour, visitors are reminded to dress appropriately and wear steel-toed shoes and sturdy pants because it’s an active worksite. Complimentary commemorative branded hats and protective eyewear are provided, along with steel toe covers for those who need them, officials said.

The tours, conducted in groups of about 10, begin at the top of the dock with museum directors delving into the history and ongoing work being done on the battleship.

Then, visitors descend into the dock, approximately 50 feet deep, to get an up-close look at the hull and the ship’s 18-foot tall propellers. And those taking the tour can touch the vessel.

Tour guides then switch on the lights on their hard hats to lead the group underneath the 45,000-ton ship for an experience that has never been offered before. The ship is currently elevated on about 360 blocks, a few feet above the ground, so those attending need to crouch down beneath the ship during the tour.

While there have been no injuries reported, children under 16 are not allowed on tours because it is an active worksite, musuem officials said. And, because climbing steep flights of stairs to get into and out of the site is required, the tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible.

Towards the end of the tour, as the group makes its way to the front tip of the vessel, visitors will find some of the best views for photos, guides said. When you look up at the ship from the front, you get a feel for just how massive the battleship is, Jones said.

Depending on the day the tour is booked, the public can get to see various stages of the battleship’s restoration.

Workers are repainting the ship’s hull, repairing the anti-corrosion system underneath the ship, and inspecting the through-hull openings. Also, the ship’s zinc anodes, used to prevent corrosion, will be replaced with aluminum, a better choice for the ship’s freshwater environment in the Delaware River.

Earlier this month, workers were power washing the hull to remove mud, old paint and any leftover debris, before it gets coated with fresh paint.

About 5,200 gallons of paint will be used to repaint the ship’s hull a traditional red color, said museum curator Ryan Szimanski.

Dry dock tour tickets are still available but nearly sold out, officials said.

“We’ve got slots left, but they’re selling quick,” Jones said.

Mandy Trunzo, of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, first became a Battleship New Jersey supporter about 18 years ago when she brought a group of Girl Scouts on an overnight tour of the ship in Camden. She was among the first set of people to secure a ticket for the first week of sold-out tours.

“This was an amazing once in a lifetime experience for my fiancé, Vincent, and I,” Trunzo said. “To be able to go underneath a 45,000-ton battleship is an amazing experience.”

Battleship New Jersey Director of Education Libby Jones leads the way under the ship at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in Philadelphia. Each block holding up the ship supports 155 tons. Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance

The entire dry dock repair process, which will cost about $10 million, is expected to take about two months. Afterwards, the ship will return home to Camden, where it has served as a museum for 25 years.

Funding for the project came from various sources, including $5 million from the 2024 state budget, a $750,000 grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust and a $3.25 million bond issued with backing from Camden County. The museum is working to cover the rest of the repair costs through its private fundraisers, officials said.

The Battleship New Jersey, also known as “Big J,” is the adorned with 19 battle stars. As an Iowa-class ship, it holds the distinction of being among the last American battleships to serve in World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War.

The Philadelphia Navy Yard dock, where the battleship is being repaired, is significant because it’s where the ship was originally built and launched in 1942, a year after the Pearl Harbor attack. The last time it entered to dry dock was in 1967 when it was reactivated for the Vietnam War, Szimanski said.

Decommissioned museum ships must undergo dry docking for maintenance every 20 years, according to Navy regulations. However, this is the first time in decades the Battleship New Jersey has undergone a major maintenance project, officials said.

When the vessel was first tugged away last month to make its way to Paulsboro for the first step of its repair journey, the sendoff was witnessed by hundreds on the Camden waterfront. The event may have been the the last opportunity for veterans who had served on the decorated ship to see it move again. Many watched again a few days later when the ship was towed from Paulsboro to Philadelphia to enter dry dock.

Judging by the response the museum has had from the dry dock tours, the excitement won’t be dying down anytime soon, said Jones.

“I don’t think it’ll die down until we’re very comfortably back in Camden,” she said.

