Middlesex County: History Day
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Mark your calendars! History Day<https://middlesexcountyculture.com/event/history-day/> at East Jersey Old Town Village<https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/history> will take place on May 16 from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Division of History & Historic Preservation, Middlesex County

Learn about the history in your backyard from local, state, and national historical organizations. Visit Revolutionary War and Civil War camps, see historical weapons demonstrations, and meet Generals George Washington, Rochambeau, Anthony Wayne, and Colonel Stephen Moylan. Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy live music with a special performance by the Raritan Valley Symphonic Band. This event features wheelchair-accessible wagon rides, crafts, skilled artisans, and more. From the 18th century to the 20th century, there is something for everyone at History Day.
https://middlesexcountyculture.com/event/history-day/

This Community event is posted for public information. See the organization’s website for updates and corrections.

D&R Canal: Aqueduct Pop-up
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:30
This Community event is posted for public information. See the organization’s website for updates and corrections.

The Delaware and Raritan Canal State park announced a “Pop-up Walk” on the canal, about 2 miles south of Kingston. Here’s what they posted on their website:

Join our seasonal historian at 10:30 10:00 am at the Millstone Aqueduct in Plainsboro for a leisurely 3-mile round-trip morning walk to Princeton Basin and back. Hear about the connections between the D&R Canal the small village of Aqueduct and how the creation of Carnegie Lake altered it forever. Learn about the bridge tender houses that once stood along the path in Princeton, see the now inoperable turning bridge mechanism for the Dinky railroad spur line and discover the bustling canal community that once occupied the area around Turning Basin Park at Alexander Road in Princeton. As the group walks the towpath, parts of the canal’s infrastructure will be highlighted. Put on your hiking shoes and come prepared to learn a bit about the D&R Canal and areas through which it flows.
https://dandrcanal.org/programs

SEE THEIR WEBSITE https://dandrcanal.org/programs for details and updates.

(They also posted on their website a very cool photo of the aqueduct looking east, toward Mapleton, before the creation of Lake Carnegie!)

Millstone Aqueduct Parking Lot, 775 Mapleton Road, Princeton (actually in Plainsboro, Mapleton Road near US1 south)

The D&R Canal aqueduct viewed from the new bridge over the canal, looking south. The towpath on the right and the “berm” path on the left. The Millstone River flows under the canal from left to right. The canal flows over the river, coming north, toward Kingston. (KHS photo 2026)

Kingston Lock Open House
2026-05-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Locktender’s House Kingston, NJ, 39 Old Lincoln Highway, 08540, Kingston, New Jersey
Saturday May 2, from 10-4

The Kingston Historical Society will show off the Kingston Lock on the Delaware and Raritan Canal at a special Saturday Open House. Come learn about how the canal lock worked. Learn about Kingston’s two swing bridges over the canal and take a walk to the turning basin, where boats stopped for the night.

If the weather’s good we may have an outdoor demonstration of how the lock worked, suitable for all ages.

“HABS 2” Library of Congress image of lower gate at Kingston Lock (detail, enhanced)

Free, Refreshments.

Not from Kingston? Find the Kingston Lock area HERE

South Brunswick Earth Day BioBlitz
2026-04-19 15:00 - 17:00
South Brunswick Earth Day BioBlitz Sunday afternoon!Sunday, April 19, 2026–3 to 5 PM

Discover, photograph, share, identify, and learn about nature by joining Kingston Greenways for Rutgers’ 13th annual BioBlitz! More info at:https://kingstongreenways.org/

This Community event is posted for public information. See the organization’s website for updates and corrections.

Earth Day Cleanup #2 (afternoon)
2026-04-18 14:00 - 16:00
The Kingston Greenways Association holds annual roadside cleanups around Kingston. The afternoon session will be along the D&R Canal Towpath and Environs.

Parking Location: Parking available at Kingston Lock-tender’s House at D&R Canal State Park, 4498 Route 27, Kingston NJ. Overflow parking available at John W. Flemer Preserve, 4621 Route 27, Kingston NJ.

This Community event is posted for public information. See the organization’s website for updates and corrections. KGA provides grabbers, gloves, orange vests, and garbage bags. Water for refills will be available. Please wear sturdy clothing and boots!

Earth Day Cleanup #1 (morning)
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00
Franklin Township- Roadside cleanup on Kingston-Rocky Hill Road and Laurel Avenue.

The Kingston Greenways Association holds annual roadside cleanups around Kingston. The morning session is around Rockingham State Historic Site.

Parking Location: Rockingham Historic Site Parking Lot, 84 Laurel Avenue, Kingston NJ

This Community event is posted for public information. See the organization’s website for updates and corrections.

