2005 SPIRIT OF THE JERSEYS
Annual History Fair

A Great Success!

The 2005 Spirit of the Jerseys Annual History Fair, held on May 7th, was a great success thanks to the 60 vendors who participated in the Fair and the 1700 visitors who attended the event.

Visitors were able to experience four centuries of New Jersey history. There were exhibits, living history demonstrations, military encampments, open-hearth cooking, live music and period dancing. Numerous historical agencies and organizations participated in the Fair, providing additional information and activities.

Several special events were held throughout the day. There was a period baseball game featuring the Flemington Neshanocks. A sidesaddle demonstration and fashion show by members of the N.E.A. Sidesaddle Association. A concert of 19th century music by the Blawenburg Band. An old time photographer. And a traveling flea circus.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of NJ's state forests, the George Washington Memorial Arboretum was rededicated and a special photographic exhibit was displayed on the history of the state forests. A special postal cancellation commemorating this anniversary was also created. Stamp collectors and enthusiasts can still purchase the limited edition postal cachets featuring the May 7, 2005 postmark by contacting the Batsto Postmaster at 609-561-7310.

There were also plenty of children's activities including games from the 18th & 19th centuries, military drills and a scavenger hunt in which the kids were encouraged to find 14 historical characters who were "attending" the Fair. Among the characters present were Governors Livingston, Olden and Stokes, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Molly Pitcher, General Meade, Walt Whitman and Alice Paul.

In conjunction with the Fair, a student art contest was held. Students were asked to submit artwork that depicted one of New Jersey's 50 historic sites. This year's contest had 164 entrants. Winners received their awards at a special ceremony at the Fair. See the winners

We also had a Spirit of the Jerseys Historic Sites Photo Contest for DEP employees. See the photo contest winners

The Spirit of the Jerseys, which started as a celebratory event marking the Centennial of NJ's State Historic Sites, is now an annual event. The purpose of the Fair is to cultivate the public's awareness and appreciation of New Jersey's historic resources by providing visitors with the opportunity to experience history in a fun and enjoyable manner. Plans for next year's Fair are already underway. For further information, call 609-984-0370 or toll free 1-800-843-6420.