Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Van Harlingen Historical Society Promoting and Preserving the History of Montgomery Township, New Jersey ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://vanharlingen.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Montgomery Farm Museum June 2026](https://vanharlingen.org/3199-2/) - [Robert Erskine and the Bicentennial Quilt May 2026](https://vanharlingen.org/robert-erskine-and-the-bicentennial-quilt-may-2026/) - [Bedensville Schoolhouse movie NEW*](https://vanharlingen.org/bedensville-schoolhouse-movie-new/) - [Eyewitness to the American Revolution: the story of Catharine Greene March 2026](https://vanharlingen.org/eyewitness-to-the-american-revolution-the-story-of-catharine-greene-march-2026/) - [General Richard Montgomery December 30, 2025](https://vanharlingen.org/general-richard-montgomery-december-30-2025/) - [Colonial Land Records: When New Jersey was Split in Two! November 20, 2025](https://vanharlingen.org/colonial-land-records-when-new-jersey-was-split-in-two-november-20-2025/) - [Old Milk Bottles - September 20, 2025](https://vanharlingen.org/old-milk-bottles-september-20-2025/) - Here is a link to the presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdVCTSqm4zc - [2nd annual Images of Montgomery/Rocky Hill Winners - October 2025](https://vanharlingen.org/2nd-annual-images-of-montgomeryrocky-hill-winners-october-2025/) - [Ukrainians in New Jersey - June 26, 2025](https://vanharlingen.org/ukrainians-in-new-jersey-june-26-2025/) - [Second Annual Images of Historic Montgomery Township & Rocky Hill Photo Contest](https://vanharlingen.org/second-annual-images-of-historic-montgomery-township-rocky-hill-photo-contest/) - Second Annual Images of Historic Montgomery Township & Rocky Hill Photo Contest Last year’s photo contest was a resounding success! The good news is that visual reminders of Montgomery’s past continue to hide in plain sight all over town! Everywhere you look, you see a relic of what was here years ago. It may be - [May In Montgomery - May 10, 2025 12-4PM: A Day on the Farm](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery-2025/) - Note: Please direct questions to library@vanharlingen.org or call 908-359-8304 - [May in Montgomery: A Step Back in Time](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery-a-step-back-in-time/) - May in Montgomery: A Step Back in Time - Morning - $75 May in Montgomery: A Step Back in Time - Afternoon - $75 Note: Click "Add to Cart" for each ticket desired. Please direct questions to library@vanharlingen.org or call 908-359-8304 - [New Jersey's Underground Railroad - February 15, 2025](https://vanharlingen.org/new-jerseys-underground-railroad-february-15-2025/) - . - [They Came Before...- Jan 23, 2025](https://vanharlingen.org/they-came-before-jan-23-2025/) - We were not the first and how we know …Long before the days of central heating and cell phones, humans occupied what is known as New Jersey. And, even prior to the arrival of European settlers in the 17th century, New Jersey (and portions of the neighboring states) was the homeland of the Lenape Indians and their - [Historic Things Photo Contest](https://vanharlingen.org/historic-things-photo-contest-june-2024/) - Announcing the first annual Images of Historic Montgomery Township Photo Contest The history of Montgomery is hiding in plain sight all over town! Everywhere you look, you see a visual reminder of what was here 50, 100, even 200 years ago. It may be as simple as rocks, once part of a mill, that have - [Sharing their Stories - They Came and They Stayed - June 20, 2024](https://vanharlingen.org/sharing-their-stories-they-came-and-they-stayed-june-20-2024/) - [Delaware &  Raritan Canal  Commission 50th birthday exhibit](https://vanharlingen.org/delaware-raritan-canal-commission-50th-birthday-exhibit/) - The Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission is celebrating its 50th birthday and the Society will give them a tip of the hat with an exhibit of 1970s newspaper