Historic Allaire Village

Location: Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Ave./Route 524, Allaire, N.J. Phone: (908) 938-2253 Fax: (908) 938-3302 E-mail: sdpeters@bellatlantic.net Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., (except for holidays and Fridays before special events). Site hours: Weekends, May-October, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for summer weekday hours. Admission: Free for general touring; fees vary for organized group tours, workshops, and for admission to fundraising special events. Site Supervisor: Sibley J. Smith Jr., executive director

The original site, including 12 original structures, of James P. Allaire's Howell Iron Works Company village in the 1830s, Historic Allaire Village is an outdoor, "living-history" museum of 19th-century industrial community life. Authentically costumed museum interpreters and craft demonstrators, including blacksmiths and carpenters, bring this once deserted village to life.

Blackwell Mills Canal House

Location: 538 Canal Road, Somerset, NJ Phone: (908) 873-2133 Hours: Every second Saturday Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisor: Nina Fitzgerald Historian/Public Relations: Jim Moise, (908) 297-2641 Blackwell Mills Canal House Association President: Eugene Howe, (908) 873-2958.

The Blackwell Mills Canal House was built in 1835 to house the Bridgetender, who operated the swingbridge to allow canal traffic to pass through. The Canal House operated actively until the 1930s. Today the Blackwell Mills Canal House welcomes visitors and invites them to experience a sense of the bygone canal era. The Blackwell Mills Canal House Association holds periodic luncheons to which the public are invited. The site may be rented for private special functions.

Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

Location: 2.5 miles south of New Hope on Route 32 Phone: (215) 862-2924 Fax: (215) 862-2924 Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: Free Director: Paul Teese

Features woods, meadows, ponds, the waters of Pidcock Creek, and special man-made habitats. The Preserve Building houses nature displays, an indoor bird observation area, bird-feeding station and gift ship. Of special interest is the Platt Collection of nests, eggs and birds of the area. Bloom guides are available. The park's wildflower displays are outstanding in April and May.

Brandywine Battlefield

Location: Route 1, Chadds Ford, Pa. Phone: (610) 459-3342 Fax: (610) 459-9586 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission: Family, $8.50, youth (6-12) $1.50, adults $3.50, Seniors/AAA, $2.50 Site Supervisor: Toni Collins

Brandywine Battlefield is where Washington's courageous troops battled the British, in the heat of September 1777, for control of strategic territory near Philadelphia. The Brandywine campaign comes alive for today's visitors as they walk through fascinating exhibits and dioramas in the Visitor Center. Two historic Quaker farmhouses, which housed officers during the battle, stand much as they did in 1777. Guides help visitors appreciate the effects of war on the citizens of the peaceful valley. Picnic tables are available to visitors on 50 acres of rolling countryside.

Cornelius Low House/ Middlesex County Museum

Location: 1225 River Road, Piscataway, NJ Phones: (908) 745-4177; (908) 745-3888 (TDD) Fax: (908) 745-4524 Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Groups by appointment. Admission: Free Site Supervisor: Pat McDermott

Built in 1741 by a wealthy merchant of Dutch ancestry, this classic Georgian manor house is now the Middlesex County Museum, offering award-winning exhibits and programs about New Jersey history. Following a major restoration project, the Low House reopens Sunday, April 20, with a loan exhibition Life In The Raritan Valley: Cornelius Low, Commerce & Community. Come discover the world of artisans, merchants, and farmers from 1720 to 1835, from one community's part in Britain's global commercial empire through the turmoil of the Revolution to the beginning of the Canal Era.

Cranbury Historical And Preservation Society

Location: 4 Park Place, Cranbury, NJ Phone: (609) 655-2611 Hours: Sunday, 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission: Free, donations expected Site Supervisor: Jerry Pevahouse

The Cranbury Museum is a restored home circa 1834 with an exhibit gallery added in 1975. There is also an herb garden and a Victorian garden. Exhibits in the Gallery change approximately every three months.