D&R CanalSP: Griggstown Walk
2026-04-11 11:00 - 13:00
Griggstown Pop-up Walk – 2 MilesLOCATION: Griggstown Causeway Parking Area (Click here for parking lot/meeting location). REGISTRATION NOT REQUIRED / FREE

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

From the dandrcanal.org website:

Claire returns and is ready to start the 2026 season! Are you free for a few hours on Saturday, April 11th and ready to get outside? Then mark your calendar and plan to join her for a late morning walk along the path in Griggstown. Enjoy the spring air and learn a bit about this small, historic village which predates the canal’s 1830s construction….
https://dandrcanal.org/programs

Kingston: Easter Sunrise Service
2026-04-05 06:30 - 07:30
April 5th 2026 at 6:30 AM ~ All are invited to the Easter Sunrise Service at Lake Carnegie, Princeton, NJ led by Kingston Presbyterian Church Pastor Sharyl Dixon. Bleachers at Lakeside are available for worshipers. Bundle up, greet the sunrise, and celebrate the Resurrection with us at 6:30 AM. A Continental breakfast will be served at KPC after the service.
kingstonpresbyterian.org

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Kingston: Sings of Spring Walk
2026-04-04 14:30 - 16:00 | Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston
Join FPNL (Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands) for a walk on the trails of the Mapleton Preserve. Let’s look closely at emerging growth and revel in its beauty.

All welcome. Rain or shine.

Free. It might be muddy, so don’t wear your good shoes.
fpnl.org/events

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Locktender's House Displays Reopen April 4
2026-04-04 10:00 - 17:00
The Locktender’s House, at the Kingston Lock on the Delaware and Raritan Canal holds historical displays in its first floor rooms. The displays are closed to the public during the winter months. Weekend access will resume on Saturday April 4th, and continue through November.

Map of Kingston and Canal Area with Locktender’s House (arrow)

Volunteer Archivist Open Work Session
2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:00
Come learn what the Kingston Historical Society Archivist Team is doing to preserve, interpret and organize Kingston New Jersey history. The team welcomes those interested in joining at the open work session.

The KHS Archiving team is recruiting new members. If you are interested please let us know (via sign up list or THIS WEB FORM) and come to an orientation gathering on Saturday morning, April 4th.

We will meet at the Locktender’s House in the Delaware and Raritan Canal Kingston Lock area, just off of Route 27 at the Millstone River Bridge. (see Directions button for maps) Parking is behind the building or along the road.

Directions

Kingston: Good Friday Service (KUMC)
2026-04-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Kingston United Methodist Church, 9 Church Street, Kingston, New Jersey, 08528, United States
April 3 – Good Friday Service

Please join us on April 3rd at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary for a Good Friday Service
https://kingstonmethodist.org/coming-up

United Methodist Church

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Tea Time Talks - March
2026-03-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Kingston United Methodist Church, 9 Church Street, Kingston, New Jersey, 08528, United States
Click for Details

The Kingston Historical Society returns to the Kingston United Methodist Church for Sunday afternoon tea and presentations. We are preparing three talks for March.

For directions and talk details see: khsnj.org/teatime

Note: these events are subject to weather. Check back to khsnj.org in case of snow or ice.

United Methodist Church click the map for more maps and directions

Kingston: Native Tree ID (Event full!)
2026-03-14 14:30 - 16:30 | Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston
Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands is offering a two hour seminar on tree identification. Event is full, see their website for details.

Discover the hidden stories of winter trees — no leaves required.

Join naturalist Blaine Rothauser and the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands (FPNL) for an engaging indoor-outdoor workshop that will teach you how to identify native trees even in the quiet season of winter. Through an illustrated slide presentation, you’ll learn the key clues — bark, buds, branching patterns, and more — that reveal a tree’s identity when leaves are gone.

Then head outside into the beautiful Mapleton Preserve to put your new skills into practice on a guided walk through the woodland.

And because it’s Pi Day, we’ll wrap up the afternoon with celebratory “pizza pi” — a fun and delicious ending to a nature-filled experience.

This workshop is free, but space is limited to 20 participants. Advance registration is required.
fpnl.org

See their website, https://fpnl.org to register.

This Kingston Community event is posted for public information. See the organization’s website for updates and corrections.

New Archivist Orientation
2026-03-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Locktender’s House Kingston, NJ, 39 Old Lincoln Highway, 08540, Kingston, New Jersey
The KHS Archiving team is recruiting new members. If you are interested please let us know (via sign up list or THIS WEB FORM) and come to a 90 minute orientation gathering on Saturday morning, March 7th. All ages welcome, but under 18 must accompany a responsible adult.