clippings, correspondence between the State of New Jersey and property lessees, maps and photographs (all from a private collection) of the Griggstown bridgetender’s house titled Griggstown and - [Book folding craft event - March 23 2024](https://vanharlingen.org/book-folding-craft-event-march-23-2024/) - Book folding craft event at 1 pm will be led by Candy. Bring own book or buy one for $1. The event is free and open to the public (bring a friend) but, because of space limitations, we ask that you register at library@vanharlingen.org. - [Gulick House Library reopens - March 23 2024](https://vanharlingen.org/gulick_house_library_reopens/) - The Society’s library at the Gulick House reopens after a winter recess on March 23 from 10-12. This month, we will be featuring books on barns and farmhouse. We will be open on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10-12 through November. - [Remembering the Ladies - March 21 2024](https://vanharlingen.org/remembering-the-ladies/) - Register to attend at the Montgomery Library: click here Please direct questions to library@vanharlingen.org or call 908-359-8304 Link to Amazon for coloring book: Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates (Telling Her Stories): Levin, Carol Simon: 9781540549242: Amazon.com: Books __________________________ - [All men are created equal except.... - Feb 22 2024](https://vanharlingen.org/all-en-are-created-equal-except-feb-22-2024/) - February is both Black History Month and the birth month of George Washington, the first president of the United States. You may not realize it but Washington was an enslaver for 56 years (he inherited 10 slaves when he was only 11 years old) and, at the time of his death in 1799, there were - [The Vietnam War - "You fight it, we write it" - Jan 20 2024](https://vanharlingen.org/the-vietnam-war-you-fight-it-we-write-it-jan-20-2024/) - [Montgomery Rocks - My sediments exactly! May 6 2023](https://vanharlingen.org/montgomery-rocks-my-sediments-exactly-may-6-2023/) - We need your support! Go to our Membership page to join or renew today! ____________________________ MAY IN MONTGOMERY 2023 SATURDAY, MAY 6 Montgomery Rocks My sediments exactly! After a multi-year hiatus, the Van Harlingen Historical Society is proud to once again present May in Montgomery. While we usually highlight local history going back two or - [From Garden to Table - Nov 12 2022](https://vanharlingen.org/from-garden-to-table-nov-12-2022/) - [Halloween Hijinx Oct 22 2022](https://vanharlingen.org/halloween-hijinx-oct-22-2022/) - [The Keith Line Sept 10 2022](https://vanharlingen.org/the-keith-line-sept-10-2022/) - * * * * September 10th 2022 * * * * The Keith Line with Joe Grabus and Bruce Blair – 2-4pm at the new Montgomery Library meeting room (no reservations required) The “Why” and the “How” of Province Line Road, a remnant of the dividing line between East Jersey and West Jersey determined by - [Saturday Series Sept-Nov 2022](https://vanharlingen.org/saturday-series-sept-nov-2022/) - [Stories of Montgomerys Bicentennial Quilt May 22, 2022](https://vanharlingen.org/stories-of-montgomerys-bicentennial-quilt-may-22-2022/) - Please join us in celebrating the 250th anniversary of Montgomery Township with Stories of Montgomery's Bicentennial Quilt at the Harlingen Reformed Church on May 22, 2022 from 2PM-4PM. - [Show your civic pride - get your Montgomery flag](https://vanharlingen.org/show-your-civic-pride-get-your-montgomery-flag/) - Show your civic pride - get your Montgomery flag Montgomery Township proudly flies the official Montgomery flag at Veterans Memorial Park. A 2.5 x 4 foot “ home” size version of the flag is now available to the citizenry of the Township. The Van Harlingen Historical Society is selling a limited quantity of flags, made - [VHHS fundraiser - Limited Quantities](https://vanharlingen.org/vhhs-fundraiser-limited-quantities/) - VHHS fundraiser - Limited Quantities... Get yours while they last! - [The Keith Line with Joe Grabus and Bruce Blair – postponed to 