The Battleship New Jersey sits in dry dock at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The mist is from workers pressure washing the ships hull in preparation for paint. Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance

Stories by Nyah Marshall

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Historic Morristown Walking Tours Return for Fall 2022!

Morris County Summer Walking Tours Return on September 24, 2022!

The morris county tourism bureau is pleased to announce the return of its popular walking tour program for fall 2022., learn about the history, people, and architecture of morristown with a knowledgeable guide..

These small group, one hour walking tours will run between September 24th and October 29th, 2022. Note: days and times of walking tours vary.

Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, and no walk-ins will be accepted.  Tickets cost $25 per person.  The programs will sell out, so register early.    New this year, each tour participant will receive  a $10 Morristown Partnership Gift Certificate redeemable at 200 local restaurants and businesses.

Tickets may be purchased online beginning September 6th. For more information, contact the Morris County Tourism Bureau at 973-631-5151 or  click here to contact us.

Fall 2022 Program Schedule:  

Saturday, September 24 @ 11:00 AM     The Seeing Eye Guide Dogs in Morristown  

Saturday, September 24 @ 11:30 AM     Morristown Walking Tour “Bones and Stones”  

Saturday, October 1 @ 11:00 AM            Victorian Morristown Walking Tour  

Saturday, October 1 @ 11:30 AM            Morristown Walking Tour “Bones and Stones”  

Saturday, October 15 @ 11:00 AM          The Seeing Eye Guide Dogs in Morristown  

Saturday, October 15 @ 1:30 PM            Meet the Stickleys at Craftsman Farms  

Sunday, October 23 @ 2:00 PM              Gilded Age Morristown: The Foote Mansion  

Saturday, October 29 @ 5:00 PM             Halloween at the Whippany Burying Yard

Please note:  Day, times and starting points vary.  No walk-ins  will be  accepted.  No refunds.  Wear weather-appropriate   clothes and comfortable shoes.  Tours will be held in sun and  light drizzle.  Tour s  will be rescheduled in case of severe   weather.  Service dogs only please.  These tours are designed for adults and children over age  12.  

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RIDGEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY & SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM

650 E. Glen Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-447-3242 [email protected]

Suggested Admission: $5 per person – $15 per family

Saturdays & Sundays

First thursday of each month, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, group tours.

We offer museum tours and classroom outreach programs for school groups as well as non-school youth groups, such as scouts or after-school programs.

Our youth-focused museum visits feature objects and documents from our collection along with hands-on activities that bring history to life.

We also offer classroom visits in which we highlight Lenape, Early Dutch settler and 19th Century artifacts that help tell the story of what life was like for early residents of Bergen County. Class visits also include an age- and subject-appropriate participatory activity.

Contact us for more information at [email protected]

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House Tours

Throughout the year Cape May MAC offers a variety of house tours in the Physick House Museum as well as many seasonal multi-property tours around Victorian Cape May.

Interested in a discounted combination tour (a house tour combined with a trolley tour), featured tours, emlen physick estate tour.

Take a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1879 Physick House Museum, for an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the period, reflecting one Victorian family’s lifestyle, and detailing the way the Physick family and their household lived, worked and spent their leisure time. From dancing to fishing, golfing, and concerts, this tour explores various activities that entertained visitors and the Physick family in the Victorian era. Learn how Victorians “beat the heat” with ocean bathing and ice cream. Gain insight into architectural features within the house designed to combat the summer heat, providing a unique perspective on the ingenuity of the past. In 2024-25, the tour is titled “Down the Shore: Summers in Cape May”

STRANGE VICTORIAN OBSESSIONS HOUSE TOUR

Victorians were fascinated with mystery and illusion and this tour through first floor rooms in the 1879 Physick House Museum shares that fascination. Learn about the famous Harry Houdini who captivated Victorian audiences with his intricate escapes, the Goddess of Mystery, Ionia, a Belgian beauty who Victorians worshipped for her spectacles of magic, The Great Lafayette, who became known as the world’s greatest magician, and Pepper’s Ghost, an illusion still used today, with Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper and more.

