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Enjoy Seasonal and Historical Activities for All Ages in Union County, Oct. 16-17

four centuries in a weekend flyerAnnual “Four Centuries in a Weekend” event includes more than 30 local historic sites.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s annual “Four Centuries in a Weekend: A Journey through Union County’s History,” is back this year on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17 from noon to 5:00 p.m. each day. The weekend of activities features special events for all ages at more than 30 historic sites throughout Union County.

“This year marks the return of Four Centuries after last year’s hiatus, and we encourage all residents to take this opportunity to explore the many historic treasures we have here in Union County,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Many of the Four Centuries sites will feature special programming and activities this weekend, including:

Dr. William Robertson Plantation-Museum in Clark: Experience an immersive World War II program presented by B. Historical, including military vehicles, a full working Signal Corps display and message center, and a presentation about WACS, WAVES and the Civil Defense.

Woodruff House/Eaton Store Museum in Hillside: Tour the historic house and store, visit the Phil Rizzuto All Sports Exhibit on the site featuring baseball great and Hillside native, “Scooter” Phil Rizzuto, and stop by the Apple Festival to purchase seasonal items including apples, donuts and more.

Merchants and Drovers Tavern in Rahway: Explore this 18th century tavern, museum, and selected gravesites in the adjacent Rahway Cemetery. Among those buried at the cemetery is Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The Carter House in Summit: Shutterbugs are welcome at this historic home featuring period furniture and accents, a colonial kitchen complete with hearth, a local history library, artwork, and a shop featuring handmade items and locally themed gifts. Be sure to stop by the Summit Fire Department history museum housed in the garage, highlighted by a 1920s Chemical Engine.

Caldwell Parsonage in Union: Children can learn to play colonial games and make souvenir tricorn hats, colonial bonnets, and church dolls at his historic home occupied by Revolutionary War leader Reverend James Caldwell and his wife, Hannah, whose shooting following the Battle of Springfield in 1780 is featured on the Union County Seal. Interpreter Doc Burkhardt will “appear” as Reverend Caldwell. Visit the interactive Lenape exhibit, learn an authentic fry bread recipe, and view a new exhibit of everyday Caldwell-era dress.

Four Centuries in a Weekend is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, part of the Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State, and is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

For free copies of the Four Centuries in a Weekend tour booklet, map and further information, call the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2550 (NJ Relay users dial 711), or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Complete details about Four Centuries in a weekend are also available online at ucnj.org/4c.

The Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about all activities and programs of the Parks Department visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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