NP Hist. Soc. Saltbox Museum Open House - Sunday, June 1

SALTBOX MUSEUM OPEN THIS SUNDAY  !

The New Providences Historical Society will open it's mid 1800's Saltbox Farmhouse to the public this Sunday, June 1; from 1 - 3 p.m.

The museum is located at 1350 Springfield Ave., just west of the center of town; once known as Turkey by early settlers. This is the first Sunday the Saltbox has been open to the public this spring, since the official Open House earlier this year. The museum was closed this winter, and not open in April, while preparations for the annual Society Craft Fair were under way. This years Craft Fair, held on May 3, was a very successful society activity; with 17 vendors with a variety of merchandise, delicious bake sale, numerous tables full of unique treasures, and a collection of art work by local artist, the late Robert Enlow, available for purchase. If you're interested in being a part of next May's event, please contact the society.

The Saltbox interior has been decorated with various furnishings and unique items to replicate a mid 1800's farmhouse. The current building had been located across Springfield Ave. until 1966, when the  newly formed society had the opportunity to take ownership of the building and prevent it from being demolished. The building was moved across the street onto borough owned land on a new foundation, after which the house went through many months of renovation.

Besides the Saltbox Museum, which originally housed a second floor archival room, where active members volunteered in collecting, identifying, researching and recording much of New Providence's history; the society also owns an archival room, called The Mason Room, in the rear of the NP Memorial Library. The archives outgrew the Saltbox second floor location. The archival room, which is entered from the rear of the library center book isle, contains an extensive collection of local photographs, documents, records, and historical data of New Providence.  The society is in the process of replacing it's antiquated desktop computer with an updated unit, in order to streamline the society's archival work. The Mason Room is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. Please call (908)665-1034 for more information.

The society is seeking new members to carry on it's mission.  Residents of town who have a genuine interest in our local history, and have an interest in helping us with our projects are invited to join our organization and get active. We have plans for possible upcoming events and activities, and could use a few people who are willing to dedicate some quality time to make them happen.

We are always interested in acquiring old photos/documents pertaining to yesteryear in New Providence. If you have such media material or are now of someone who has such material, please contact us.

Please stop by our Saltbox Farmhouse on Sunday afternoon, June 1. We will open again on Sunday, July 6. Visit us at www.newprovidencehistorical.com or on facebook  NewProvidenceHistoricalSociety

Rick Anderson, New Providence Historical Society, Vice President, rick243@comcast.net