Cranbury History Center

Location: 6 S. Main St., Cranbury, NJ Phones: (609) 860-1889; (609) 655-3736 Hours: Tuesdays, Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. or by appointment. Expanded summer hours possible. Call for details. Admission: Free, donations accepted Director: Betty Wagner Associate Director: Virginia Swanagan

A renovated gristmiller's house, the Cranbury History Center contains the society's files on the history of Cranbury through vertical files, genealogical records, house research, a large collection of slides, photographs and maps and a book collection. Issues of the Cranbury Press are indexed from 1900 to April, 1985, by subject. Tercentennial celebration souvenirs will be available this year in the gift shop.

Drumthwacket

Location: 354 Stockton St., Princeton, NJ Phone: (609) 683-0057 Fax: (609) 924-4563 Hours: Wednesdays, noon-2 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisor: Daphne A. Pontius

Drumthwacket was built by Gov. Charles Smith Olden in 1835 and enlarged by Moses Taylor Pyne. It is now the official residence of the governor of New Jersey. The house was restored and furnished by the Drumthwacket Foundation. Furnishings are Federal period with an emphasis on New Jersey pieces.

Fonthill Museum

Location: East Court Street and Swamp Road (Route 313), Doylestown, Pa. Phone: (215) 348-9461 Fax: (215) 348-9461 Administrator: David April Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission: Adults, $5; over age 62, $4.50; youth, $1.50; children under 6, free; Group rates are available.

Mercer's home stands as a grand castle-like building with 44 rooms filled with decorative tiles and prints collected from around the world. Open all year except New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Guided tours only, reservations suggested.

Franklin Inn Used Book Shop

Location: 2371 Amwell Road, East Millstone, NJ Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday, noon-3 p.m. Site Supervisor: Eugene Howe

Dutch-built in 1734, the Inn featured a dining room and taproom on the groundfloor and lodging upstairs. When the American Revolution erupted, the Inn became a hotbed of rebel intrigue and Tory plot. In June 1777 British General Cornwallis headquartered at the Inn with his top officers. The Inn turned 100 when the D&R Canal came by in 1834, and train travelers in 1870 still found accommodation there. Now visitors are invited to browse five rooms of used books and contemplate the old structure's rich history.

Historical Society Of Princeton

Location: 158 Nassau St., Princeton, NJ Phone: (609) 921-6748 Fax: (609) 921-6939 Internet address: http://www.princetonol.com/groups/histsoc Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. (except January and February when it is Saturday and Sunday noon-4 p.m).; Library: Tuesday, Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted Director: Gail F. Stern

The Historical Society is a museum and library which collects, preserves and interprets materials relating to Princeton and its environs. In 1967, the Society established its headquarters at Bainbridge House, built by Job Stockton in 1766. Bainbridge House, named after Commodore William Bainbridge, is one of the finest surviving examples of Georgian architecture in the area. Join the popular two-hour/two-mile Sunday Walking Tours, exploring Princeton history and architecture, at 2 p.m. ($5/person)

Howell Living History Farm

Location:101 Hunter Lane, Titusville, NJ Phone: (609) 737-3299 Fax: (609) 737-6524 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10-4 p.m, February-March, plus Sunday, noon-4 p.m.; April through November Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisor: Pete Watson

Howell Farm is a restoration in progress, with many "hands-on" opportunities for all ages to participate in a turn-of-the-century farm. Saturday programs include a children's craft, corresponding to the scheduled program. Weekdays offer school/community group programs. Call for more information. Also again this year, the Amazing Barn Raising Maize Aug 1 - Oct. 25. Fee for maize.

Johnson Ferry House

Location: Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road Titusville, NJ Phone: (609) 737-2515 Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission: Free Site Supervisor: Nancy Carter Ceporley

Built in 1740 by Rutger Jansen, later anglicized to Johnson, the house is best known for the Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River by Gen. Washington and the Continental Army preceding the Battle of Trenton. Today it is furnished with local period pieces appropriate to the keeping room, bed chamber and textile room when the Johnson family lived there from 1740-1770. The taproom is furnished and interpreted with the American Revolution in view. The site also includes an 18th century kitchen garden and an orchard of period fruit trees. Living history demonstration including foodways, textiles, woodworking and Early American music frequently take place on weekends.

