Van Harlingen Historical Society

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 17^th century, New Jersey (and portions of the neighboring states) was the homeland of the Lenape Indians and their ancestors for more than 10,000 years.  
We know this because of archeological and ethnological studies.   According to the Internet, archeology is the study of the ancient and recent human past through material remains while ethnology is the study of humans as cultural beings.  
To learn more about who came before us, please join co-sponsors Van Harlingen Historical Society and Montgomery Library on Thursday, January 23 at 6 pm for an informative lecture about the indigenous people of the New Jersey area dating back to when Homo sapiens first entered North America, traveling south between two ice sheets.
The presenter is Dr. Greg Lattanzi, New Jersey State Archaeologist and Curator for the Bureau of Archeology and Ethnology at the New Jersey State Museum.  According to the museum website, the archeology and ethnology collection he oversees at the State Museum “encompasses over 2 million prehistoric and historic specimens from nearly 100 years of excavation and over 2,000 ethnographic objects. Archaeology specimens are recognized as the definitive systematic research collection for the study of New Jersey prehistory and one of the most important collections for regional study of northeastern North America.” 
 The program, suitable for both adults and young adults, is free and open to the public. Please register at sclsnj.org 
On Saturday, January 25 at 10 am, the Society will host a free book folding event (books will be provided) for adults. Contact library@vanharlingen.org

 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 Blackwell’s Mills Ephemera from the 1970s.

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.