For the lovers of our local history, there’s good news.
Sussex County History Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Sept. 21.
This event began at least 20 years ago and took place at the Sussex County Community College (SCCC). It was well-attended.
In 2015, Ed Fritch, a trustee of the Sussex County Historical Society, formed a committee called the Sussex County History Alliance to assist all the historical societies in Sussex County. Subsequently, and until today, trustee Mario Poggi became the chairman of the History Alliance.
Mario, along with trustee Alex Everitt Jr., helped recommence the event after a few years of absence under the History Alliance.
The purpose of Sussex County History Day is to have as many historical societies and civic organizations as possible together in one place so visitors may ask questions and see what they offer.
Anyone may come and view the history of our county at the gravesites and tables with the live events, and seeing the docents. A key aspect is that anyone may ask questions and several highly knowledgeable and eager historians are present to answer them.
Our 2024 Sussex County History Day will be the sixth at the current location: the Academy Green in Newton. The Academy Green is behind 75-79 Main St., also known as Route 206, just in front of the Old Newton Burial Ground, just south of the Newton Green.
Parking is available at the SCCC Culinary School parking lot (old McGuire parking lot) attached to the Academy Green and along the streets.
In addition to a fun day, the goal is to increase our historical societies’ memberships and reduce the average age of their membership to ensure a sustainable life for the organization.
There’s no fee to nonprofits or civic organizations for a space. Other vendors are allowed at a small fee per space. No political organizations are allowed.
In 2019, the trustees decided that we should combine Sussex County History Day and the Old Newton Burial Ground Tour, and with much success, we did.
Sussex County History Day and the Old Newton Burial Ground Tour will be on the third weekend in September going forward.
The History Day is a free event for visitors; however, there is a fee for the Old Newton Burial Ground Tour, which is used to help maintain the cemetery.
It is hoped that the History Day will light a spark in residents so they get more involved with all our local historical societies so they can carry on for years to come.
We currently have 19 participants this year:
• 27th Volunteer Infantry Encampment.
• Bill Truran, Sussex County historian.
• Bob Brandt,, chair caning.
• Byram Historical Society.
• Daughters of the American Revolution Chinkchewunska Chapter.
• Hive Got Honey.
• Interactive Historical Toys & Games.
• Jeff Kaplan Reptile Table.
• Long Hill String Band.
• Lost Art Lacers.
• National Society Daughters of the Union 1861-1865.
• Newton Historic Preservation Advisory Commission.
• New Jersey Frontier Guard.
• Olivia’s Bling.
• Sparta Historical Society.
• Sussex County Historical Society.
• Sussex County Library Genealogy Department.
• Sussex-Wantage Historical Society.
• Wreaths Across America.
The historians look forward to showing the history of the area and to answering questions that you may have on the rich heritage of Sussex County.
Bill Truran, Sussex County’s historian, may be contacted at billt1425@gmail.com