MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Historical Society is an independent not-for-profit organization that has been dedicated to preserving, sharing and educating others about Montclair’s history since 1965. For additional information, visit www.montclairhistorical.org. Throughout the month of September, the society will hold the following events.
On Friday, Sept. 9, from 3 to 7 p.m., attend the Montclair Community Farms annual Garden Harvest Party. Come relax, enjoy freshly prepared local foods, and celebrate the community and its many successes. Enjoy a garden tour, community weaving project, live mural painting and celebrate volunteers. The party will be behind the Clark House at 108 Orange Road in Montclair. RSVP to montclaircommunityfarms@gmail.com.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, participate in a Day of Service. Join Montclair Historical Society and Montclair Community Farm staff and volunteers for outdoor service activities, such as gardening, chicken care and cleaning the gazebo for painting. Gather at Clark House at 108 Orange Road in Montclair.
On Sunday, Sept. 18, at 12:30 p.m., members only are invited to “Discover Charles Shultz’s Science Library.” Members and volunteers get a behind-the-ropes look at the books and science equipment in the Shultz House museum. The society will focus on how different equipment would have been used and have a microscope handy to look at biological specimens collected by the family in the late 1800s. This event will be at 30 North Mountain Ave., Montclair. Not a member? Join at www.montclairhistorical.org.
Also on Sunday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m., visit all of the Montclair Historical Society’s properties on a historic house tour. Discover history through the “many voices” who made this community what it is today at the Crane House and Historic YWCA at 108 Orange Road. Then make your way to the Shultz House at 30 North Mountain Ave.. This amazing gem of a house is an intact time capsule of life in the early 20th century. Tours of the Crane House and Historic YWCA are on the hour, with the last tour beginning at 3 p.m. Tours of the Shultz House are on the half hour, with the last tour beginning at 3:30 p.m. Admission is charged for non-members.
On Sept. 18, the new exhibit “My Favorite Things” will open. The exhibit consists of the “favorite things” chosen by the society’s board, staff and volunteers. Come see their picks in the Founders’ Room of the Crane House and Historic YWCA whenever the site is open.
On Saturday, Sept. 24, at 10 am., head off on the South Mountain Avenue Walking Tour. Stroll from the Van Vleck House — 21 Van Vleck St. in Montclair — to the Crane House and Historic YWCA — 108 Orange Road in Montclair — and discover the rich history behind the spectacular homes along South Mountain Avenue. The tour will stop in the Shultz House. Cosponsored by the Montclair Historical Society and the Van Vleck House and Gardens, the tour will be led by town historian Mike Farrelly. There is a suggested donation.
On Sunday, Sept. 25, from 1 to 4 p.m., experience a “Day in the Life” in 1916. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Van Vleck House and Gardens, the Montclair Historical Society will be co-sponsoring a family day event. Bring your children to discover what life was like in Montclair 100 years ago when the Van Vleck House was built. Families will also be able to visit the 100th anniversary exhibit inside the Van Vleck House at 21 Van Vleck St. in Montclair. Admission is charged. Register at www.vanvleck.org; by sending an email to education@vanvleck.org or calling 973-744-4752, ext. 3.
On Saturday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m., attend Immaculate Conception’s Austin Organ Gala. Immaculate Conception’s pipe organ is 100 years old and needs a little help. They’re sponsoring a gala to raise funds for its repair. For more information, visit their website.
On Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m., the society will present the “Histories and Mysteries of Mills Reservation.” Helen Fallon, a member of the society’s board of directors, will be talking about Mills Reservation — the area over by the reservoir on Normal Avenue — at the general meeting of the Cedar Grove Historical Society, 903 Pompton Ave. in Cedar Grove.
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