Events

Thomas Jefferson’s Two Families

May 5, 2013, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Gain fascinating new insights into Thomas Jefferson, both the man and the politician at this presentation by local resident Jan Lewis, one of the country’s foremost Jeffersonian scholars.

DNA, Genetics and Genealogy

March 10, 2013, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Curious about your family’s roots? Researched as far as you can on Ancestry.com? Come to Durand-Hedden to learn about how DNA testing helps determine genetic relationships between people and connections to our ancestors.

To Cast a Freedman’s Vote

February 24, 2013, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

On March 31, 1870, Perth Amboy resident Thomas Mundy Peterson dropped a ballot into a box. It was a simple action that took, perhaps, all of a second or two. Yet, in that moment, Peterson made history as the first African-American to vote under the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Well Heeled and Pumped Up: The Rise of Women’s Shoes

January 27, 2013, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Rachelle Bergstein, author of Women From the Ankle Down: The Story of Shoes and How They Define Us will present this stylish illustrated talk on shifting footwear trends through the 20th century that examines the growing prominence of shoes in American culture, and how it affects everything from price tags to heel heights

Holiday at the Hearth

December 2, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Head to the Durand-Hedden House with your family for a fun, old-fashioned prelude to the holidays. The Victorian parlor will be dressed up with garlands and vintage decorations setting the tone for a Christmas celebration of yesteryear.

Natural Treasures all around us: Maplewood’s Magnificent Trees

October 21, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Look up. Our community is known for its vast array of native and introduced trees, but do we fully know and appreciate these natural treasures all around us? Local artist/educator Karen Fuchs will discuss tree growth and its patterns from spreading branches to earthbound root systems and how and why artists and botanists share a love of these majestic living forms. Visitors can also count the rings of an old-growth tree stump on the grounds, trace its history and do a printing project of tree cross-sections.

Herbal Medicine the Wise Woman Way

September 30, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

New Jersey herbalist Robin Rose Bennett will lead us on a stroll around the MGC Herb Garden and less tamed areas of the grounds to explore the nourishing, medicinal flowers, fruits, and seeds of the season.

Amusements over the Decades

June 3, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Oh for the simple pleasures of yester-year before MTV, Xbox and Wii. Come by to participate in fun, old-fashioned activities that include word games, apple bobbing, La Grace and ice-cream making.

Perfect Ladies

May 13, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

In a 2:00 p.m. slide talk, Kristina Haugland, Associate Curator of Costumes and Textiles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, will examine the social background behind the evolution of Victorian fashions such as corsets, hoop skirts and bustles as well as attempts to reform women’s dress and redefine their social position. Actual undergarments and also examples of Durand-Hedden’s Victorian clothing collection will be on view.

James Betelle: Maplewood’s Master Civic Architect

April 29, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

For years after his graduation from Columbia High School, speaker Steve Weintraub could not get images of the school out of his head. He wondered who had designed the building. His dogged quest for an answer led him to create an innovative web site, James Betelle -- Where Are You? The Search for a Lost Architect. In his slide talk, starting at 2:00 p.m., Mr. Weintraub will tell the story of the intriguing architect who he has helped bring back into the public eye along with his memorable buildings.

Nancy Drew, Who Knew? The Maplewood Connection

March 18, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

No, the long running, mega popular girl detective book series that has inspired countless women over the decades, including Hillary Clinton and Sandra Day O’Connor, did not take place in a town called Maplewood (though it very well could have.) But Harriet Adams, the daughter of entrepreneur Edward Stratemayer who created the character Nancy, as well as those of other juvenile adventurers such as the Hardy Boys, happily made her home on North Terrace for over 60 years.

After The Hickories: Roosevelt Park

February 26, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

The tale of how young Teddy Roosevelt loved to roam his uncle Cornelius’ wooded Maplewood estate observing nature has often been told, but not the story of what happened decades later, after the property had been sold and “The Hickories” had burned.

From Seed to Instrument

June 5, 2011, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Musician, educator and instrument maker Cheryl Thomas will lead a fascinating participatory workshop demonstrating how the common gourd, a vessel used by many world cultures, can be transformed into a rattle through beading to make hauntingly beautiful music.

Traditional House Styles for Modern Living

February 13, 2011, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

How does a 21st century residential architect who admires and respects (and lives in) the domestic style of a century ago reconcile those traditional design themes with the modern desire for big windows, sleek design, a family room and a wall for the flat screen TV? John Ike, a noted architect and Maplewood resident will provide some insight into those modern-day challenges.

The Magic of Fire - Open Hearth Cooking

January 23, 2011, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Mercy Ingraham, together with Durand-Hedden’s historic chef, Irene Kosinski, will introduce visitors to fascinating new open hearth cooking techniques and seasonal foodways of the past, including boiled pudding, salted cod, chicken-on-a-string and assorted pickled provisions.

