H-New-Jersey

With Chester Library’s 1860 New Jersey Topographical Map as a focal point, historian Maxine Lurie explores the significance of both the year and the map for N.J. and the nation. In 1860, N.J. was transitioning from an agricultural to industrial economy, the nation was about to engage in civil war, and cartographers were developing new ways to measure and display geographical features. Lurie will use Chester Library’s remarkable wall map to engage in an illustrated discussion of a crucial point in history at the Library on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 pm. Refreshments will be provided.

As previously mentioned, the annual Vernacular Architecture Forum is coming to “Down Jersey.” VAF gathers each year in a different part of North America to learn about local architecture, both traditional and modern. From May 7-10, the VAF will convene at the Seaview Hotel and Conference Center in Absecon, NJ. Saturday, May 10 will be a day devoted to scholarly presentations at Seaview. Topics have been announced for Saturday's paper sessions, running all day from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with three concurrent sessions four times through the day:

20th Century New Jersey:
“Shells of Prosperity: Remnants of Southern New Jersey’s African American Oystering Communities, 1920-1980.”