Kuser Farm Mansion

Location: 390 Newkirk Ave., Hamilton, NJ Phone: (609) 890-3630 Fax:(609) 890-3632 E-mail: hamtwp@aol.com Hours: February-April, weekends, 11 a.m-3 p.m. (last full tour, 2 p.m.; short walk-through, 2:30 p.m.); May-November, Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: Free Site Supervisor: Denise Dale Zemlansky

This 1892 summer country home of the Fred Kuser family features two furnished floors. Visitors will see magnificent wood paneling and heavily carved fireplaces, an 18-foot carved CinemaScope movie screen, projection room, butler's pantry, large country kitchen with a mammoth coal/wood stove, a hall of Mercer Motor car memorabilia, and the second floor rooms, which give a glimpse into the past of this prominent business family. Telephone for literature, visitors' services, and information on special December programs such as the Victorian Christmas open house, and the outdoor Winter Wonderland. The mansion has 32 "free" educational lectures, video evenings and programs a year in addition to it's magnificent Holiday House Tours of two floors decorated for a turn-of-the-century Christmas with more than 30 trees, antiques, dolls and toys. Each year a wondrous display of lights and events complete our four-day holiday event called, "Winter Wonderland." The Jersey Valley Model railroad is housed in the cellar of the mansion for it's annual holiday open house featuring our unique and exciting H.O. railroad display. Telephone for schedules and information.

Lakeview, The Buckelew Mansion

Location: 203 Buckelew Ave., Jamesburg, NJ Phone: (908) 521-2040 or (908) 521-0068 Hours: By appointment Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisor: Marcia Kirkpatrick, president

Lakeview, the Buckelew Mansion, was built in the 1600s and was acquired by James Buckelew in the 1800s. On display in the conservatory is the coach used by Abraham Lincoln to travel from the Trenton railroad station to the statehouse. The site features a restored blacksmith shop. The mansion is listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Sites. Lakeview schedules yearly events and is available for school tours.

Morven

Location: 55 Stockton St., Princeton, N..J. Phone: (609) 683-4495 Fax: (609) 497-6390 Hours: Wednesday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisor: Jennifer Ullman

Morven, a national historic landmark, was built in 1758 by Richard Stockton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Annis Stockton, an early American poet. Morven served as the NJ Governor's mansion from 1957-1980.

Mule Tenders Barracks Museum

Location: 4 Griggstown Causeway, Griggstown, NJ Phone: (908) 873-3050 Hours: Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; weekdays during summer, staffing permitting Admission: Free, donations accepted Curator: Linda House, (908) 722-7428

Sponsored by the Griggstown Historical Society, the Mule Tenders Barracks Museum contains Delaware & Raritan Canal models (two swingbridges and a canal boat), artifacts and historic photographs. Bikers and walkers are invited to sit down, relax, and talk at the round table provided for them. A fireplace is lit during the winter. A 30-minute video on the history of the canal may be viewed in the video room. Canoe rental is available nearby.

New Jersey Statehouse

Location: 125 W. State St., Trenton, NJ Phone: (609) 633-2709 Internet address: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us Site Supervisor: Philip Hayden Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Hourly tours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Groups over 10 require advanced reservation. Admission: free.

The seat of State government since 1792, the New Jersey State House is the second oldest state capitol in continuous use in the United States.

Old Barracks Museum

Location: Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ Phone: (609) 396-1776 Fax: (609) 777-4000 E-mail: barracs@omni.voicenet.com Hours: Daily, 10a.m.-5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve., Christmas, New Years Day and Easter. Admission: Adults, $2; students and senior citizens, $1; children under 13, 50 cents. Director: Richard Patterson

Built in 1758 to house British troops during the French and Indian War, and now registered as a State and National Historic Landmark, the Trenton Barracks is one of the oldest public buildings in the country. Actively used during the American Revolution, the Old Barracks housed soldiers at the time of the Battle of Trenton and later served as a military hospital. Today the Old Barracks features historical interpreters in period dress and exhibitions exploring colonial and Revolutionary New Jersey.

Old Millstone Forge Blacksmith Museum

Location: North River Street, Millstone, NJ Phone: (908) 873-2803 Hours: Sundays, (first Sunday in April through last Sunday in June, third Sunday in September through last Sunday in November), 1-4 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisors: Blacksmiths Ben Suhaker and Quentin Eberhart

A 1768 newspaper advertisement may constitute the first mention of the present forge. Deeds date back to 1839. It probably operated during the Revolutionary War, and continuously from 1839 until the death of the last blacksmith, Mr. Edward Wyckoff, in 1959. Today, Old Millstone Forge features several amateur blacksmiths who take turns demonstrating the art of the anvil. There are numerous tools and implements, many handmade. Especially interesting are the two ancient Dutch anvils dating to the late 1600s. Also of note is hand-operated mechanical equipment from early this century.