Making Holiday Memories

December 5, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Join us for a quiet prelude to the holiday season. Enjoy a concert by young musicians from our community in the Victorian parlor, bedecked with evergreens and ornaments. Craft a special item for friends or family and take time to enjoy a cup of mulled cider by the warmth of the 1790 hearth.

The Spirit of Maplewood: The History of the Maplewood Woman’s Club

November 21, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Find out the untold story of this volunteer service organization whose beginnings in our community go back to the early 20th c. At the opening of their clubhouse in 1930 Mayor DeHart noted that the Woman’s Club was always at the forefront of progress in Maplewood.

The Uncertain Revolution with Author/Historian John Cunningham

May 9, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

“The Father of Maplewood”, Builder Edward C. Balch

February 21, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

A little over 100 years ago Maplewood resident and entrepreneur Edward C. Balch turned his attention to improving his adopted home, at that time a rural village. From about 1903 until 1921 Balch built almost two hundred houses in various styles on the streets climbing the slopes of South Mountain near his own home.

18th c. Open Hearth Cooking Demonstration

January 24, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Holiday Music and Memories

December 6, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Before The Dhoul Knows Yer Dead!

October 25, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Robert Mouland's delightful one man performance of 18th century music and stories that is focused on the theme of Halloween and its Celtic roots, such as the traditions of 'snap apple' gatherings and divination games.

Kenneth Dalzell - Maplewood’s Most Prolific Architect?

September 27, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

This nearly forgotten architect designed a vast array of houses in Maplewood between about 1916 and 1960, working for individual clients and developers. Dalzell believed in well-designed, moderately priced homes, often in Colonial, Tudor and Mediterranean styles.

The Jersey Tomato

May 17, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Everyone loves the Jersey Tomato! Through food historian Judith Krall-Russo's lively talk discover where the tomato originated and why it became one of New Jersey's favorite crops.

Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonberry’s Extraordinary Ride

March 22, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Author Peter Zheutlin vividly retells the story behind his popular book about his audacious great-grand-aunt who became part of what a newspaper called

Was Kenneth Dalzell Maplewood’s Most Prolific Architect?

February 22, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

This nearly forgotten architect designed a vast array of houses in Maplewood, working from about 1915 and 1940 for individual clients and developers. Dalzell created well-designed moderately priced homes, often in Colonial, Tudor and Italian Revival styles.

18th c. Open Hearth Cooking

January 25, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Maplewood's historic house museum, the Durand-Hedden House invites the public to its popular annual open hearth cooking program. The organization's well-known costumed interpreters will demonstrate an 18th century kitchen in action, using techniques and utensils of the period.

An 18th Century Musick & Storytelling Holiday Program

December 14, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

The Durand-Hedden House invites the public to hear superb musician and historic interpreter Robert Mouland. Mr. Mouland will present an evocative holiday program in the role of Michael Keane, an Irish harper who came to America in 1754.

Wash Day Blues

November 16, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Speaker Jane Chrysostom, an expert in woman’s pioneer history, will “edutain” visitors in the once essential, now bygone skill of making soap for clothes washing and bathing.

Archeology in New Jersey: Why, How, Who

October 19, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Principal Archaeologist of Hunter Research, Ian C. Burrow, Ph.D., is currently excavating sites in Trenton and recently one in nearby Madison. His talk will enlighten us about who archeologists are and how they work and will illustrate recent discoveries at these NJ digs through both with slides and artifacts.

The Suffragette Movement: How Woman Won the Vote

March 9, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

This lecture and slide demonstration uses humorous and not so humorous picture postcards and memorabilia to offer insight into how American woman were regarded as the struggled to win the right to vote.

Old Home Day at Durand-Hedden

January 13, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Become a history detective: Come explore our community's own

Historical Holiday Program

December 2, 2007, 1:30 - 3:00 PM

Lifetime Maplewoodians Jeanne and John Bausmith explore the background of Christmas music and celebrations of the past at the Durand-Hedden House, Maplewood's Historic House Museum.

How to Repair Old Windows

October 21, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Paul Lewis of Two Guys from Newstead will show you how simple it is to repair your wood windows so that they once again work as they were designed. Learn how to “un-stick” your painted-shut windows, fix broken sash cords and chains, and replace broken glass. Also find out what steps you can take to make your windows more energy efficient.

Garden Party & Vintage Wedding Lore

June 3, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Celebrate the coming of summer on the beautiful grounds of Durand-Hedden, Maplewood's historic house museum, with old-fashioned treats, games and exhibits.

Maplewood’s Past on Glass

April 15, 2007, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

A real glass lantern show given by Township Historian John Crowell Bausmith revealing many Maplewood landmarks as they looked in the 19th and early 20th c. The original show was compiled in 1915 and was revived in the 1940's by Mr. Bausmith's grandmother, Charlotte Crowell Salter and Mr. George Thompson, a lifelong resident.

Local Quilt Exhibit

March 11, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

For many years, a hand-sewn quilt was one of the only tangible ways a woman could leave her mark on history. This informal display will feature a variety of traditional, vintage and art quilts, the collection of the Durand-Hedden House and that of local quilters and collectors.

