By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer
The Monmouth County Historical Association (MCHA) invites the public to attend the free lecture, “Searching for the Lighthouse Fort and the Refugee Town on Sandy Hook: A Story of Archaeological Research,” on March 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Richard Veit, professor of anthropology and chair of the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University, will present the lecture at the Thompson Park Visitor’s Center, 805 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft.
Monmouth University’s 2016 archeological field school searched the lighthouse property at Sandy Hook to identify the whereabouts of the Lighthouse Fort and Refugee Town. During the lecture, learn what was found during this trip and hear firsthand from Professor Veit about these discoveries.
From 1692 to 1817, Sandy Hook was the private property of the Hartshorne family of Middletown. Since 1764, the historic lighthouse on the Hook has guarded the approaches to New York Harbor.
As part of MCHA’s current exhibit, “Hartshorne: Eight Generations and Their Highlands Estate Called Portland,” related events have been scheduled.
The Hartshorne exhibit tells the story of this Monmouth County family and their historic property from the 1660s to the mid-20th century. The Portland estate encompassed more than 2,400 acres, including all of the Highlands of the Navesink and Sandy Hook.
Director of Collections Joseph Hammond thinks Veit’s lecture will be very appropriate and complement their exhibit.
“Professor Veit’s lecture fits well with our current exhibition on the Hartshorne family, and we are pleased to partner with both Monmouth University and the Monmouth County Park System to complement this exhibition and to draw attention to the local history of Monmouth County,” he said.
The MCHA is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve history and provide educational opportunities. For more information, visit monmouthhistory.org or call 732-462-1466.