FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – The Freehold Township Heritage Society has added a structure known as the Heritage Arts Pavilion to the Oakley Farm Museum historic site on Wemrock Road. The pavilion has been designed to include architectural elements from the Oakley farmhouse on the property, according to a press release.
The Heritage Arts Pavilion will feature programs of a diverse nature throughout the summer and autumn months. Programs of an historical, theatrical and musical nature, and more, will find a welcome home under the pavilion, according to the press release.
The Heritage Society’s executive board has undertaken this project to help increase the visibility of the Oakley farmhouse and surrounding buildings. The site includes an agricultural equipment display, blacksmith shop, a toll house and other outbuildings that feature antique artifacts on display.
The Oakley house and out buildings are open to the public for tours at various times during the year, according to the press release.
Historically based programming during the 2017 inaugural season at the pavilion has been partially funded by re-grant funding from the Monmouth County Historic Commission. The Freehold Township Heritage Society hopes the pavilion will become a community location for performance oriented organizations and groups, according to the press release.
A celebratory ribbon cutting will take place at the pavilion at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 13, to be followed by a performance of World War I songs by Linda Russell and Company. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. All are welcome to attend the free performances.
At 2 p.m. Sept. 10, Ann and Ridley Enslow will present a family program of 18th century music and songs.
An outdoor artisan festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 1. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Civil War surgeon Dr. Mary Walker will be portrayed by Sharon Dougherty. The doctor will re-enact a battlefield surgical procedure and discuss 19th century medical practices.
Vic Schioppo and friends will perform songs from the World War I and World War II eras from 1-2:30 p.m. The Fort Delaware Cornet Band will perform songs from the Civil War era from 3-5 p.m.
For more information, email ftheritagesociety@gmail.com or call 732-577-9766.