The Parry Museum

Location: The New Hope Historical Society, 45 S. Main St., New Hope, Pa. Phone: (215) 862-5652 Hours: Friday to Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m., April 26 to Dec. 8 Admission: Adults $4; students and senior citizens, $3; children under 12, $1. Site supervisor: Sandra Lobley

Built in 1784 by Benjamin Parry, wealthy lumbermill owner, the mansion was occupied by his direct descendants until purchased by the New Hope Historical Society in 1966.

Rockingham

Location: 108 Route 518, Princeton, NJ Phone: (609) 921-8835 Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisor: Margaret Carlsen

Rockingham was George Washington's last wartime headquarters. The General and Mrs. Washington were in residence at Rockingham from August-November 1783. The 1710 mansion house is fully furnished with period antiques. Guided tours are available to all visitors.

Thomas Clarke House Princeton Battlefield State Park

Location: 500 Mercer Road, Princeton, NJ Phone: (609) 921-0074 Fax: (609) 921-0074 E-mail: pbsp@aol.com Internet address: princetonol@aol.com Hours: Park open daily, dawn to dusk; Clarke House open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission: free Site Supervisor: John K. Mills

Site of the Jan. 3, 1777 Battle of Princeton, where Washington personally led American forces against the British Army. The Clarke House Museum, where Gen. Hugh Mercer died, is a furnished 18th-century farmhouse. It also houses exhibits on the American Revolution.

Trenton City Museum At Ellarslie

Location: Parkside and Stuyvesant avenues, Trenton Phone: (609) 989-3632 Fax: (609) 989-3624 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Closed Mondays and holidays. Admission: Free, donation accepted Site Supervisor: Theresa McNichol

Ellarslie is a fine example of an Italianate revival style villa designed by noted architect, John Notman. Located in the middle of Cadwalader Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Ellarslie was built for Henry McCall Sr. of Philadelphia as a summer residence in 1848. The Museum, included in the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1978.

Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage

Location: 38 Washington Place, Somerville, NJ Phone: (908) 725-1015 Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisor: W.J. Kurlenberger

The Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Historic sites are a pair of 18th-century house museums. The Wallace House was the home of wealthy Philadelphia merchant John Wallace and served as George Washington's headquarters at Middlebrook - the winter encampment of the Continental Army in 1778-79. The Old Dutch parsonage was the home of the Reverend Mr. Jacob Hardenbergh who founded Queens College (Rutgers) in 1766.

Washington Crossing State Park, Visitors' Center

Location: 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ Phone: (609) 737-9304 Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission: Free Site Supervisor: Kels Swan

This historic park, where George Washington led his troops across the Delaware River for the battle at Trenton, is a 500-acre site and recreational area which includes 13 historic buildings, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and observation tower, and picnic areas. The Visitors' Center is home to the Swan Historical Foundation Collection of more than 700 artifacts and archival material pertaining to the role of the military during the Revolutionary conflict with special attention directed to "The 10 Critical Days" between Dec. 25, 1776 and Jan. 3, 1777.

Wetherhill Historic Site

Location: 269 Georges Road Dayton, NJ 08810 Phone: (908) 329-4000, ext. 671 Fax: (908) 821-2811 Acting Director of Recreation and Community Affairs: Thomas Morris Hours: Open to the public during exhibitions and for private rental.

A renovated farmhouse, circa 1830, located on three acres. It is used for small exhibitions, events and meetings.

Pennsbury Manor

Location: Pennsbury Memorial Lane, Morrisville, Pa. Phone: (215) 946-0400 Hours of operation: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Tours last one and a half hours. Closed Mondays and holidays except Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. Admission: $5 Adults, $4 Senior Citizens, $3 Children (under 6 free)

Pennsbury Manor is the home of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. An English estate, it blends gracious elegance, country comfort and Quaker simplicity.

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