2021](https://vanharlingen.org/the-keith-line-with-joe-grabus-and-bruce-blair-postponed-to-2021/) - Fall PROGRAM Canceled We look forward to a time where we can all be together again The Keith Line with Joe Grabus and Bruce Blair – postponed to 2021 The “Why” and the “How” of Province Line Road, a remnant of the dividing line between East Jersey and West Jersey determined by surveyors in 1686 - [Feb and March 2020 Talks](https://vanharlingen.org/feb-and-march-2020-talks/) - Seeing the Sourlands with Jim Amon - Feb 27th Seeing with a keen and knowing eye lets us discover a wonderland of nature according to Jim Amon. Those who go on his popular nature walks and follow his blog, Seeing the Sourlands (https://www.sourland.org/seeing-the-sourlands) , agree. So, Van Harlingen Historical Society has invited him to expand - [VHHS ANNUAL MEETING - Dec 15 2019](https://vanharlingen.org/vhhs-annual-meeting-dec-15-2019/) - VHHS Members met on 12/15 for our annual meeting and end of year party. The event was well attended with a mix of long time and new members. The meeting was held at the beautifully restored and historic 1860 James Van Zandt Mansion (currently home of SAVE-a-friend to Homeless Animals). During the business portion of - [Building Greater Understanding of Native American Indian History Dec 10](https://vanharlingen.org/building-greater-understanding-of-american-indian-history-dec-10/) - Tuesday, December 10 6:45- 9PM at Montgomery Township Courtroom - [2019 Annual Meeting](https://vanharlingen.org/2019-annual-meeting/) - An Exceptional Opportunity! Our Annual WINE & CHEESE PARTY for Members and Their Friends at the 1860 James Van Zandt Mansion - home of SAVE-A Friend To Homeless Animals December 15th, 3-5 pm Free to members (membership can be paid at the door) We are also asking everyone to make a $10 donation to SAVE - [Discover Montgomery’s Past](https://vanharlingen.org/discover-montgomerys-past/) - Open House - Saturday, October 12, 1:00-4:00 pm Self-guided tour Locations: 1752 Dirk Gulick House (506 County Road 601) Farm Museum (124 Montgomery Rd) Parking available at the 124 Club at the 1860 House 1853 Bedensville Schoolhouse (Burnt Hill Rd, Skillman) Drop in for a look and to learn more about Montgomery’s local historical society. - [The Story of Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company #1](https://vanharlingen.org/the-story-of-montgomery-volunteer-fire-company-1/) - October 10, Thursday, at 7 pm at Montgomery Volunteer Fire Building Two devastating fires in quick succession back in 1939 energized the determination of a handful who had stood helpless in the face of calamity and out of the ashes was born Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company, No. 1. Meager beginnings became major accomplishments in the years - [Saturday Afternoon Local History Movies at the Gulick House](https://vanharlingen.org/saturday-afternoon-local-history-movies-at-the-gulick-house/) - September 28 at 1pm Frog War! The Mercer & Somerset Railroad Story October 26 at 1 pm Then & Now: Montgomery & Rocky Hill November 30 at 1 pm The Delaware and Raritan Canal December 28 at 1 pm We Remember Montgomery – 1988 panel discussion Each movie showing is limited to the first 20 Society members - [The Mercer & Somerset Railway Company and a Frog War](https://vanharlingen.org/the-mercer-somerset-railway-company-and-a-frog-war/) - September 26, Thursday, at 7 pm at Mary Jacobs Library The New Jersey State Legislature incorporated the Mercer and Somerset Railway Company in 1870 and granted them a charter to build a railroad between Trenton and Millstone. In 1873, the New Jersey State Legislature granted a charter to a competing railroad company along the very - [May In Montgomery - May 15, 2016](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery-may-15-2016/) - The Forgotten Village Presentation, Panel Discussion, Vintage Photos Memorial Hall, 424 Route 518, Blawenburg Reformed Church May 15, 2016 from 1:00-4:00 PM Semi-guided Tours at Skillman Park 3:30-5:00 PM Join us for a History Tour and