The Art Museum, Princeton University

Location: In the middle of the Princeton University campus by Picasso's large sculpture Head of a Woman Phone: (609) 258-3788 Fax: (609) 258-5949 E-mail: lkfaden@Princeton.edu Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4:45 p.m. Admission: Free Director: Allen Rosenbaum

One of the oldest university museums in the country, the museum houses a permanent collection that includes some 50,000 objects that document thousands of years of civilization, with outstanding holdings in Classical, Medieval, pre-Columbian, and Chinese art, European and American painting, prints, drawing, and photographs. In many instances, Museum holdings are equal to those in major institutions in New York City and Philadelphia. The collection of Ancient art is world-renowned.

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. Visitors can 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 Phone: (609) 655-2611 Hours: Sunday, 1-4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission: Donation 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, N.J. 08512 Phone: (609) 860-1889; (609) 655-3736 Hours: Tuesdays and 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 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.

East Brunswick Museum

Location: 16 Maple St., East Brunswick, NJ Phone: (908) 257-2313 Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Closed on most holidays, and for inclement weather. Groups by appointment. Admission: Free, donations accepted President: Doris M. Fleming

The East Brunswick Museum, located in the Historic Village of Old Bridge, East Brunswick, is a local history museum dedicated to preserving the life and times of the community of East Brunswick and the surrounding area. The museum's collection includes the celebrated Elephant Collection of former Gov. Harold Hoffman, as well as the famous Lindbergh-Hoffman papers.

Fonthill Museum

Location: East Court Street and Swamp Road (Route 313), Doylestown, Pa. (215) 348-9461 Fax: (215) 348-7462 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 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. Guided tours only, reservations suggested

Historical Society Of Princeton

Location: 158 Nassau St., Princeton, NJ 08542 Phone: (609) 921-6748; (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: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 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)

Hopewell Museum

Location: 28 E. Broad St., Hopewell, NJ Phone: (609) 466-0103 Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Saturday, 2-5 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted Site Supervisor: Beverly Weidle

The aim of The Hopewell Museum is to preserve and display what is most typical and interesting of village life in America from early Colonial days to the present. Most of its treasures have been drawn from homes in the surrounding area. Many of the outstanding items on display from china to kitchen utensils were used by the ancestors of today's residents. The lovely dresses throughout the museum were made and worn by former Hopewellians. The superb glass collection of Robert Hunt, given to the museum in memory of his parents, has recently been installed in newly renovated space on the second floor. Research on Monday and Wednesday only. Groups by appointment only.

Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum of Rutgers

Location: George and Hamilton streets, New Brunswick Phone: (732) 932-7237 Fax: (732) 932-8201 Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; weekends, noon-5 p.m. Admission: Adults, $3, 18 and under, free, students with I. D., free. Director: Phillip Dennis Cate

The museum's collections include art from the Norton and Nancy Dodge Collection of Nonconformist Art from the Soviet Union, and the Riabov Collection of Russian Art. The museum's special collections include major strengths in Japonisme, original illustrations for children's literature, and graphic art, particularly French turn-of-the-century prints and contemporary American prints.

Mercer Museum

Location: Pine and Ashland Streets, Doylestown, Pa. Phone: (215) 345-0210 Fax: (215) 230-0823 Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $5, adults; $4.50 over age 62; $1.50 youth and free to children under 6. Group rates are available. Curator: Cory Amsler

This towering castle-like museum houses dramatic displays of the furnishings, folk art and implements of Early America. Open all year except New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Meredith Havens Fire Museum Of Trenton

Location: Fire Headquarters, 244 Perry St., Trenton, NJ Phone: (609) 989-4038 Fax: (609) 989-4082 Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission: Free

Large collection of fire related artifacts, including parade trumpets, helmets, hose carts, pictures, etc. The facility is not yet handicapped accessible, and will be closing toward the end of 1997 for major renovation and construction.

The Morris Museum

Location: 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ Phone: (973) 538-0454 Fax: (973) 538-0154 Internet address: www.morrismuseum.org. Admission: Members, free. Children, students, seniors: $3. Adults, $5. Free on Thursdays, 1-8 p.m. Executive Director: Steven Klindt Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. except Thursdays (10 a.m.-8 p.m.); Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Closed on major holidays.

