The Historical Society of Scotch Plains/Fanwood is sponsoring a fundraising campaign to help the Osborn Cannonball House Museum, located in downtown Scotch Plains, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. The “Cannonball House,” named by locals after a cannon misfired and hit the building during The Battle of The Short Hills in Scotch Plains in June 1777, has been open to the public as a teaching museum since 1972.

The building, an 18th century Georgian style home, was built c. 1760, and was home to many noteworthy Scotch Plains families. Jonathan Osborn, who is credited with building the house and who raised 13 children there, was a prominent Scotch Plains citizen who was an innkeeper, tailor and farmer. His Son, David, was a Captain in the NJ Militia and the area’s first Clerk and Postmaster. It is also documented that two of Jonathan’s sons fought in the Revolutionary War. The Museum is one of the oldest and a unique structure in downtown Scotch Plains.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains/Fanwood is pursuing the listing of the museum on the NJ State and National Registries of Historic Places. Inclusion on the Registry of Historic Places, while an honor for a property in itself, also provides opportunities for grants to procure funds which are necessary for the continued maintenance of the building to protect it for future generations. A successful nomination to the Registry of Historic Places signifies that a property is an important part of America’s cultural heritage and worthy of preservation. Nomination is a lengthy process which requires documentation prepared by a professional.

Leave your mark on history and help us preserve the legacy of the Cannonball House. Please send your donations to the campaign to have the Cannonball House listed on the NJ State and National Registries to The Historical Society of Scotch Plains/Fanwood, P. O Box 261, 1840 Front Street, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076. Checks should be made out to “The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood”. For further information call (908) 322-6700, Ext 230 or email Info@historicalsocietyspfnj.org.

The Cannonball House Museum is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month (except Jan. & Feb.) from 2-4 p.m. with tours by costumed historical interpreters. It is also open for special events, school tours and group tours by appointment.

On December 5th, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm our museum will be open and participating in the township holiday celebration. The museum is beautifully decorated with the theme of “A Victorian Christmas.” The tree is decorated with presents underneath while excited children and mothers peer at the antique toys. The mannequins are dressed in opulent and authentic clothing from the late 1800’s. Small tasty treats will be handed out. The museum is located at 1840 East Front street, Scotch Plains, New Jersey adjacent to the Alan Augustine Town Green.

Masks are mandatory in the museum. We all want to be able to celebrate our own Historical Society party on Sunday December 5th. After the Osborn Cannonball House is closed to the public at 4:00pm, the Historical Society members will have their own holiday celebration. We will have hot mulled cider and members are asked to bring something delicious to share. Yum.

What was it like the night the Martians “invaded” New Jersey in 1938? How did Princeton residents feel about having Albert Einstein as a neighbor? What inspired young Charles Addams from Westfield to come up with his ghoulish cartoon creations? How did a teenage Bruce Springsteen from Freehold get his high school band into a recording studio?

Have you ever heard of Mundy Peterson from Perth Amboy, who cast an historic vote 150 years ago? How about Garret Hobart from Paterson, who was almost president of the United States? What about Col. Robert Johnson from Salem County and the legend of the poisonous tomato?

Local author Fred T. Rossi literally wrote the book on lesser-known stories about interesting people and unusual events from Garden State history.

Join Rossi, a writer and journalist for 30 years, at the November meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood as he recounts some of the fascinating tales in his book, Jersey Stories: Stories You May Not Have Heard About People and Events in New Jersey History.

“There’s something for everyone in Jersey Stories,” Rossi said. “History, politics, entertainment, lots of trivia and plenty of interesting characters and events. I think whether you’re a New Jersey resident or an expatriate, you’re sure to find something of interest in Jersey Stories.”

The upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 23, at the Shady Rest Scotch Hills Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. Note that in accordance with township policy, masks will be required in common areas of the building. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation.