OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795 |
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SPIRIT OF THE JERSEYS STATE HISTORY FAIR SET FOR SEPTEMBER 14 AT MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK (19/P072) TRENTON – The Garden State’s historic contributions to the nation will be highlighted at the Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan Township, the Department of Environmental Protection announced.
Monmouth Battlefield, the site of one of the most pivotal battles of the American Revolution, with its rolling farmland and hedgerows, makes a fitting backdrop for the fair. Exhibitors and re-enactors will come from across the state as well as from Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York. With more than 100 exhibitors, the fair also is an opportunity to experience what life was like throughout important stages in New Jersey’s history. Visitors can join in on old time games, help plow a field, and watch a 19th century-style baseball game with period uniforms, equipment and rules. Participants may also visit the Save Ellis Island booth to take a test given to immigrants at Ellis Island. Actors will interpret and portray historical figures including Amelia Earhart, Molly Pitcher, Teddy Roosevelt, and George Washington. “Visit the fair to learn about New Jersey’s significant history in a fun and enjoyable way,” Division of Parks and Forestry Assistant Director Mark Texel said. “It is an opportunity to better understand who we are, where we came from, and the role that our ancestors played in making New Jersey such a great state.”
For more information on the Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair, including a full listing of events, food menus and directions, visit: www.njhistoryfair.org. Activities at the State History Fair can help fulfill badge requirements for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts. To sign up for the scout mailing list, visit http://bit.ly/njparks-scouts. In addition, the Office of Historic Sites offers three professional development hours to elementary and secondary school social studies teachers who attend the fair and participate in its historical activities. Food will be available for purchase. To learn about more Division of Parks and Forestry events, join the email list by visiting http://bit.ly/njparks-events. Like the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks. Follow the New Jersey State Park Service on Instagram @newjerseystateparks Follow the DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP |
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“As one of the original 13 colonies, New Jersey is a strong part of the fabric of American history,” DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe said. “It is important for the next generation that we remember and celebrate the pivotal roles that our state has played in both the birth and growth of our nation.”
In the late 17th century, New Jersey was comprised of two distinct provinces – East Jersey and West Jersey. The Spirit of the Jerseys State History Fair takes its name from this fact and was first held in 2004 to celebrate the centennial of New Jersey's state-owned historic sites – a system that began in 1903 with the state’s purchase of the Indian King Tavern, the Haddonfield landmark where New Jersey completed its transition from colony to statehood.