We will meet at the Locktender’s House in the Delaware and Raritan Canal Kingston Lock area, just off of Route 27 at the Millstone River Bridge. (see Directions button for maps) Parking is behind the building or along the road.

Directions

Tea Time Talks- February-canceled
2026-02-22 14:30 - 16:00 | Kingston United Methodist Church, 9 Church Street, Kingston, New Jersey, 08528, United States
The Kingston Historical Society returns to the Kingston United Methodist Church for afternoon tea and presentations.

For directions and details see: khsnj.org/teatime

SNOW: Due to hazardous weather predicted during the event, we have canceled this month’s talks, and will rearrange them in to our March 22 session.

United Methodist Church click on the map for more maps and directions

Kingston: FPNL Day of Service
2026-02-16 12:00 - 15:00 | Mapleton Preserve, Kingston, 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston, NJ, 08528, United States
Dear Friends,

We’re pleased to announce that the service day has been rescheduled for Presidents Day, Monday, February 16, 2026 from Noon to 3pm. We hope you’ll be able to join us then for a meaningful day of service at the site.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay warm and safe. We look forward to seeing you in February.

Warm regards,Karen LinderFriends of Princeton Nursery Lands

(Monday) Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a tradition in Kingston, NJ. Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands offers a variety of service tasks. Check their website for more details as they become available.

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Kingston: FPNL Winter Sowing Workshop
2026-01-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston
Register for this activity presented by the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands. See their website for details as they become available.

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Tea Time Talks- January- Canceled
2026-01-25 14:30 - 16:00
Sunday, Jan 25th Tea Time is Canceled. Due to predicted snow storm, we cannot do this safely, so we will reschedule January talks for February 22nd or March 22nd. A special page will update each month’s topics: khsnj.org/teatime. Talks will be held at the Kingston Methodist Church.

The Kingston Historical Society returns to the Kingston United Methodist Church for afternoon tea and presentations. We are preparing three talks for January.

On Sunday, January 25th the feature talk will be reminiscences of George Allen, Kingston’s first Locktender. The early years of the 19th century were far from a golden age in America. Allen’s life was full of hardship until he was hired in 1834 to operate the Lock and Swing Bridge at Kingston on the newly opened Delaware and Raritan Canal. His autobiography is both surprising and dramatic.

The goal of our winter Tea Time Talks is to spread awareness of Kingston’s 300-plus years of recorded history through stories and research. The afternoon will include two other short presentations, followed by tea and questions in the Methodist Church socialhall.

Note: These dates are subject to weather. Check back to our main page:khsnj.org in case of snow or ice. NOTE: January Tea Time is Canceled due to snow.

United Methodist Churchclick for map

Kingston: MLK Day of Service 2026-POSTPONED
2026-01-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston
Dear Friends,

Due to the snowy and icy conditions, we are postponing today’s MLK Service Day at the Princeton Nursery Lands. With the cold temperatures, paths may be slippery, and we want to prioritize everyone’s safety.

We’re pleased to announce that the service day has been rescheduled for Presidents Day, Monday, February 16, 2026 from Noon to 3pm. We hope you’ll be able to join us then for a meaningful day of service at the site.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay warm and safe. We look forward to seeing you in February.

Warm regards,Karen LinderFriends of Princeton Nursery Lands

(Monday) Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a tradition in Kingston, NJ. Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands offers a variety of service tasks. Check their website for more details as they become available.

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

250th: The Conference on Horseback
2026-01-04 14:30 - 15:30 | Kingston Presbyterian Cemetery, Church Street, Kingston, New Jersey, 08528, United States
Following the Trenton and Princeton battles of 1776 -1777, George Washington led his army north to Kingston. From the cemetery on the hill he could see back down the road to Princeton, knowing that the British Army would be coming north toward (New) Brunswick, where their supplies were.

British Map of Kingston troop movements in 1777 – detail, Library of Congress

See the full resolution copy of the British map of the Trenton and Princeton battles HERE ( Library of Congress link)

Watch a 13 minute NJTV video about the history HERE

Washington and his generals held a “Conference on Horseback” to decide whether to march to Brunswick (along what is now Route 27) and attempt to capture the British supplies or cross over the Rocky Hill and aim for the safety of Somerset Court House (now Millstone) and Morristown. Was the risk worth it?

Step outside and step back in time. Watch General Washington and his trusted advisors, Generals Greene and Knox, debate the fate of the Revolution in a live reenactment. Feel the tension, the drama, the decision that changed America.
“Franklin 250th” Poster, Franklin Township, Somerset County, NJ

2:30 PM Free to the public, dress warmly.