Conversation about the former State Village. At the Meeting Hall will be presentations and a panel discussion from locals who lived and - [Visit the Van Harlingen Historical Societies Farm Museum during Montgomery Trails Day - June 1, 2019 ](https://vanharlingen.org/visit-the-van-harlingen-historical-societies-farm-museum-during-the-2nd-annual-montgomery-trails-day/) - Join us for Montgomery Trail Day on the trails at Stonebridge! The event is scheduled for Saturday June 1st from noon to 3PM. The VHHS Farm Museum will be open at the Voorhees-Opie Barn (red barn behind 124 Club) so hikers can explore! Girl Scout Troop 62218 is creating a scavenger hunt; anyone who - [May in Montgomery 2019](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery-2019/) - https://youtu.be/F7ON1ZoSoV8 Our 40th May in Montgomery has been a huge success. This year's event focused on our areas rich history of farming and the current farm to table movement. Attendees were blessed with beautiful weather,historical tidbits, tasty food and good company. Thanks to the three local farms we visited, Bridgepoint Run Farm, Greenflash Farm - [May in Montgomery](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery/) - May in Montgomery – 2019 Our Farms to Your Table Celebrating our 40thYear of making local history come alive Bridgepoint Run Farmstand – photo Dale Johnson The Van Harlingen Historical Society’s 2019 May in Montgomery celebrates a new way to make local farming successful, bringing people and our local farms together – “Our Farms To Your Table” - [Local African American Contributions Lecture](https://vanharlingen.org/march-2019/) - Tuesday, March 5, 2019 7:00-8:30 - Montgomery Township Municipal Building Courtroom. VHHS will be co-hosting with One Montgomery and Montgomery Mosaic a book talk by the Authors of "If these Stones Could Talk" Van Harlingen Historical Society, co-sponsoring with One Montgomery and Montgomery Mosaic, is honored to offer a very special presentation entitled, “A Proud Heritage: The African - [May in Montgomery 2017 - May 21](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery-2017/) - May in Montgomery 2017 “SIGHTSEEING ALONG THE SCENIC BYWAY” – MAY 21st Millstone Valley Bus Tour Walk-ins Welcome Day of Tour! Would you like to tour a byway that still resembles when George Washington’s troops marched there? Would you like to visit and learn about area historic houses and barns from the Revolutionary and early - [Historic Preservation, Urban Redevelopment, and the Rural Landscape: How New Jersey Makes the Connection - May 15, 2017](https://vanharlingen.org/touring-the-millstone-valley-national-scenic-byway-lecture/) - As a prelude to this year’s May in Montgomery Touring the Millstone Valley National Scenic Byway, the Van Harlingen Historical Society is proud to present a lecture by John D.S. Hatch titled Historic Preservation, Urban Redevelopment, and the Rural Landscape: How New Jersey Makes the Connection. Mr. Hatch is an architect who specializes in historic preservation design - [19th Century Life in Montgomery Township as Reflected in Municipal Documents - September 26, 2017](https://vanharlingen.org/19th-century-life-in-montgomery-township-as-reflected-in-municipal-documents/) - Come join us on September 26th at 7 pm to learn about Montgomery Township in the 1800s. The population was a few thousand people, there was no municipal building, the unpaved roads and the bridges were maintained by the residents, and most of the residents were involved in farming. Learn about Township Committee meetings - [“Montgomery: The Way It Was” September 12, 2018 at 7PM](https://vanharlingen.org/montgomery-the-way-it-was-september-12-2018-at-7pm/) - “Montgomery: The Way It Was” will be recalled for us in picture and story by Dan Pullen on Wednesday evening, September 12 at 7 PM in the program room at Mary Jacobs Memorial Library, 63 Washington St., Rocky Hill, NJ. Back when “Doc” Pullen was growing up here, Montgomery was still rural; its villages inked - [VHHS Barn Dance - October 21](https://vanharlingen.org/vhhs-barn-dance-october-21/) - Barn dance with the Long Hill String Band and Caller Sue Dupree. Historic Exhibits of Harvest Time and Lost Village will be featured. 