The Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy has a full month of events planned as it celebrates Preservation Month in Jersey City during May.
The events began with the Hudson Gives a Garden Party on May 9 when the organization joined with the Museum of Jersey City History and Speranza Theatre Company to raise money for a native plant garden at the historic Apple Tree House, home of the museum.
But that was just the start of a full roster of events from the non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the unique charm of Jersey City’s past.
The non-profit organization that provides free education to the Jersey City public has more events coming up in honor of Preservation Month.
Journal Square Walking Tour
The Journal Square Walking Tour takes place on Sunday, May 12, and again on Saturday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Local historians John Gomez and Mandy Edgecombe lead a tour that traces the Bergen Square area’s history before colonization while also visiting the Museum of Jersey City at the Historic Apple Tree House, one of the oldest residences in Jersey City.
The tour also features visits to two historic cemeteries where notable figures and founders of Jersey City were laid to rest and the evolution of the Hudson Railroad and PATH. Reserve a spot here.
History Happened Here Children’s Tour & History Hunt
The JCLC and the Historic Paulus Hook Association host Paulus Hook - History Happened Here Children’s Tour & History Hunt on Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. The free guided walking tour starts at Paulus Hook Park at Washington and Grand streets and will be led by Jersey City educator and preservation advocate John Gomez, with assistance from the HPHA and The Museum of Jersey City History.
Self-guided tours are also free between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with maps and handouts available at the table at Paulus Hook Park.
Children and their parents or guardians can explore the streets, alleys, pockets and open spaces of the Paulus Hook Historic District in a scavenger-hunt.
Families can register at www.paulushook.org/historytour or via this Google Form.
Excellence In Preservation Plaque Ceremony
A plaque ceremony honoring 2023 Excellence in Preservation Award Winner, 646 Westside Ave., Jersey City, takes place on Sunday, May 19, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The property, owned by Gaye and John Dunstan, has been part of a restoration project and the Dunstans took on the task of removing the siding to reveal the original cedar siding and shingles beneath, which they restored and repainted in period colors.
They also replicated some of the wooden ornamental decoration pieces under the window by tracing the ghost lines and remaking the corbels.
Why Preservation Matters - A Panel Discussion
The JCLC will host Balancing Growth and Preservation: Why Preservation Matters - A Panel Discussion on Thursday, May 30, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Hudson County Plaza, 257 Cornelison Ave.
The panel discussion will debunk myths and fears surrounding historic preservation while also addressing common concerns on local preservation efforts.
There will be a Q&A for those attending in-person. There will also be a limited supply of “I ♥️ JC History” T-Shirts and signed copies of the book “Legendary Locals of Jersey City” for sale, with all proceeds going towards JCLC programming.
Those unable to attend the event in-person can get a digital ticket to have access to the event’s livestream. A link will also be sent to watch it later should the time not work for you.
New Jersey History & Historic Preservation Conference 2024
The New Jersey History & Historic Preservation Conference 2024 takes place on Wednesday, June 5, at noon at the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal at Liberty State Park and Thursday, June 6, at 7 p.m. at New Jersey City University. This year’s theme is “To and From: Connecting History by Road, Rail, and River.”
Events can be booked online at jclandmarks.org.
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