Download the .pdf Poster HERE

Presbyterian Cemetery is across from Methodist Church, 9 Church St, Kingston NJ

Church Street is a one-way road, and will be closed to traffic. Park on Route 27 or Union Street (by the Ying Hua School)

This Kingston Event is not sponsored by the Kingston Historical Society. It is listed here for public information.

250th: Lunch with Washington and his Generals
2026-01-04 12:30 - 14:00 | Eno Terra, Kingston, 4484 Route 27, Kingston, New Jersey, 08528, United States
ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED– See Eventbrite link below

As part of the weekend commemoration of Washington’s winter campaign and the conference on horseback, you are invited to dine with the generals by the Kingston Bridge.

Dine like history’s elite at the beautifully rustic restaurant, Eno Terra, with a special menu of farm-to-table fare paired with Revolutionary wines, beer, and spirits.

Reenactment moments spice each course as Washington and his officers weave the Revolution’s turning points into your meal.

Reserve your seat for a meal where every bite is a taste of history!
“Franklin 250” Poster, Franklin Township, Somerset County, NJ

This Kingston Event is not sponsored by the Kingston Historical Society. It is listed here for public information.

Download the .pdf Poster HERE

EVENTBRITE Reservation Link:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-with-general-washington-after-the-battle-of-princeton-tickets-1975036131235

Kingston: 2026 First Day Hike
2026-01-01 12:00 - 14:00 | Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston
Thursday, January 1st at noon. Kingston’s annual “First Day Hike” on New Year’s Day starts at the Mapleton Preserve behind the D&R Canal State Park Headquarters building Organized by Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Kingston: Christmas Eve KUMC
2025-12-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Kingston United Methodist Church, 9 Church Street, Kingston, New Jersey, 08528, United States
The Kingston United Methodist Church will hold a Christmas Eve service, 9 Church St. Kingston.

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Kingston: "See the light" Womens Chorus Concert
2025-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Kingston United Methodist Church, 9 Church Street, Kingston, New Jersey, 08528, United States
Kingston Women’s Chorus presents a community concert, with carol singalong, at the Kingston Methodist Church.

Refreshments, sing.

This Kingston Community event is posted for public information.

Kingston: Audubon Christmas Bird Count (KGA)
2025-12-14 07:00 - 17:00 | Locktender’s House Kingston, NJ, 39 Old Lincoln Highway, 08540, Kingston, New Jersey
All-day event, will be held in several sessions during the day.

From https://kingstongreenways.org/ :

The Kingston segment of this year’s Audubon Christmas Bird Count begins at 7:30 AM to catch the “early birds”. We will meet at the Lock Tender’s House (near the intersection of Rt. 27 and the D&R Canal State Park in Kingston) and bird until noon, when we take a break for lunch. The group then continues with the count in the afternoon. You can join us for the morning, lunch, afternoon, or all of them.

For more information and how to participate, see their website

This Kingston Community event is posted for public information. See the organization’s website for updates and corrections.

Kingston: FPNL Holiday Drop-in
2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston
From the Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands’ web pagehttps://fpnl.org/events :

Drop in at Mapleton Preserve to enjoy a cup of hot cider, cookies and fun with FPNL as we trim a tree for the birds. We will make orange and cranberry garlands, peanut butter- and birdseed-coated pine cones, and edible ornaments to share with our feathered friends. Take a moment from your busy holiday schedule to get creative, catch up with friends, and savor the season.

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Kingston Tree Lighting
2025-12-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Locktender’s House Kingston, NJ, 39 Old Lincoln Highway, 08540, Kingston, New Jersey
Kingston Community-wide Event- We gather at the Kingston Lock at dusk to light up our 60 foot evergreen tree, sing songs led by the Kingston Women’s Chorus, and drink hot cocoa and tea.

The event is open to the community, parking is at the lot across old Lincoln Highway, or along the road. The Locktender’s House will be open starting at 4:30 with the tree lighting at 5PM.

Directions

Kingston: Craft Fair
2025-12-06 09:00 - 14:00
The Kingston Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary will hold a craft fair at the Kingston Fire House 8 Heathcote Road.

The fire hall is usually full of vendors selling homemade crafts and other items. Parking is limited at the fire house, but available nearby including on Main Street (Route 27) and Euclid Ave. Please do not park in firefighter spaces.

Kingston Fire House on local map

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.

Kingston: Thanksgiving Day Walk
2025-11-27 10:00 - 11:30
Thursday November 27, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am

From https://fpnl.org/events Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands:

Seeds, Nuts and Fruits. We will take an easy walk through the fields. Meet at Mapleton Preserve, 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. Free and all are welcome!

The Thanksgiving morning walk is an annual, family friendly event!

This non-KHS event is posted for community interest.
