On November 1, 1959, Historical Association trustees met for an emergency meeting. Bell Labs had approached MCHA seeking to have a surviving 18th century farmhouse moved from its property. Time was of the essence - Bell Labs needed the house relocated by the end of the year. The house was a fine blend of both Dutch and English architectural styles and was in virtually original condition. Built in 1754, the house was home to Garrett Hendrickson and his family and was also the site of a dramatic kidnapping on February 8, 1782. British raiders attacked the home, seizing Hendrickson and other family members. Local militia Captain John Schenck and his men rescued Hendrickson after a brief but intense skirmish. The trustees, realizing the importance of the house, decided to take on the project. Mrs. William Riker, the Association's board president at the time, donated a small plot of land bordering Holmdel Park. After paying Bell Labs one crisp dollar, the Association had the house lifted onto the back of a specially modified truck, and the Hendrickson farmhouse lumbered across the fields to its new home. By Christmas of that year, the relocation project was complete. In 2018, the Association's trustees signed over ownership to the Monmouth County Park System. Today, the house is open seasonally on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. May through September and is fully furnished with objects from the Historical Association's collections. #historyhouse (fb)

Details matter - and some details can provide a wealth of fascinating information! We're working with our vast ceramics collection these days, but fashion is never very far away. Here are just a few examples of some of the charming images on late 18th and very early 19th century English-made ceramics exported to America. On a large pitcher, two hunters in casual clothing rest a spell. A small bowl features a transfer print, hand colored, of a woman and her sailor sweetheart. A tiny sugar bowl yields not one but two images, a couple enjoying an open-air cup of tea and a man and woman strolling through the countryside. A bright yellow cream pitcher features a pair of little scenes (and we particularly love both caps the woman is wearing). Last but not least, a well-dressed couple visits a family member outside her cottage. Whether you love fashion or ceramics, be sure to visit our eMuseum website, where we're adding new treasures every week! #FashionFriday (fb)