In a presentation called “Palisades Cliff-hanging” Marcia Anderson, PhD, will guide participants through a historical journey to Palisades, NJ, venturing from 200 million years ago to the early 20th century. She will explore geology, plate tectonics, dinosaurs, the American Revolutionary War, the birth of our US film industry and “cliff-hangers” at the September meeting of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27th at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains.

Anderson, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Specialist for 13 years who also has a Master’s degree in Education and Curriculum in Earth Science, can explain Giovanni da Verrazzano’s description of the Palisades sill as “looking like fence stakes” along the Hudson River in 1594. She will also detail the Dinosaur Fever that hit New York City when a crocodile-like dinosaur was found in the Palisades. And for us American History buffs, she will look back to a rainy 1776 November night, when Lt. General Lord Charles led the invasion of the Red Coats into NJ to take Fort Lee, an American rebel stronghold. Finally she will answer why the film industry began in NJ, specifically at the majestic Palisades.

Founded in 1972, the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood operates the historic Osborn Cannonball House in Scotch Plains, while providing guest lectures at its monthly meetings and taking care to preserve some of the historic artifacts and legends from the area’s early days.

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.

Many of us have family antiques, pictures and stories passed down to us by our ancestors. Please bring your treasures to share at the Historical Society of Scotch Plains meeting on May 24th. You can even try to stump us with unusual items.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24th at the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. This upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation.

110 years ago, the world was shook as the largest and grandest ocean liner of its day sank on its maiden voyage after colliding with an iceberg. Capturing the imagination of millions for over a century, get an inside look at R.M.S. Titanic as never seen before. Painstakingly recreated in a digital format by the “Titanic Honor and Glory” group, you will get to see the opulent and lavishly appointed rooms and spaces of First and Second class, as well as a look into 3rd class and crew accommodations. Reconstructed down to the screws and light switches, walk the decks of the doomed liner, just as she was in 1912.

Tyler Strzałkowski, a forth generation resident of Scotch Plains will present this insightful program. Tyler is a graduate of the local High School and has carried an interest of history with him since he was young, his particular area of interest being Oceanic and Maritime history. An active member of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, he is often involved with local activities, and is always working to further his knowledge of all things bygone and antiquated. Going on to further his education, he has taken to studying welding at the Lincoln Tech Trade School.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26th at the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. This upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation.