Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel has long been one of New Jersey’s most immersive windows into 19th-century rural life, offering visitors a close-up look at agriculture as it once was. Yet alongside its charm and authenticity, the farm also inspires an ongoing conversation about the ethics of using animals for work—a debate that stretches far beyond Holmdel and into larger national discussions about animal rights, welfare, and the modern role of livestock.
At the heart of the conversation is a fundamental question: is it ethical to use animals for human labor when their welfare is protected and their work reflects traditional roles? Supporters of working-animal programs argue that the answer is yes. They emphasize that many domesticated species have lived alongside people for centuries, forming cooperative partnerships built on care, routine, and shared purpose. Draft horses, mules, oxen, and other farm animals were historically bred to assist with specific tasks, and many continue to thrive when engaged in work that suits their natural movement and temperament. Advocates say that, when handled responsibly, this can foster physical health, mental stimulation, and a meaningful quality of life.
I say BS because unless they can communicate in horse or mule (Spoiler Alert that I can safely say that mules do not like carrying people up and down the Grand Canyon) language, there’s no science behind it. It’s the same as people who fish claiming they know what a fish likes or doesn’t mind when a hook pierces its mouth. Yeah, sure—I’m sure the horse wants to drag around dirt and humans all day just as much as the fish wants a hook tearing through its mouth. Did humans talk to fish in fish language to figure that out, or is it just a way to rationalize the action? Besides, the farm uses horses to carry kids around when they could just use a tractor. They are making money by using animals, which isn’t right.
In the setting of a living history museum, that relationship takes on even more significance. Longstreet Farm uses horses and other livestock to demonstrate plowing, transportation, and daily chores exactly as they were performed in the 1890s. For many visitors, especially children, seeing these animals perform traditional work provides an educational experience that no display case or written plaque could replicate. It helps explain how families survived, how communities functioned, and how dependent early farm life was on the strength and intelligence of horses and mules. This hands-on connection to the past is one of the farm’s defining features and a major attraction for guests exploring activities and fun throughout the state.
But critics of working-animal programs take a very different view. Animal rights advocates contend that any use of animals for human benefit—no matter how historically accurate or carefully managed—constitutes exploitation. They argue that animals cannot give consent, cannot negotiate the terms of their labor, and cannot receive compensation beyond basic food and shelter. For those who prioritize animal rights above all else, these realities make the practice inherently unethical, even in educational environments that prioritize humane treatment.
Opponents also raise concerns about physical stress, potential injury, and the long-term fate of working livestock. Even under attentive care, animals performing physical labor may face risks, and activists argue that in a world with tractors, machinery, and digital demonstrations, live animal labor is not necessary. Ethical frameworks differ widely, but many critics maintain that historical authenticity should not outweigh an animal’s intrinsic right to live free from human expectations.
Longstreet Farm acknowledges these differing viewpoints while emphasizing its commitment to responsible, welfare-focused animal management. Although the farm recreates the lifestyle of the 1890s, its animals receive modern veterinary care, routine health monitoring, and attentive daily oversight. Each horse, mule, and livestock animal has a year-round home on the property, with a specialized diet designed to maintain their well-being. Visitors are reminded not to feed the animals, as even small dietary changes can disrupt their health.
The farm is transparent about its working-farm model. Horses and mules are viewed as livestock performing traditional roles—not pets—and their tasks are designed to replicate the labor that once sustained rural communities. When an animal can no longer participate in educational programming, the farm works with regional farmers and partner institutions to place them. This process, though historically accurate, has sparked controversy in the past, particularly when animals are sent to auction. Protesters have voiced concerns about the possibility of livestock being processed for meat once they leave the farm’s care.
These discussions reflect a broader cultural shift. Many visitors now view animals through a pet-centric lens, while Longstreet Farm operates through the lens of agricultural history. The result is a thoughtful, sometimes emotional conversation about how society balances education, authenticity, and animal welfare in the modern era.
For New Jersey residents interested in heritage sites, ethical questions in agriculture, or unique family outings, Longstreet Farm remains one of the state’s most compelling destinations. It invites the public not only to observe the past, but also to consider how those traditions intersect with today’s values—and how living history can ignite meaningful dialogue about the roles animals play in our world now and in the generations to come.
The irony is that Historic Longstreet Farm invites visitors to create their own Victorian dolls this January, an activity that has nothing to do with using animals for human entertainment or as a free workforce. Horses should be free to run and live naturally rather than being controlled by humans, and even setting that aside, there are plenty of ways to generate income while operating a farm. I understand that the farm is designed as a throwback to the 1890s, but there is a reason progress exists. We’ve advanced to machinery that is far more efficient than relying on horses for labor.
Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel is opening its doors this winter for a hands-on creative experience that blends local history with a charming crafting tradition. On Sunday, January 11, 2026, visitors of all ages are invited to take part in a make-and-take workshop focused on two classic Victorian-era doll styles: traditional corn husk dolls and soft, hand-stitched rag dolls. The program is free to the public and offered at various times throughout the day, allowing families and history enthusiasts to drop in whenever it fits their schedule.
Longstreet Farm is one of Monmouth County’s most celebrated living history sites, and events like this highlight the quieter, everyday pastimes that once shaped home life in rural New Jersey. Participants will learn how simple materials found around the farm or the household were transformed into toys that children treasured a century ago. Staff will demonstrate the techniques used to shape, tie, wrap, and dress these dolls, offering a window into the creativity and resourcefulness of early farm families. Visitors are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and craft their own keepsake, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind these deceptively simple toys.
The make-and-take workshop is designed to be fully family-friendly. All ages are welcome, and no prior crafting experience is necessary. The farm’s knowledgeable team brings the history to life while making the process approachable and fun for children, parents, and anyone curious about heritage crafts. Because the event is free, it serves as a perfect winter weekend outing for residents looking to explore engaging activities close to home.
Historic Longstreet Farm is located at 44 Longstreet Road in Holmdel, a picturesque setting where the ambiance of the 1890s is carefully preserved. Animals, period structures, staff interpreters, and ongoing demonstrations help visitors experience the rhythms and traditions of farm life as it once was. For those seeking additional seasonal outings, hands-on programs, or family events around the state, Explore New Jersey’s directory of activities and fun offers a broad collection of experiences updated throughout the year.
The event also underscores the farm’s role as a community hub where education, entertainment, and history converge. Whether you’re an avid crafter, a parent searching for a memorable weekend event, or a curious visitor wanting to see New Jersey’s agricultural heritage up close, this workshop provides a rare chance to step into the past and bring a piece of it home.
For more information, visitors can contact the farm directly at 732-946-3758. Admission is free, and no tickets are required, making it one of the most accessible and enriching offerings on the winter calendar for New Jersey families.
