Easter Parade has been deemed “The Happiest Musical Every Made.” Take a step back in time to 1912 and join the Historical Society on Wednesday March 27th for this 1948 Classic starring Fred Astaire and July Garland. When Don Hewes loses his partner Nadine to the allure of a solo career, the acclaimed dancer spots lovely chorus line performer Hannah and pledges to form her into Nadine’s equal with a year. Can he and Hannah be ready in time for the big Fifth Avenue Easter Parade? Through song and dance, this Classic Masterpiece is entertainment not to be  missed!! We are very excited to present this first movie experience for our members and for everyone in our communities. The “movie theatre” opens at 7:15PM in time for people to get their popcorn and water and find their seats as opening credits begin promptly at 7:30PM. The movie is an hour and half long so there will be a chance for intermission. The seats are just folding chairs so people are advised to bring a seat pad for comfort. And since we are so close to Easter, we encourage people to come in their Easter outfits, or at least wear or bring an Easter hat. The Historic Society will have a table of antique Easter hats on display. Those interested can share stories about their outfits and we can even do our own Easter Parade if inspired! Our Master of Ceremonies and the brainstorm for this cinema is none other than our own member Glenn Mongold. He and his wife have been residents of Scotch Plains for 15 years and have raised their 3 children here. Glenn has been very active as a Cub Scout Leader and in the Knights of Columbus at St. Barts. He presently works for Konica Minolta.

As always, we will have refreshments and fellowship following our delightful movie on Wednesday,March 27th at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

“Get two for the price of one.” The February 27th meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood is on the cusp of February-March.  February celebrates “Black History Month” and March celebrates “Women’s History Month.” This program covers both Black and Women’s History:  2 for 1. This meeting features the return of popular storyteller Carol Simon Levin with her program called “Our Rights Too!” Emphasizing the overlooked role played by women of Color, Levin tells the long fight for women’s rights. She shares the stories of Phillis Wheatley, the enslaved woman who wrote a poem in honor of George Washington, noted abolitionists and women’s speakers Maria W. Stewart & Sojourner Truth and Native American activists Zitkala-Su to name a few. Come to this special meeting to learn about more women of all colors and creed who fought for women’s rights and women’s lives. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday,February 27th  at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains.

In addition to performing lively historic portrayals, Levin is the author of Remembering the Ladies: From Patriots in Petticoats to Presidential Candidates, which profiles 69 women—well-known and unknown—who worked tirelessly for women’s rights in America. She holds a bachelor’s degree focusing on women’s history and history of technology from Cornell University and a master’s degree in library services from the University of Arizona. She is also the founder of the website tellingherstories.com.

The upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

Halloween decorations and costumes abound. Halloween has long been a widely celebrated holiday in the United States. Now near the traditional Halloween store displays you will see colorful skulls, skeletons of people and animals, banners, marigolds, frames etc. These are just some of the items used to decorate and to celebrate Day of the Dead:  El dia de los Muertos. This is a holiday traditionally celebrated in all of Mexico but is now celebrated world wide. It is a holiday of joyful celebration of friends and family who have died. Ofrendas (altars/offerings) are built, then decorated with  colorful coverings and marigolds. The Ofrendas hold the favorite food & beverages of the the departed along with candles, photos and memorabilia of the deceased. These items encourage visits by the souls to hear prayers and words during this reunion. Family and friends dress in festive clothes and hats with their faces decorated like calaveras (skulls). It is common to give gifts to friends such as candy sugar skulls (calaveras), share traditional pan de muerto (bread of dead) and to write light hearted and irreverent verses in the form of mock epitaphs dedicated to living friends and acquaintances (Calaveras Literarias).

In 2008 this tradition of the Dia de los Muertos was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood is very excited to present the history of El Dia de los Muertos and afterwards to celebrate this holiday ourselves. Some of the Spanish Honor Society members from Scotch Plains & Fanwood High School will give a history with slides about this wonderful holiday. The Society will have an Ofrenda decorated and adorned with traditional items.  Calavera masks and tattoos will be available and we encourage you to come in colorful clothes to make this evening a true celebration. We encourage you to bring photos and memorabilia of your deceased loved ones for the altar. We also encourage you to bring your own verses written for your living friends. And bring the friends. The heart of this holiday has remained the same over thousands of years. It’s an occasion for remembering and celebrating those who have departed.  We look forward to celebrating with you on Wednesday October 25th. The evening starts at 7:30PM and is held at the historic Shady Rest Golf and Country Club located at 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Ave.) in Scotch Plains.

The upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.