VOICES FROM BEYOND HOUSE TOUR

Experience an unusual tour in Cape May MAC’s 1879 Emlen Physick House. In the Voices from Beyond Tour, you will hear actual spirit voices captured by Cape May MAC staff over the past 10 years. View historical photos of the Physick family and their staff alongside photos of apparitions seen inside the house. Learn about the equipment and tools used throughout history in paranormal research. Who could these voices belong to and what is keeping them connected to the Physick House Museum? Draw your own conclusions on this new and exciting paranormal tour.

GARDENS OF CAPE MAY TOUR

Here is your invitation to explore Cape May’s unique natural areas and the private plants, blooms and landscape designs of area gardeners. See both public and private gardens and take home ideas for your own garden. Smell and see what’s blooming and flourishing in several different seashore locations dominated by sunlight, ocean breezes, and sand and salt, each uniquely situated. Cape May’s Emlen Physick Estate gardens are included, the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate will host nature and garden-themed local vendors, plus a complimentary wine tasting by Cape May Winery.

CLUELESS AT THE PHYSICK ESTATE

Back to the beginning!

Everyone is suspect during Clueless at the Physick Estate, a “whodunit” similar to the popular board game. Join fellow amateur sleuths and encounter characters inside the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., as this original mystery unfolds from room to room. Who is the culprit? Is it Professor Graystone or Pearlie White? Mrs. Parrot or Cherry Bombe? This year is a revival of the first, the original Clueless at the Physick Estate mystery from 2012. Don’t miss this chance to challenge your imagination and deduction skills in a one-of-a-kind historic Cape May setting. Accessible with advance notice.

HISTORIC HAUNTS  HOUSE TOUR

Tour select rooms with your guide and learn about Victorian Spiritualism in Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the Physick House Museum, widely reputed to be haunted. In the museum, guides will compare the methods of spirit contact used by the Victorians with those of today’s paranormal investigators. Select rooms on both floors are included in the tour.

VICTORIAN WEEKEND HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR

Saturday, October 7 from 1pm – 4pm

Visitors have the unique opportunity on this self-guided tour to go behind closed doors and see restored private homes, bed and breakfast inns and guesthouses. Tourgoers can meet the homeowners, managers or innkeepers, see unique furnishings and décor, and find inspiration for their own homes and hearths.

COMBINATION TOURS

Several combination tours combine a visit to the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate along with one of our trolley tours. Click below to learn more about our various combination tours.

Christmas Tours

During the holiday season, there are plenty of specialty house tours including Christmas Candlelight House Tours, Holiday Inns Tours, Lamplighter House Tours, Physick Family Christmas House Tours, and more!

Delve Into Naperville's History On Naper Settlement's Walking Tours

N APERVILLE, IL — As the weather warms, Naper Settlement has planned a trio of walking tours that delve into the city's history and spotlight its architecture.

Below, you'll find more details about these informational walking tours.

Tickets to each walking tour are $15 per person. Children four and under can join for free.

Origins of Naperville Walking Tour

May and May 30 at 5:30 p.m.

This hour-long walking tour takes participants on a two-mile stroll through Naperville's west side, where they'll learn about how the city was founded, along with other details from its history.

Downtown Naperville Architecture Walking Tour

May 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Spend 60 minutes walking through downtown Naperville to learn about the history of its architecture, which traces back to the 19th century.

Naperville Cemetery Walking Tour

May 23 at 5:30 p.m.

The Naperville Cemetery Walking Tour gives residents a chance to learn about and see some of the grave sites of the city's first settlers. The cemetery spans 40 acres and is where Naperville founder Captain Joe Naper was buried.

Click the link to buy tickets to one of the Naper Settlement Walking Tours .

The article Delve Into Naperville's History On Naper Settlement's Walking Tours appeared first on Naperville Patch .

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All About Scottie Scheffler’s Parents, Scott and Diane Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler’s parents fostered his love of golf from a young age

David Cannon/Getty ; Ben Jared/PGA TOUR/Getty

Scottie Scheffler ’s biggest fans have been with him since day one — his parents, Scott and Diane Scheffler.

