Van Kirk Open House Sept. 8

Summer is almost over but the museum is still beaming with figurative sunshine. If you did not have time to visit last Sunday, the wagon barn’s transportation exhibit “Traveling In and Around Sparta” remains open. A short talk about vehicles will begin at 1:30 p.m..

Built around 1780, the Van Kirk Homestead was a center of agricultural, dairy, and civic endeavors for numerous Van Kirk generations. The hub of family activity was the kitchen providing warmth, enticing aromas, and a place to gather. “What’s Cooking at the Van Kirk Farm: 1780-1920,” sponsored by Questors #0911 Chapter, shows the original fireplace, reopened after 100 years, and the numerous transitions experienced by American families with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. A short talk will begin at 2 p.m..

Additionally, Connie Gordon is back with a glimpse into the time-consuming, labor-intensive methods used in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries to prepare, and preserve food in order to have a varied and steady supply of food throughout the year. As well as how technical advances have prompted many people today to source, prepare, and preserve their own organic, chemical-free foods, once again. A short talk will begin at 2:30 p.m..

The Sparta Historical Society is located at The Van Kirk Homestead Museum at 336 Main Street (Rte. 517, use Middle School Driveway), Sparta. Visit www.vankirkmuseum.org. Grand opening day for our fall exhibit “NJ Glass: Earth, Wind and Fire” will be Sunday, September 22nd and will be held every second and fourth Sunday through December 8th. For further details or group reservations, call 973-726-0883 or send email to spartahistoricalsocnj@gmail.com.