Down in the Valley: The History of the Dunnell Road Area

February 11, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Long before the police station and fire department were located beside Memorial Park following Maplewood's incorporation, the area had been the site of farms and a variety of mills, including the Phoenix Paper Mill.

Holiday Memories to Create and Savor

December 3, 2006, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Many early colonists brought honey bee hives to America to supply honey and beeswax and to provide a means of exchange for trading. Eric Rowe of 200-year-old Douglas Farm in Gladstone will demystify beekeeping practices and will offer tips on how we as laypeople can help save this treatened insect.

Teddy Roosevelt’s Life and Times and His Ties to Maplewood

November 19, 2006, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Historian Charles McSorley will will present a slide talk on

Apple Groves and Cider Making in Old Maplewood

October 29, 2006, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Find out the story of Maplewood's renowned apples and cider mills. The Crowell Cider Mill is the most well known. It stood near the current site of Columbia High School and was a popular institution for one hundred years.

Assassins in the Garden: Belladonna, Foxglove, Hemlock & Co.

January 23, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Not everything herbal or natural is good for us -- some of the most beautiful plants are quite toxic. From hemlock to lobelia, foxglove to rhubarb, retired internist Sandra Moss will reveal through her lavishly illustrated presentation just how various plant toxins affect the body.

Chick Talk (...the backyard variety)

October 23, 2011, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Curious about our town’s recent hot “chicken” topic? Come to Durand-Hedden to find out the true facts -both positive and negative -on keeping backyard chickens.

The Secret Art of Making Herbal Oils and Vinegars

September 18, 2011, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Maplewood Garden Club Herb Garden, will show you how ridiculously easy it is to make your own flavored oils and vinegars from your favorite herbs. This is a “make ‘n take” workshop; a minimal charge will cover the cost of bottles and ingredients.

The Uncertain Revolution and Washington in Maplewood

May 1, 2011, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

How South Mountain Reservation Began and Grew

April 10, 2011, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

The familiar park with the awesome views to the east on the mountain above Maplewood and nearby towns has far more interesting origins than most hikers and dog-walkers realize.

The Life and Transformation of the Great American Newspaper

March 13, 2011, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Maplewood author, former journalist and director of the John Kean Center for American History at Kean University, Terry Golway will introduce this exhibit, which features reproductions of some of the most famous headlines in American journalism history, some as old as 1789 and others as recent as 2008.

Haunted History

October 17, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Create a Fresh Herb Wreath

September 19, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Garden Club volunteer Liz Demkin will tell you all about the herbs you select and show you how to easily accomplish this delightfully fun project.

The Blasted Herb: Tea and Rebellion in the American Colonies

June 13, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Landscaping Your Home to Suite its Style

April 11, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Cheese Making: Jane’s Whey

March 7, 2010, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

What Town Are We In? The Story of Maplewood’s Changing Boundaries

November 22, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

The Science of Sea Glass

June 14, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Sea glass historian Richard LaMotte, author of the definitive guide Pure Sea Glass, will deliver a lecture on unlocking the secrets of sea glass. In addition to sharing beautiful photography from his book, LaMotte will showcase some of the most unusual pieces of sea glass and antique bottles from his collection.

A Taste of Honey: Bees in Colonial America

April 26, 2009, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Many early colonists brought honeybee hives to America to supply honey and beeswax and to provide a means of exchange for trading. Eric Rowe of 200-year-old Douglas Farm in Gladstone will demystify beekeeping practices 'then and now' and will offer tips on how today we as laypeople can help save this threatened insect.

Herbfest 2008

September 21, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Smell, taste and admire the vast variety of herbs that flourish in the Durand-Hedden House Herb Garden, a special project of the Maplewood Garden Club for nearly 30 years.

Loving Spoonful: 18th century Recipes Cooked at the Open Hearth

February 10, 2008, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

The organization's well-known costumed interpreters will demonstrate an 18th century kitchen in action, using techniques and utensils of the period. Visitors will have the opportunity to actually "enjoy a taste the past" by sampling typical early American soups and breads.

The Hidden History of the Watchung Mountains

November 18, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

The Watchung Mountains, a part of which loom above Maplewood and South Orange as South Mountain Reservation, have played an important part in both political and art history over the past three centuries.

Herb Garden Event

September 23, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Join members of the MGC Herb Garden Committee as they give tours of the Garden, a Maplewood landmark established by the club in 1979.

Historic Craft Day

May 12, 2007, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The grounds will be the setting for the 1776 Crafters, a group dedicated to preserving trades and crafts from the past. There will be a variety of demonstrations such as woodworking, tinsmithing, Indian quilling, gunsmithing, and stained glass making.

Enjoy a Taste of the 18th Century

January 21, 2007, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Maplewood invites the public to its popular annual event featuring 18th century recipes cooked at the open hearth. Well-known costumed interpreter Irene Kosinski will demonstrate how an array of soups, stews, cornbread and journeycake were prepared at the fireplace over 200 years ago.