The Parker Homestead, one of the oldest homes in America, will host an Open House and Community Social on Sunday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public.
Now undergoing extensive renovation, the Parker Homestead is a National Historic site and considered one of the oldest dwellings still standing in New Jersey. It had been in the same family since 1665 to 1995 and recently has been the focus of renovations led by the town of Little Silver and Parker Homestead-1665, a nonprofit dedicated to its restoration.
On Sunday, May 18, the Open House will allow visitors to:
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· Enjoy tours of the home and grounds
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· Take part in a kids’ planting event, with every child taking home a seedling
· Witness the ceremonial planting of a red oak, New Jersey’s State tree, to commemorate the state’s 350th anniversary
· Visit the Monmouth County Historical Association and the Little Silver Environmental Commission tables to hear about their exciting projects
The event will also offer light refreshments and parents are encouraged to bring cameras for pictures of their children on a vintage, working tractor.
The charming Homestead was settled by brothers Joseph and Peter Parker in 1665 and remained in family hands for 330 years until 1995, when Julia Parker died and deeded the property to the borough of Little Silver. Julia Parker stipulated that the homestead be preserved as a historic landmark and used for historic educational purposes.
