The big day is almost here! On October 18th make your way to The Hudson County History Fair at New Jersey City University. This is your chance to get the whole story on how and when Jersey City came to be. There will be something for everyone, including children. Admission and parking are free!
The fair is a big deal this particular year, because the main theme is “Where New Jersey History Began”, to mark New Jersey’s 350th anniversary. The Hudson County History Advocates have been working all year at putting together a roster of activities that will fascinate you. Experts on many aspects of Jersey history have been scheduled to speak at the all-day affair. You’ll learn a lot about the early days of the state, and the town from these speakers.
A cursory examination of the list of exhibitors will make you want to clear your calendar, so that you can spend the whole day soaking up the history of our town. There will be activities for the kids, as well as a place you can bring your antique heirlooms for appraisal by Mackey Blue Antiques. There will even be film presentations. I don’t know how they’ll pack everything into just one day!
If you are working on your family’s genealogy, you can stop by the booth of the Hudson County Genealogical and Historical Society. You may pick up some valuable fact-digging tips. This group will present one of the intriguing features at the fair called “Ask Granny”, and promises to explore the history of the area through vintage postcards.
African-American roots go back to the seventeenth century in New Jersey. Attorney Neil Brunson, director of the Afro-American Historical Society Museum of Jersey City, will explore those roots in his presentation.
This fair has been a year in the planning. The list of sponsors reads like a “Who’s Who” of state and local historically focused organizations. 350 years of history is a lot to digest in just a day, but they look like they’ll do it.
Which area of our history will you explore?
Eddie