The professional golfer, who won the 2022 Masters and the 2024 Masters , owes his love of the sport to his dad and mom. When he was a child, Scott purchased him a set of plastic golf clubs, and from then on, Scottie said he became " obsessed ." Once he started competing, Scott and Diane played a pivotal role in fostering his love of the sport.

As a stay-at-home dad, Scott spent his days shuttling Scottie to golf practice and tournaments while Diane worked as an executive at a law firm.

“I was fortunate to grow up in a home with two parents that loved all of us very dearly, and my mom was the one who was working and supporting our family financially, which I would say is a little bit different,” he told the PGA Tour website in May 2023.

Looking back, Scottie says he couldn't “speak highly enough of the hard work” that his parents invested into his career through the years, resulting in him becoming the top golfer in the world in 2022.

“I used to wonder, ‘Can Scottie really be that good at his craft, at the game of golf?’ And he is. He truly has been given a gift and he uses it," Scott told the New York Post in April 2023. "It does surprise me ... He’s my child. He’s my son. Sometimes you just say to yourself, ‘Wow.’ ”

Here’s everything to know about Scottie Scheffler’s parents, Scott and Diane Scheffler.

Scott and Diane both grew up in New Jersey

Both of Scottie’s parents were born and raised in New Jersey . While it’s unclear how the pair first met, Scott grew up in Englewood Cliffs, and Diane was raised in nearby Park Ridge, just about half an hour away from one another.

Scott and Diane got married and welcomed four children

David Cannon/Getty

After dating for some time and later tying the knot, Scott and Diane welcomed four children. Their eldest daughter, Callie, was born in 1994, and Scottie arrived in 1996. Growing up, the couple’s oldest children shared a close bond.

“[Callie] was the classic first child. She felt a responsibility to look after her younger brother when she caddied for him in all those big junior tournaments," Scottie’s manager Rocky Hambric told Power Fades in April 2023.

After Scottie’s birth, Scott and Diane welcomed two more children — their youngest daughters Molly and Sara. Scott said that being one of four kids made Scottie cool and collected in adverse situations.

“When something happens, he’s always been the one who says, ‘Everybody calm down.’ He’s just kind of calm. Maybe because growing up with four kids ... there’s always chaos,” Scott told the New York Post .

Diane works as the COO at a law firm

David Cannon/Getty 

Throughout her career, Diane has worked as an executive at various law firms. Beginning in the late 1980s, she worked as a business manager at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates, per her LinkedIn . She remained with the company through 2002 when the family relocated to Texas.

Since then, Diane has served as a Chief Operating Officer of law firms including Thompson & Knight LLP and Troutman Sanders LLP. She is currently the COO of Foley Hoag LLP in New York City.

The family moved from New Jersey to Texas when Scottie was 6 years old

After spending his early childhood in New Jersey, Scottie and his family relocated to Texas following the 9/11 terrorist attacks . Diane was hired to work at a Dallas-based law firm, and Scott assumed the role of caregiver.

“They took a pretty big risk moving their whole family across the country," Scottie told the PGA Tour website. "I think we were 8, 6, 4 and 2 when we moved, so that's a pretty big change, especially when you've got the 8 and the 6-year-old in school, and you take them out of school in the middle of the year."

Soon after their move, the family decided to join Royal Oaks Country Club, and it was there that he met his longtime swing coach, Randy Smith. Still, Scottie nor the rest of his family forget where they're from.

“He's born in New Jersey and raised in Texas, and he’s got a little bit of both in him. And that’s a good thing,” Scott told NJ.com about his son's roots.

Scott took on the primary responsibilities of raising the family

While Diane was busy with her career, Scott helped raise the couple’s four children as a stay-at-home dad. Even though it was mostly moms doing drop-offs at school and athletic practices, Scottie says having his dad around “wasn’t unusual” for him.

