New Jersey offers a delightful blend of history and community engagement this autumn, from a heartwarming inter-generational art project in South Jersey to a historic harvest festival in the north. Discover how residents are preserving the past and cultivating the future.
Cherry Hill’s Living Tribute: High School Artists Honor Veterans
In Cherry Hill, the local American Legion Post 372 is transforming its exterior walls into a powerful public history project, all thanks to the creativity of local high school students. This initiative is more than just beautification; it’s a profound connection across different generations of the community.
The project involves an annual youth art contest and scholarship award, where young artists submit designs that commemorate various eras of American military history. Winning students receive a scholarship and the distinct honor of painting their design onto one of the dedicated “Mural Walls” on the Legion post’s façade. This hands-on process allows students to literally paint the stories of sacrifice and service, creating a tangible, lasting tribute.
The murals are dedicated to significant periods of conflict, starting with World War I, followed by a mural for World War II, and most recently, one commemorating the Korean War. These vibrant works of art ensure that the sacrifices of veterans remain visible and that the next generation actively engages with history. This collaboration not only provides valuable scholarship opportunities for talented teens from local high schools but also helps forge a stronger bond between the town’s veterans and its youth. This kind of community partnership, where art and history intersect, is a testament to New Jersey’s diverse cultural spirit. Learn more about the state’s cultural landscape here.
Step Back in Time at Historic New Bridge Landing’s Harvest Homecoming 🍎🎃
Up north in Bergen County, the Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge invites families to experience colonial life with its annual Harvest Homecoming event on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
This popular fall event, organized by the Bergen County Historical Society, is a perfect outing for all ages—from preschoolers to grown-ups—offering a deep dive into 18th-century New Jersey heritage. The sprawling site is home to three authentic Jersey-Dutch sandstone houses, all open for touring, including the historically significant 1752 Steuben House, which will feature new exhibits of Revolutionary War artifacts from the society’s extensive collection.
Beyond the tours, visitors can witness traditional colonial skills firsthand:
- Trade Demonstrations: Stop by the Westervelt-Thomas barn for broom making and corn shelling demonstrations. A blacksmith will also be on-site, crafting various wares.
- Woodworking: Watch a reenactor and skilled carpenter, Scott Lance, discuss and demonstrate the 18th-century craft of woodworking.
- Colonial Cuisine: The authentic Jersey-Dutch out-kitchen will be a hub of activity as interpreters fire up the outdoor bake oven to prepare an array of mouth-watering apple-themed treats, such as hand pies, galettes, and apple cake.
Families will find plenty to do, including fun, seasonal activities like building a scarecrow, free pumpkin picking and decorating, and a taste-testing of various apple varieties. New this year is a “Treat Trail,” encouraging kids to come in costume and visit each historic house for a special treat.
Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for students, with free entry for BCHS members. Free parking is available on location, and the site is easily accessible via the Pascack Valley Line train to the “New Bridge Landing” station. While furry friends are welcome on a leash outdoors, only people are permitted inside the historic houses. This gathering is a fantastic way to connect with the Northern New Jersey region’s unique past.
For those interested in seeing an example of a similar community art tribute to service members, you can watch an American Legion post unveil a new mural featuring portraits of service members here.
American Legion unveils new mural featuring portraits of service members – YouTube
