Miller-Cory House Brings 18th-Century Farm Life to Westfield on Sept. 27

The Miller-Cory House Museum invites Westfield residents and visitors to step back in time on Sunday, September 27, from 1 to 4 p.m., for "Doorway to America's Past: Skills of an 18th-Century Farm Family." The event offers a hands-on look at everyday life in Revolutionary-era New Jersey and is part of the museum's 250th Anniversary celebration.

Visitors will tour the fully furnished farmhouse, built around 1740, and explore the historic gardens and displays that tell the story of how families lived and worked during a transformative period in American history. Open-hearth cooking demonstrations will show how colonial families prepared meals using period recipes and techniques, connecting visitors to the daily realities of the era.

The Millstone Blacksmiths will conduct blacksmith demonstrations throughout the afternoon, showcasing the trades central to 18th-century communities. These demonstrations are sponsored by a Union County 250th Anniversary Special Project Grant, reflecting the region's investment in preserving and celebrating local heritage.

Costumed museum docents will demonstrate fiber crafts including embroidery, spinning, weaving, tin piercing, and lace making. Many of the activities are hands-on, allowing both children and adults to try centuries-old skills themselves. Visitors can experience firsthand the craftsmanship and patience required to create the goods that sustained colonial families.

The museum will also feature displays and tastings of apples and cider—staples of the colonial diet—allowing visitors to experience the flavors of the era. The museum gift shop will be open for those interested in taking home a piece of local history.

The Miller-Cory House Museum is located at 614 Mountain Avenue in Westfield. Come explore the skills, culture, and daily life of Revolutionary-era New Jersey.

FAQ

Q: What is "Doorway to America's Past" and what is the event about?

A: "Doorway to America's Past: Skills of an 18th-Century Farm Family" is a hands-on exploration of everyday life in Revolutionary-era New Jersey. The event is part of the Miller-Cory House Museum's 250th Anniversary celebration and features demonstrations, activities, and tours that help visitors understand how colonial families lived and worked.

Q: When is the event and where is it held?

A: The event is Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Miller-Cory House Museum, located at 614 Mountain Avenue in Westfield.

Q: What activities and demonstrations will be featured?

A: The event includes open-hearth cooking demonstrations using period recipes and techniques, blacksmithing demonstrations by the Millstone Blacksmiths, and fiber craft demonstrations (embroidery, spinning, weaving, tin piercing, lace making). Many activities are hands-on for children and adults. Visitors can also see displays and tastings of colonial apples and cider, and tour the 1740s farmhouse and gardens.

Q: Can my children participate in the hands-on activities?

A: Yes. Many of the activities are hands-on and open to both children and adults, allowing families to try centuries-old skills themselves.

Q: What is the farmhouse and when was it built?

A: The Miller-Cory House is a fully furnished farmhouse built around 1740. It provides insight into what life was like for Westfield families during the Revolutionary era and is one of the community's most important historical resources.

Q: Who is conducting the blacksmith demonstrations?

A: The Millstone Blacksmiths are conducting the blacksmith demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Their participation is sponsored by a Union County 250th Anniversary Special Project Grant.

Q: Will there be food or refreshments available?

A: Yes. The museum will feature displays and tastings of colonial apples and cider, allowing visitors to experience the flavors of the era.

Q: Is there a gift shop at the museum?

A: Yes. The museum gift shop will be open during the event for visitors interested in purchasing items related to local history and the museum.

Q: Is there admission charged for the event?

A: Admission information is not specified in the event details. Contact the Miller-Cory House Museum directly at (908) 232-1776 or visit westfieldnj.gov for admission information.