Two towns celebrate women’s history

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Women officials in South Orange and Maplewood, in partnership with business districts, have launched SOMAWomen.org, the official site of SOMA Celebrates Women’s History Month where residents from the two towns can learn about upcoming events and businesses can participate by submitting promotions and offerings for the month of March. […]

Learn the history of your home

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood and South Orange are charming older suburbs whose houses are brimming with character, style and history. Have you been curious about uncovering your home’s past but didn’t know where to begin? If so, join nationally known land title expert Joe Grabas at Durand-Hedden on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. Grabas […]

Durand-Hedden offers taste of history

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — In an annual tradition spanning more than 35 years, visitors have gathered around Durand-Hedden’s 18th-century hearth and experienced how Maplewood residents of long ago cooked, ate and kept warm during the long winter months. On Sunday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m., Durand-Hedden is pleased to welcome a new cook to […]

Celebrate the holiday season at Durand-Hedden

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Celebrate the season at the Durand-Hedden House & Garden on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. with gingerbread houses, a paper ornament activity, treats and shopping. Gingerbread house contestants must enter by Dec. 9 at www.DurandHedden.org; children, teens, families, adults and professionals are welcome. Children can also visit with a […]

Maplewood and Durand-Hedden remember the Great War

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A century ago, the United States declared war on Germany, joining World War I, and the impact was felt in the small town of Maplewood. More than 100 men from Maplewood were called to serve and eight never made it home. Three saw brutal action in France, two were pilots whose planes […]

Durand-Hedden’s history

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Have you ever wondered how Durand-Hedden House became Maplewood’s historic house museum? When it was built? Who lived there? On Sunday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m., attend an informal afternoon of exploring Durand-Hedden’s nooks, crannies and collections. Find answers to these questions and others such as: Did famous artist Asher […]

Reviving the Harrison cider apple at Durand-Hedden

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — As Newark was settled in the 17th century, apple orchards took root, feeding a booming industry in hard cider. The most famous and revered apple was the Harrison, a diminutive yellow variety named for Samuel Harrison, a descendant of one of the city’s founding fathers. By the end of the Colonial period, […]

Dragonflies and damselflies of New Jersey

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — On Sunday, June 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Durand-Hedden House & Garden, spend an afternoon with evolutionary biologist Jessica Ware of Rutgers-Newark as she shares her knowledge about the amazing life history of the one of her favorite subjects: the dragonfly. Have you noticed how dragonflies congregate around our ponds, […]

‘From Parlor to Attic’ – an informal afternoon dedicated to the history of Durand-Hedden

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Have you ever wondered how Durand-Hedden House became Maplewood’s historic house museum? When it was built? Who lived there? Come out on Sunday, May 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. for an informal afternoon of exploring Durand-Hedden’s nooks, crannies and collections. The event is free, though donations are appreciated. After the program, […]