8-11 pm Elks Club on Rte 518. Price: $15 in advance either by mail or by ordering below: $15, $20 at the door. - [The History of US Presidential Elections and New Jersey - November 3, 2016](https://vanharlingen.org/the-history-of-us-presidential-elections-and-new-jersey-november-3-2016/) - Brian Armstrong presents NJ history and memorabilia from past campaigns. Free program starts 6:30 on Nov 3 at Mary Jacobs Library. - [Weekend Journey through the Past - October 8-9, 2016](https://vanharlingen.org/weekend-journey-through-the-past-october-8-9-2016/) - VHHS is not participating this year, but we encourage you to visit many great locations in Somerset County. More information at their website. http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/government/public-works/cultural-heritage/weekend-journey - [Harvest Time - History of Local Farming - September 22, 2016](https://vanharlingen.org/harvest-time-history-of-local-farming-september-22-2016/) - Thursday September 22, 7 pm "Harvest Time - History of Local Farming" In the words of Montgomery Farmers Past. Free public program at Mary Jacobs Library. - [Camp Meeting - Saturday September 17](https://vanharlingen.org/camp-meeting-saturday-september-17/) - On Saturday, September 17th 11am-2pm the Sourland Conservancy and Stoutsburg Cemetery Association offer a historic reenactment of a camp meeting revival: food, fun and great gospel music. Details on the Sourland Conservancy website. http://sourland.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Camp-Meeting-Revival-Flyer.pdf See our interesting Oral History called Camp Meetings for more historic context (Available on our publications page https://vanharlingen.org/about-us/publications/) - [Savage Dining: Local Wild Edibles - May 1, 2016](https://vanharlingen.org/savage-dining-local-wild-edibles-may-1-2016/) - Sunday, May 1, 2 pm Rock Mill Preserve, 360 Grandview Road Leader: Debbie Naha Adventurous eaters, this walk is for you. Debbie Naha will be leading a walk featuring local wild edible plants and ecology. She will discuss plant I.D., safe and sustainable harvesting, and how to use wild plants in meals. Debbie Naha is - [Native Americans of Montgomery - April 3, 2016](https://vanharlingen.org/native-americans-of-montgomery/) - Sunday, April 3rd @ 2 pm Stonebridge Park, 1860 House, 124 Montgomery Road (Parking across from Stonebridge at Montgomery) Leader: Jim Wade, Field Archaeologist New Jersey's Native Americans held deeply personal relationships with the world around them, closely aligned with the local landscape and available materials. Montgomery continues to carry their legacy through roadways and - [Annual WINE & CHEESE PARTY - Dec 6, 2015](https://vanharlingen.org/annual-wine-cheese-party/) - An Exceptional Opportunity! Our Annual WINE & CHEESE PARTY for Members and Their Friends at the 1854 James Van Zandt Mansion - newly restored home to SAVE-A Friend To Homeless Animals December 6th 3-5 pm $25/person includes $5 donation to SAVE This magnificent Italianate Villa style house, built in 1854 by lawyer and gentleman farmer, - [May in Montgomery's Township Tours Celebrate VHHS 50th Anniversary - May 30, 2015 - Reserve by May 22nd!](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery-bus-tours-may-30-2015/) - Van Harlingen Historical Society’s annual May in Montgomery is famous for all sorts of “turns in the road.” No one event is the same, and this year’s May 30th event, in celebration of the society’s 50th anniversary, is no different. Indeed there are lots of turns in the road, literally. On Saturday, May 30th, two separate bus tours for - [Montgomery As It Was - May 7, 2015 at 7:00 p.m at Mary Jacobs Library](https://vanharlingen.org/montgomery-as-it-was/) - Presented by VHHS Historians Judy Peters and Jessie Havens Many factors combined through time to make this area what