PLEASE CHECK BACK HERE OFTEN FOR UPDATES. Because these are historic homes, events may have to be moved, postponed or cancelled for various reasons. Any such occurrences will be posted on this page, as well as our calendar.
WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
We want to know what type of programming you would like to see. Suggestions for historic, local, environmental, educational, or fun events are all welcome and appreciated. We especially would like to engage our younger generations. Please send an email to info@themeadowsfoundation.org with your suggestions.
See our May 2026 Events Here
Second Sundays: Wyckoff-Garretson Museum House
Open FREE to the Public
Our April Event is cancelled due to a heating issue at the museum. We look forward to seeing you May 12th!
2nd Sunday, Apr-Oct 2026 1-4pm 215 South Middlebush Rd, Somerset, NJ
Wyckoff-Garretson House, 1730 and 1805
The Meadows Foundation announces the opening of the Wyckoff-Garretson Museum House and Carriage Barn, every second Sunday of the month starting in April and going through October. There will be docents on hand to conduct tours and answer questions about colonial life. The renovated carriage barn features a used book and gift shop. The historic home is filled with artifacts and period furniture, clothing and other items.
In addition, talks and craft demonstrations will periodically be conducted in the conference room, and videos about life in colonial times will be shown in the media room. The buildings will be open from 1pm-4pm, May through October. This is a FREE EVENT, so bring family and friends and enjoy an interesting afternoon with us!
Club Meadows
June 10, 2026 6:30pm – 8:30pm Topic: The ‘Hot’ Summer of 1778
2nd Wednesday of each month, 6:30-8:30 PM at the Wyckoff-Garretson Wagon Barn 215 South Middlebush Road
Club Meadows is a monthly, super-casual get-together for the purpose of hanging out and talking history!
This is not a presenter/audience-type event – it is a casual, friendly, unstructured meetup for folks who enjoy discussing various historic topics. The subject matter is decided by YOU. A book, an artifact, an idea, a movie, a myth or legend, a personal experience – whatever you wish to talk about is fair game. Have you always wanted to know about a particular place or event? Ask the other people in attendance, they might know! No need to dress up, bring something to eat or drink if you like, come late or leave early – it’s all good! There is no age limit, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Flyer PDF: Club Meadows June 2026
Gardening Club at Van Duyn-Van Wickle
Saturdays, 9 AM (weather permitting)
Come out for some fresh air, nature, conversation and camaraderie as we pull weeds and pleasantly pass the time. 1289 Easton Avenue, Somerset (next to Rutgers Prep, at the foot of DeMott Lane). Contact Terry Thorsen at isismaya@aol.com if you are interested.
Author Talk: “A Franklin Park Tragedy” with Brian Armstrong
Monday, June 22 6:30pm
Join author Brian Armstrong for a presentation about his book, The Franklin Park Tragedy: A Forgotten Story of Racial Injustice in New Jersey (The History Press).
“The Franklin Park Tragedy, A Forgotten Story of Racial Injustice in New Jersey” (The History Press) provides a detailed account of the Franklin Park Tragedy murders of March 1, 1894, when Lucretia Baker and her daughter, Gertrude, were murdered in their home and her husband, Moore Baker, fought off the two African American attackers and killed them. The second part of the tragedy involves the group blame of the African American residents of the area and the expulsion of some of those residents by the Franklin Park vigilante society called the Mutual Endeavor Society. Lynchings, expulsions, and sundown town designations, which are normally associated with southern states during this era, are shown to have been contemplated by Franklin Park, New Jersey residents.
Author Brian Armstrong used surviving historical records, land records, and personal stories to demonstrate how the Great Migration of African American families from the South in the twentieth century, with the help of a new group of white farmers, changed the “sundown town” designation for the Franklin Park area. This community change began with the arrival of the Colemans and other families in the 1920s which was the beginning of the transformation of Franklin Park into the diverse place that it is today. Armstrong will also discuss prominent African American citizens of the Franklin Park area who worked on the farms and in some cases owned land during the 1800s, the role of the media in the racial issues of this era.
This program is co-sponsored by the Franklin Township Public Library.
Flyer: Author Talk Brian Armstrong
An Annual Tradition: Sinterklaas!
December 6, 2026 – Van Liew-Suydam House, 280 South Middlebush Road, Somerset
Please bring the kids and join us for this favorite Dutch celebration!
There will be plenty to do and see for all ages during our annual Sinterklaas celebration. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season in the historic Van Liew-Suydam House.
There will be crafts and toys for the kids, ornaments for them to decorate and hang on the tree, games for all to play, and Dutch baked goods and seasonal beverages for sale. And of course, the day would not be complete without Sinterklaas himself! He will spend time with each child, checking his book to see if they have been good or bad, with goodie bags for each child to take home.
We hope to see you at the historic Van Liew-Suydam House located at 280 South Middlebush Road, Franklin Township, NJ. Please check our website for updates in regards to weather, logistics and for other upcoming events. In the meantime, be good – Sinterklaas is watching!
PDF Flyer: Coming Soon!