“I didn’t know any different," Scottie shared with AP News in April 2022. "Fortunately for me, I grew up with three sisters and my dad was there, and he did a great job raising us."

His father, Scott, added: “It’s just what you do as a father for your children ... I’ve done for all of them. They’ve given us great joy. He’s the one that did all the hard work, not me. I just raised him and tried the best I could to be a good dad.”

Scott and Diane fostered Scottie’s love of golf at a very young age

Scottie began golfing when he was only 3 years old, and after noticing his talent, his parents did whatever they could to encourage his passion for the sport.

When they lived in New Jersey, Scott would take all four kids to the golf course at Bergen Community College in the evenings and hold a flashlight while Scottie would hit balls in the dark.

“The police would kick us off, and we’d come back on, then the police would kick us off again,” Scott told NJ.com. “Then one day, the guy [at the course] finally came out and I said, ‘Could you just watch for a minute?’ And he’s like, ‘Wow. He’s really good at this!’ Then they wouldn’t bother us any more.”

Scott always made sure that Scottie was well-rounded

Growing up, Scott wanted to make sure that his son had a variety of interests and didn’t spend all of his time exclusively focused on golf. While Scott admits he’s no parenting “guru,” he says he tried to help Scottie find other hobbies that would bring him joy — like playing on his high school basketball team.

Even though Scottie is now an adult, Scott has maintained his commitment to ensuring his son knows he’s worth more than just his golfing career. After Scottie won the WGC-Match Play in 2022, Scott shared that sentiment with him.

“I’m more proud of who you are than your golf,” Scott told the athlete, according to NJ.com.

Scottie’s family has always been his biggest supporters

James Gilbert/PGA TOUR/Getty

Scottie’s family has watched him on the golf course since he was a little boy and has remained by his side through the highs and lows. Looking back at the 2017 U.S. Amateur event at Riviera Country Club, Scottie didn’t qualify for the Walker Cup team, and his father revealed what he said to the golf player.

Although Scottie was "angry" over his performance, Scott let him know that he still had everyone's support.

“I said, ‘Scott, I am so proud of the way you handled that adversity,' " the dad of four told the New York Post . "He was angry, but he needed to know that it was just this blip in the road ... the security that he knew we loved him and we cared no matter what happened on the golf course was important."

"You have to love them more when things are going bad," Scott continued. "It’s easy to love someone right now when things are going well."

Scott and Diane watched Scottie win the Masters twice

Scottie secured his first green jacket at the 2022 Masters in Augusta, Georgia. Two years later, he won the iconic tournament yet again.

"To my parents, thank you for taking me to way too many golf tournaments as a kid. I love y'all both very much," the professional golfer said during his 2024 Masters speech. "I can't put into words what it means to have your support out here, win or lose. I love y'all."

North Jersey Tudor once home to 'brave' Holocaust survivor on the market for $1.25M

4-minute read.

A rare stone Tudor Revival in northern Montclair has hit the market for the first time in 50 years.

The former home of a New York Philharmonic violinist, a Holocaust survivor who inspired an award-winning documentary and a chief engineer for the Westinghouse X-Ray Company, 176 Wildwood Ave. was listed this month by Karin Carson of Keller Williams NJ Metro Group for $1.25 million. Carson said the nearly 100-year-old home boasts a rich history as well as modern touches that make it a true standout even in Montclair.

"It's a special home," Carson said.

Since August 1973, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home has been held by the Ravina family, particularly Oscar and Ruth Ravina. Oscar Ravina gave music lessons at 176 Wildwood, while Ruth Ravina provided his students with a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, according to an account from Montclair State University, where the late couple has a scholarship award named in their honor.

Though they came to Montclair from Queens, the Ravinas were born in Warsaw, Poland and separately escaped a wartorn continent. Ruth Ravina, who died last July, was only 2 years old when her hometown of Kozienice, Poland fell under German occupation. The Germans confined Ravina, her family and the town's other Jewish residents into a designated quarter, kept them under guard and liquidated their belongings, according to Ravina and various historical accounts.

