Visitors to Howell Living History Farm can now become “time travelers” as part of a new statewide program celebrating New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution while collecting unique keepsakes along the way.
The Hopewell Township farm is one of just five historic sites selected to participate in History Pinned, a new program launched by RevolutionNJ, as part of the state’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Running through Dec. 20, the program encourages residents and visitors to explore historic sites across New Jersey, collect artist-designed commemorative pins and earn prizes while learning about the people, places and events that shaped the state’s history.
At Howell Living History Farm, visitors can pick up a collectible pin designed by artist Vincent Ceglia. The artwork celebrates the farm’s beginnings in 1732 and invites visitors to “step onto the soil of what will become Howell Living History Farm” while learning about the land originally purchased by Joseph Phillips.
“History Pinned gives people a reason to get out and explore museums they may have never visited before,” said Sara Cureton, executive director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. “Along the way they’ll discover remarkable stories from New Jersey’s past, support local cultural institutions and see how history continues to shape our communities.”
Each participating site features its own custom-designed pin created by a local artist through a statewide design competition. Visitors can begin the challenge at any location by picking up a History Pinned booklet and collecting one pin at each stop. Participants who collect pins from at least three sites can earn a RevolutionNJ foldable flying disc or tote bag, while those who visit all five locations by Dec. 20 will receive both prizes. Pins and booklets are available while supplies last.
Beyond collecting pins, the program also encourages participants to take part in a civic activity tied to each site’s history. At Howell Living History Farm, visitors are invited to donate non-perishable food items to benefit the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, connecting the farm’s agricultural heritage with helping neighbors in need today. Other participating locations encourage visitors to write letters of gratitude to military members, veterans and first responders, register to vote, or support causes they care about through other civic engagement activities.
The four other History Pinned locations are the Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial in Camden, the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music in West Long Branch, Dey Mansion Washington’s Headquarters in Wayne and the Peter Mott House in Lawnside. Together, the sites represent more than two centuries of New Jersey history, from the Revolutionary War through the Underground Railroad, American music and military service.
Owned by Mercer County and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission, Howell Living History Farm preserves and interprets farming and rural life as it existed around the turn of the 20th century. The 273-acre historic farm offers visitors opportunities throughout the year to experience working fields, historic buildings, livestock and hands-on demonstrations that bring New Jersey’s agricultural past to life.
Visitors are encouraged to check each participating site’s hours before traveling. Howell Living History Farm is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free on-site parking. RevolutionNJ has also created a History Pinned road trip playlist to accompany travelers as they make their way between sites. Additional information about the program, participating locations and prizes is available through the History Pinned website.