it is today. Villages, churches, farming, mills, schools, railroads, local organizations, politics businesses, landscapes and architecture. A fascinating collage illustrated by the VHHS image collection. Free and open to all. Registration is suggested. Call 609-924-7073 ext 4. - [Mr. Jefferson and His Music - May 12, 2015 7:00 PM at Mary Jacobs Library](https://vanharlingen.org/mr-jefferson-and-his-music-may-12-2015-700-pm-at-mary-jacobs-library/) - Mr. Jefferson believed that music was indispensable to the fabric of culture and civilization, in fact "a most delightful recreation." A brief illustrated lecture, complemented with a performance of music drawn from Mr. Jefferson's 1783 inventory of musical holdings. 7:00 pm at Mary Jacobs Library. - [Two Great Programs in April: Sourland Mountain: Special Place/Special People-4/10/14 & Sourland Murders and Mysteries-4/30/14](https://vanharlingen.org/two-great-programs-in-april/) - In partnership with Montgomery Friends of Open Space, Sourland Conservancy and Mary Jacobs Library, VHHS celebrates the history and mystery of the Sourland Mountains. April 10th Sourland Mountain: Special Place/Special People VHHS President Judy Peters will host a fun program with photos and stories of the many famous people who once spent time in - [Back By Popular Demand! Sourlands: Special Place and People - 6/23/14](https://vanharlingen.org/back-by-popular-demand-sourlands-special-place-and-people-623/) - Sourland Mountain: Special Place/Special People VHHS President and Archivist Judy Peters will host her really fun program with photos and stories of the many famous people (Including Gen. Washington, Lindbergh, Dylan and many more famous and infamous characters) who once spent time in the hidden hills. Did you know Nobel prize-winner O'Neil escaped to the Sourlands - ["Sojourner Truth" Will Arrive at Mary Jacobs Library - 9/18/14](https://vanharlingen.org/sojourner-truth-will-arrive-at-mary-jacobs-library-918/) - On Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 7:00 pm, presenting in first person interpretation, Dr. Daisy Century of American History Theatre brings former slave, abolitionist, suffragette Sojourner Truth to life. The program will presented September 18, 2014 at Mary Jacobs Library, 64 Washington St., Rocky Hill at 7:00 pm. Born Isabella Baumfree, the slave from a - ["Governor Livingston, I Presume"; a Visit from New Jersey's First Governor! - 10/15/14](https://vanharlingen.org/governor-livingston-i-presume-a-visit-from-new-jerseys-first-governor-101514/) - Celebrate 350 Years of History in Our Great State with a Visit from New Jersey's First Governor! "Governor Livingston, I Presume" Wednesday, October 15th at 7:00 pm at Historic Harlingen Church Route 206, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 Born in 1723 Livingston was a member of the first and second Continental Congresses. In 1776, he left - ["Sojourner Truth" Will Arrive at Mary Jacobs Library ](https://vanharlingen.org/sojourned-truth-will-arrive-at-mary-jacobs-library/) - CANCELLED and Will Be Rescheduled On Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 7:00 pm, presenting in first person interpretation, Dr. Daisy Century brings former slave, abolitionist, suffragette Sojourner Truth to life. The program will presented February 13, 2014 at Mary Jacobs Library, 64 Washington St., Rocky Hill at 7:00 pm. Born Isabella Baumfree, the slave from - [Bald Eagles, Our National Bird: Back from the Brink of Extinction - 3/19](https://vanharlingen.org/458/) - What did Benjamin Frankin really mean when he said of the bald eagle, “He is a Bird of bad moral Character… Besides he is a rank Coward”? Find out the answer and more on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Mary Jacobs Library at 7:00 pm when Van Harlingen Historical presents, “Bald Eagles, Our National Bird: - [Both Chimneys Repaired at the Gulick House](https://vanharlingen.org/both-chimneys-repaired-at-the-gulick-house/) - Both chimneys have received significant repair as well as the wall along