The Jews that weren't shot and killed were in September 1942 herded onto trains and shipped to labor camps. Few were forced to help the Germans plunder remaining items, demolish homes and repave roads with local tombstones.

Ravina, in an oral history she gave to the Yiddish Book Center in 2016 , recounted surviving several camps along with her mother. Due to her age, Ravina said she was forced to hide most of the time. She kept an eye on watch towers, timed the movement of guards and mapped camp layouts to avoid detection. She also said she "got a little braver."

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That bravery would prove vital when Ravina and other children being hidden by their parents were discovered by a group of German officers. The children, 28 to 30 of them, were taken on a troop transporter to a hilltop outside the camp, where the officers berated them as "lazy slobs," she said. Ravina said she lingered as the guards converged around those first unloaded, and she was able to slip away.

"As I was running, I saw a figure, a woman's figure, in a blue cape," Ravina said. "She saw me running and opened her cape."

The woman did not take Ravina to freedom. A nurse at the camp, she instead shepherded Ravina to its infirmary. There, Ravina was eventually reunited with her mother. None of the other children returned to the camp, she said.

Ravina's story, which was documented in “An Inconvenient Time” by director Denny Klein and “The Invisible Holocaust: The Story of Ruth Ravina” by biographer Marlen Gabriel, took her through the Pionki labor camp and the one at Skarzykso-Kamienna. Her last stop was Czestochowa, where allied bombing allowed for a January 1945 jailbreak by a group of emaciated women who mustered the energy to overpower a locked gate, she said.

With rags on her feet, having long outgrown her shoes, Ravina said she remembered running east down the road as German soldiers were fleeing west along the roadside gutter.

Two days later, the surviving women found Russian soldiers. Ravina and her mother later returned to Kozienice, where they learned her father had died. She then went to Lodz, where her mother opened a soup kitchen before traveling to Sweden, Canada and, in 1948, the United States.

Once stateside, she graduated from the City College of New York with a sociology degree. She also met Oscar Ravina when her mother urged her to volunteer as an usher for a music event and he overheard her speaking fluent Polish. The first time she heard him play the violin, she "melted like butter," she said in 2016.

"My jaw dropped," she told the Yiddish Book Center. "I had never heard playing like that before. He had the most gorgeous sound – that's what he was known for, the sound."

A musical prodigy seven years her elder, Oscar Ravina was also born in Poland but was taken by his father to Russia at the onset of the war. Trained at the Warsaw Conservatory, the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in Leningrad, the Mozarteum in Salzburg and more, he came to America in 1950 to study at the Manhattan School of Music.

He worked at Radio City Music Hall before joining the New York Philharmonic in 1963 and performing with the New York Philharmonic Chamber Ensembles. He taught at Dartmouth College and Montclair State University where he was named professor emeritus and had former students establish the Ruth and Oscar Ravina Talent Award Scholarship. He also co-founded the Philharmonia Virtuosi of New York and the Ravina String Quartet and was the concertmaster of the New York Virtuosi.

The couple's longtime home was built in 1927-28 by the original owner Joseph Henry Scranton and his wife Clare Wallace Ellis. Though Scranton designed the home himself, according to a 1927 report in The Montclair Times, he sold it for $45,000 following the May 1930 death of Ellis, a prominent member of the Upper Montclair Women's Club, the State Federation of Women's Clubs and the League of Women Voters.

Featuring a renovated, eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, the home has recent updates and 20th-century details. The large living room has a custom fireplace mantle, original wall sconces and arched French doors leading to an adjacent sunroom. The primary suite has a sitting room, ensuite bathroom and walk-in closets. It sits on a third of an acre about midway between Watchung Plaza and the Upper Montclair train station.

The home's second owner was Morrison Montford of Chicago, according to The Montclair Times. Morrison was the chief engineer for the Westinghouse X-Ray Company in New York and racked up patents for gadgets ranging from aircraft speedometers to amplifier systems. His namesake son became a U.S. Army Air Forces pilot and served with the 450th Bombardment Group during World War II.