The Morris Museum, the third largest general museum in New Jersey and professionally accredited by the American Association of Museums, is recognized by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts as a "Major Arts Institution." The Museum offers a diverse selection of permanent and changing exhibitions, performing arts presentations in its 312-seat John H. Bickford Theatre and on-site and outreach education programs for children and adults. Exhibitions from The Museum's permanent collection include fine and decorative arts, Native American objects, antique dolls and toys, rocks and minerals, dinosaurs, fossils and natural science, including a mini-zoo. In 1998, The Museum will also present changing exhibitions of works by New Jersey artists and artisans, Mexican masks, works by Henri Matisse and more. The Morris Museum Shop offers exhibition-related items.

Mule Tenders Barracks Museum

Location: 4 Griggstown Causeway, Griggstown, NJ Phone: (908) 873-3050 Hours: Saturday and 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.

Nature Center, Washington Crossing State Park

Location: 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ Phone: (609) 737-0609 Fax: (609) 737-0627 E-mail: whenderek@aol.com Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission: Weekends and holidays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. $3 a car to enter state park. Free all other times. Site Supervisor: Wayne Henderek

This is a State Park Nature Center, intended to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of visitors to the park. Outdoor education programs are available to groups by arrangement. Public programs are available as per schedule. Facility is open to the public for informal visits. Newsletter publishes seasonally.

New Jersey Museum Of Agriculture

Location: 103 College Farm Road, North Brunswick, NJ Phone: (908) 249-2077 Fax: (908) 247-1035 Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year's Eve and Day. Admission: $3, adults; $2, seniors; $1, children (5 and up) Executive Director: Melinda Herzog

The New Jersey Museum of Agriculture exhibits farm equipment from 300 years of Garden State history, including agriculture, blacksmithing, home life, and crafts. There are special exhibits on selected topics and public programs on weekends throughout the year. Scavenger Hunt Tours are available for families in addition to summer camps and a birthday party program. Call for information. The museum is on College Farm Road, just off Route 1, at the entrance to Cook College, Rutgers, in North Brunswick.

New Jersey State Museum And Planetarium

Location: 205 W. State St., Trenton, NJ Phone: (609) 292-6464; (609) 292-6308 Fax: (609) 599-4098 Internet address: http://www.state.nj.us/state/museum/musidx.html Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed Monday and every state holiday Admission: Free, except for certain exhibits Site Supervisor: Leah Sloshberg, director

Collections and exhibitions in natural history, archaeology/ethnology, fine art and cultural history. Planetarium shows every Saturday and Sunday ($1/person). Laser concerts through May 11. Call for a complete schedule of special events, including children's performing arts, lectures, hands-on activities and more. Museum Cafe open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Old Barracks Museum

Location: Barrack Street, Trenton, NJ Phone: (609) 396-1776 Fax: (609) 777-4000 E-mail: barracs@omni.voicenet.com Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 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: On 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.

Princeton University Museum Of Natural History

Location: Guyot Hall, Princeton University Phone: (609) 258-4102 Fax: (609) 258-1334 Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Free Site Supervisor: Elizabeth Horn

Exhibits include: dinosaurs (skeletons and eggs), skeletons of mammals from many times and places, a giant globe, a seismograph, geology of NJ fossils, diversity of life, evolution, extinction, birds of prey, exploration of niches, ornamentation and weapons of early humans and much more.

Rutgers University Geology Museum

Location: Corner of George and Somerset streets, New Brunswick, NJ Phone: (732) 932-7243 Fax: (732) 932-1268 Hours: Monday, 1-4 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Admission: Free Site Supervisor: R. William Selden

Dinosaurs, mastodon, mummy, minerals and fossils of NJ

Spruance Library

Location: 84 S. Pine St., Doylestown, Pa. 18901 Phone: (215) 345-0210 Fax: (215) 230-0823 Hours: Tuesday, 1-9 p.m.; Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Included in Mercer Museum admission.

Located on the third floor of the Mercer Museum, the Spruance Library holds an extensive research collection on Bucks County history and genealogy, as well as the history of trades, crafts and early industries.

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, donations accepted Site Supervisor: Theresa McNichol, director

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, N.J. 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 Rev. 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.

Back to Entertainment