Route 601. In addition the peak on the east side was painted professionally since our volunteers were not eager to reach that high! Total repairs since February 2011 including the new furnace, roof and chimney work totaled $28,000. Thanks to a grant from - [Family-oriented program to be held at the Montgomery Farm Museum](https://vanharlingen.org/family-oriented-program-to-be-held-at-the-montgomery-farm-museum/) - On Sunday afternoon October 7th. noted historian and teacher, Clarissa Dillon, Ph.D. will host a family-oriented program at the Montgomery Farm Museum. Clarissa's doctorate in History is from Bryn Mawr College. She has been doing hands-on activities since 1973. Her programs have included Colonial cooking and early American pastimes for children. Check back later for more information - [May In Montgomery - Open House at the Gulick House](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery-open-house-at-the-gulick-house/) - Visitors to the Open House at the Gulick house enjoyed the peaceful grounds, refreshed landscaping, and the newly reorganized archives of historic maps, journals, genealogy, photos and local artifacts. A perfect setting to learn a bit of Montgomery’s rich Dutch and Colonial past. VHHS members were excited to show our visitors the new cedar-shake roof at - [May In Montgomery - A Taste of the Sourlands](https://vanharlingen.org/may-in-montgomery-a-taste-of-the-sourlands/) - June 1st brought us May in Montgomery’s - A Taste of the Sourlands, a grand wine-tasting at Unionville Vineyards. The Taste of the Sourlands was a fundraiser to benefit the cost of the Gulick House cedar-shake roof. Attendees invited to taste samplings of Unionville’s fine wines and culinary treats from local chefs, while surrounded by ## Pages - [](https://vanharlingen.org/) - To view the video on Major General Richard Montgomery and the Battle of Quebec click here Learn About Montgomery Township historic sites and districts on the New Jersey State and National Register of Historic Places click here We need your support! Go to our Membership page to join or renew today! Like us on our Facebook - [CONTACT US](https://vanharlingen.org/contact-us/) - Inquiries General Inquiries: info@vanharlingen.org Local History Inquiries: library@vanharlingen.org Officers President: Jim Irish president@vanharlingen.org Vice President: John Wallmark Treasurer: Candy Willis Recording Secretary: John Wallmark Corresponding Secretary: Candy Willis Trustees Ken Carr, Jessie Havens, Jeff Hoisington, Dale Johnson, Alejandro Perez-Gonzalez, Bob Wells * Street Address: 506 Rt. 601, Belle Mead, NJ 08502 At the intersection of Dutchtown-Harlingen - [ABOUT US](https://vanharlingen.org/about-us/) - The Van Harlingen Historical Society was founded in 1965 to help preserve the heritage of the Montgomery Township area and to interpret the area’s history through educational programs, publications, and exhibits. VHHS believes that by educating our people about our rich history, we create a stronger sense of community. As advocates for preservation of sites and settings, we also help the town - [PHOTOS](https://vanharlingen.org/photos/) - [Home](https://vanharlingen.org/hom/) - To view the video on Major General Richard Montgomery and the Battle of Quebec click here Learn About Montgomery Township historic sites and districts on the New Jersey State and National Register of Historic Places click here We need your support! Go to our Membership page to join or renew today! Like us on our Facebook page to - [Early Montgomery 1600's to late 1800's](https://vanharlingen.org/early-montgomery-1600s-to-late-1800s/) - The first landowners in what was to become Montgomery Township were speculators. Many speculators and early settlers were of Dutch descent from the New Amsterdam area (especially Long Island), which, after the British ousted the Dutch (1664), was renamed New York in honor of the Duke of York (the future James II. They themselves did - [PUBLICATIONS](https://vanharlingen.org/about-us/publications/) - A collection