Experience five centuries of New Jersey’s history all in one place at the annual Spirit of the Jersey State History Fair — a historical festival for all ages on May 9 at its new location at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan.
This free, award-winning event — running 11 a.m.-5 p.m., rain or shine — annually draws more than 5,000 visitors. The fair is a funfilled adventure into New Jersey’s past with living history demonstrations, military re-enactors, tours, exhibits, period music and dance, and historical organizations and museums from around the state.
There are plenty of hands-on activities for kids and adults, from participating in historical games to participating in a military drill. Meet historical figures such as British Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, Clara Barton, Walt Whitman, Molly Pitcher and American Gen. George Washington.
One of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place in the fields and forests that now make up Monmouth Battlefield State Park. The park preserves a rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows that encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse and a new Visitor Center. The park is easily accessible from Routes 9 and 33.
For more information and a complete list of activities at the fair, visit www.njhistoryfair.org or call 732-462-9616.