The Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission will sponsor March 11 Historic Trolley Treks to the East Brunswick Museum and the South River Historical and Preservation Society.
The treks, which will begin and conclude at East Jersey Olde Towne Village, 1050 River Road, Piscataway, and will include refreshments, are funded by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission. The first trolley will depart at 9 a.m. and will return at noon; a second trek is scheduled for 1-4 p.m.
As the trolley travels from Piscataway through New Brunswick and into East Brunswick and South River, the conductor will point out sights of interest in local, Middlesex County and New Jersey history.
There is a nonrefundable $8 fee per person. Checks should be made payable to County of Middlesex/Cultural and Heritage and mailed to or dropped off at the commission’s office, 703 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Reservations will not be complete until payment is received. For seating availability and reservation information, call the commission at (732) 745-4489. Individuals with hearing disabilities may call (732) 745-3888 TTY, or 711, via the New Jersey Relay System.
The East Brunswick Museum is housed in the former Simpson Methodist Church built in 1862 in the heart of the township’s historic district. The museum has a large collection of local artifacts, including antique kitchen equipment, sewing and clothing pieces, farm implements, photographs, former New Jersey Gov. Harold Hoffman’s elephant collection and several paintings by local artist James Crawford Thom.
The South River Historical and Preservation Society is located in the Old School Baptist Church on Main Street. Built in 1805, the building is home to a variety of artifacts detailing the local history of South River and offers exhibits on all aspects of borough history including schools, houses of worship, local businesses and organizations, daily life, events and celebrations. The building is listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and on the National Register of Historic Places, as is the East Brunswick Historic District.
Participants are asked to arrive at Olde Towne Village a half hour prior to the departure of their trek and to wear comfortable walking shoes. An assistive-listening system will be in use and available during the program. Both historic sites are accessible.