of unique publications and oral histories about Montgomery Township, all written by members and historians of VHHS! To order by mail Click Here for an order form, otherwise use our shopping cart. Glimpse of the Past a collection of stories about the history of Montgomery Township, NJ Candy Willis $30 Three Centuries of - [MEMBERSHIP](https://vanharlingen.org/membership/) - Basic Individual Membership $50 Basic Family Membership $70 Patron $150 Patron Family $200 Senior (over 65) $30 Senior Family (over 65) $40 Business Sponsor $500 If you prefer to join by mail, please click here to access a printable PDF with membership levels and mail in this form with your check today! - [Dirck Gulick House: the movie](https://vanharlingen.org/welcome-to-the-dirck-gulick-house/) - [OUR BUILDINGS](https://vanharlingen.org/about-us/our-buildings/) - The Society operates three historic structures which represent the varying uses and architecture since the mid-18th century. The Dirck Gulick House, also known just as the Gulick House, was built in 1752 and has been serving as the Society's headquarters, library, archives, and research facility since 2004. The building conforms to the Dutch style - [LIBRARY RESOURCES](https://vanharlingen.org/about-us/research/) - The Gulick House Library The Dirck Gulick House, located at 506 Rt. 601 across from Dutchtown-Harlingen Road, opened in May 2004 as the headquarters and library of the Van Harlingen Historical Society. Our library is open on the fouth Saturday of each month (except December through February) from 10am-noon. The library contains local history, books, - [GETTING INVOLVED](https://vanharlingen.org/about-us/getting-involved/) - Membership and Volunteering Whether you wish to be actively involved, or simply to provide your financial support, please join the Van Harlingen Historical Society as a Member or Patron. Your support helps us to create history programs for adults and children, and to take a more active role in preserving the historic character of our - [A BRIEF HISTORY](https://vanharlingen.org/a-brief-history/) - Opie's Mill at Bridgepoint in 1940 Early Montgomery History (1600-1800) Washingtons-1779-route-across-montgomery-and-the-sourlands Memories of Belle Mead and Montgomery Township, NJ, in the 1950s and 60s - [Washington's 1779 Route across Montgomery and the Sourlands](https://vanharlingen.org/washingtons-1779-route-across-montgomery-and-the-sourlands/) - The map below is a digital composite and overlay of a hand drawn map surveyed by Robert Erskine (Map No 87A) in 1779, made for General George Washington's use to help evade British troop movements . Robert Erskine was the first Surveyor-General of the United States, having been appointed Geographer to the Army by General - [19th Century Life in Montgomery Township as Reflected in Municipal Documents](https://vanharlingen.org/sample-page/19th-century-life-in-montgomery-township-as-reflected-in-municipal-documents/) - Come join us on September 26th at 7 pm to learn about Montgomery Township in the 1800s. The population was a few thousand people, there was no municipal building, the unpaved roads and the bridges were maintained by the residents, and most of the residents were involved in farming. Learn about Township Committee meetings - [Belle Mead & Montgomery 1950s and 60s](https://vanharlingen.org/news/memories-of-belle-mead/) - Editor’s Note: Mark Lindquist spent his early years in the same house that our local historian, Jessie Havens, now lives. He visited her a short time after the death of his mother, and their visit was filled with stories of his time in Montgomery. Jessie encouraged Mark to write down all these great memories for all - [Checkout Page](https://vanharlingen.org/checkout-page/) - [EVENTS](https://vanharlingen.org/sample-page/) ## News Tickers - [Test News Ticker](https://vanharlingen.org/ticker/test-news-ticker/) ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://vanharlingen.org/category/uncategorized/) - [Events](https://vanharlingen.org/category/events/)