Arbor and King students learn NJ history firsthand
Posted on 10/21/2022
Fourth-graders at Arbor and King intermediate schools got the opportunity to experience New Jersey history firsthand during recent trips to the Cornelius Low House and the East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway.
Students were greeted in the village by live interpreters of Colonial soldiers, craftspeople, and townspeople - including a stop in an 18th century schoolroom. They learned about the origins of the village, which comprises 16 reconstructed and replica 18th and 19th century structures. Students had the opportunity to learn about NJ colonial life and examine artifacts from the time period.
At the Cornelius Low House, built in 1741 by Cornelius Low, a wealthy local merchant, students were able to enjoy the exhibit, “Treasures of Middlesex County: 300 Years of Raritan Valley History,” featuring historically significant artifacts including muskets, maps, documents, ceramics, and furniture - including a table used by the Marquis de Lafayette, whom some students knew from his role in the musical "Hamilton."
The house serves as a living example of Georgian architecture in New Jersey. The house features a rotating exhibit on a variety of New Jersey historical topics, such as a study of NJ during WWI, the history of NJ diners, and NJ in the 1950's.