Posts Tagged Scotch Plains

The Osborn Cannonball House Open March 1st

17 February 2026
Photo of Osborn Cannonball House Museum in the snow.The Osborn Cannonball House Museum, located at 1840 Front Street in Scotch Plains, will be open to the public from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

The museum is currently presenting a Civil War exhibit featuring gowns from the mid 19th century.  Although Scotch Plains was not the site of a Civil War battle, many residents fought in the four year conflict and the town participated in national events to support Union Troops. New Jersey supplied over 88,000 soldiers throughout the war and New Jersey soldiers were present in every major battle.

Costumed docents will be available to give tours of the c. 1750 house once owned by the Osborn family whose sons fought locally in the American Revolution. Come visit our town’s Revolutionary War era museum and hear stories of the exciting early history of Scotch Plains and its role in the founding of our great country.

As always, there is no fee to attend. The Osborn Cannonball House is open for tours on the first Sunday of each month (except January and February) and by appointment by calling (908) 322-6700, Ext. 230. If you are interested in volunteering at the museum, please email us at Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org. No prior experience required.  

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A “Downton Abbey” style Christmas At The Osborn Cannonball House December 7th

5 December 2025
Darlene Palumbo shows a Christmas tree in 2017.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood invite you to meet our “newest members,” Lord and Lady Grantham, at our upcoming “Downton Abbey” style Christmas celebration at The Osborn Cannonball House Museum located at 1840 Front Street in Scotch Plains on Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Experience how the English aristocracy celebrated Christmas during the Edwardian Age! Meet our illustrious guests dressed in their best to enjoy holiday festivities on Christmas Eve. See how the Crawley family decorated their house and Christmas tree in the early 1900’s. Learn about Father Christmas who brings gifts and sweet treats for the good boys and girls. Peek under the tree to see the types of presents that Lord and Lady Grantham would distribute on Christmas Day to their household staff and to all the children who live on their estate. Indulge in the tastes of the season while enjoying a glass of hot, mulled, apple cider. And while you are sampling the goodies, don’t forget to try the fruitcake! Our organist, Dave Bierman, will entertain everyone by playing Christmas carols on our 19th century organ.

All are welcome to this free event. We look forward to seeing you at our holiday celebration!

The Osborn Cannonball House is open for tours on the first Sunday of each month (except January and February) and by appointment by calling 908/322-6700, Ext. 230. If you are interested in volunteering at the museum, please email us at Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org.

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Savor the Past: a Big Pretzel Success

17 September 2025
Spencer Martin, Colby Martin and Reid Buehler standing in front of Osborn Cannonball House holding colorful hand lettered signs reading, "SPFHS HISTORY CLUB PRETZEL SALE", "TOURS OF MUSEUM", and "PRETZEL SaLE".

Spencer Martin, Colby Martin and Reid Buehler Photo by J. Martin

 

Photo of Sydney Vilensky, Max Nicholson and Spencer Martine at 2025 Pretzel Sale in back of Osborn Cannonball House Museum.

Sydney Vilensky, Max Nicholson and Spencer Martine. Picture by J. Martin


“Pretzels for $2.00! Activities and games! Tours of the Osborn Cannonball House!”

This was a winning combination for the SPFHS History Club’s fundraiser
for the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood that was held
June 1st at the historic Osborn Cannonball House, a Revolutionary War-
era site and the Township Museum. For the second year in a row the
History Club successfully hosted a tasty fundraiser with all proceeds going
to the Historical Society. This year netted $500 which the Historical
Society plans to put towards the renovation of the popular “necessary
house,” aka the outhouse, which was always a popular stop on the
Museum tour, especially for kids. Unfortunately, it has been in such a state
of disrepair that it has been closed to visitors for the last few years. The
Historical Society is very grateful to have had the help of the eager and
energetic History Club members in raising money towards its repair.

Two years ago, the SPFHS History Club was founded by Spencer Martin.
Spencer Martin and Max Nicholson steered the Club as co-presidents
during its first two years, their sophomore and junior years. The Club
quickly became a school favorite, having 175 students join and participate.
At its inception, the Club also reached out to form a partnership with the
Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood.

Besides organizing and running two successful fund raisers on behalf of
the Historical Society, Spencer and Max and other student members,
volunteered to help out and give tours of the Osborn Cannonball House at
two of its biggest Fall events: Scotch Plains Day and Four Centuries in a
Weekend, which is a two-day event. The students helped to run the
children’s games and crafts and gave tours of the museum. Visitors were
delighted by the students’ knowledge of the history of the 18th century
house.

In addition to thanking Spencer Martin and Max Nicholson for organizing
volunteers for these events, The Historical Society wants to give a big
“shout out” to the other student members who made the fundraisers and
community events a big success: Aavik Akavte, Camoron Azad, Reid
Buehler, Jacob Cristobal, Jada Dadlaney, Colby Martin, Luca Rousseau,
Liam St. John, Ryan Sharma and Sydney Vilensky.

As the SPFHS History Club embarks on its third year with a new president,
Colby Martin, at its helm, the Historical Society wants to thank Spencer,
Max and the other student volunteers for all their enthusiasm, commitment
and dedication to promoting and protecting our local history. The
Historical Society looks forward to the continued partnership with the
History Club as we strive to help keep history alive across all generation.
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