62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
(609) 259-6275
Brochure
Oh Freedom! Exhibit
On Display June 9-August 30
While many American colonists fought for their political freedom during the American War of Independence, African-Americans fought on both sides. They fought along side the British and American solders for what they believed was a path to their personal freedom from slavery and oppression. Blacks were present at all of New Jersey's key battles and served on both sides. These black soldiers, whether Rebels or Loyalists, were pioneers of personal freedom for all blacks in the New World!
This traveling exhibit from the New Jersey DEP captures the stories of these freedom fighters in New Jersey. The exhibit is open during regular park hours.
Picturesque after a snowfall, full of fascinating history throughout the year, any day is a great time to visit this wonderful historic site and learn more about the Waln family and the evolution of Walnford over two centuries - from an 18th century industrial village and family farm to an elegant country estate. At the heart of the Crosswicks Creek Greenway (1436 acres), the site showcases over 200 years of social, technological and environmental history through the Waln family. The historic district includes 36 acres of field, woodland and wetlands. Pets are not allowed on the site.
Visit the large, elegant home built in 1774, the operating 19th century gristmill and the farm buildings set in a beautiful landscape. The site is open 8am - 4:30pm every day.
Gristmill Demonstrations
Experience the rumbling and clacking of the gristmill as our industrial heritage comes alive again along the banks of Crosswicks Creek. See corn ground into meal as it was done in the 19th century, during demonstrations on weekends April-November from 1-4pm. All ages are welcome, under 14 with adult. Call (609) 259-6275 for more information about demonstrations, drop-in programs and reserved group tours.
Reserved Group Programs
This historic district features an operating 19th century grist mill, the elegant Waln family home (1774), a carriage house, and an assortment of outbuildings. Offerings include a guided site tour of the grounds, learning about the mill, a tour of the wetlands, short hands-on craft experiences, and an introduction to Historic Walnford in your classroom or meeting place. Call (609) 259-6275 for more information.
Photos of Historic Walnford
Walnford's Buildings and landscape features represent every era of the site's 250 year history. These photos are provided to encourage your personal visit. Click on image to make larger.
Corn Crib entrance way 1879 Carriage House
1772 Waln House Waln House kitchen
Working Grist Mill Interior view of Grist Mill
Upcoming Free Events at Historic Walnford
July 4, 1776
Saturday-Monday, July 3-5 from 1-4pm
Dip a quill pen in the ink well and practice your "John Hancock." Try on a tri-cornered hat or a long skirt and imagine yourself in 1776. Listen to the words of the Declaration of Independence. View the Oh Freedom! exhibit and learn how 18th century African Americans felt about the Revolution.
Above and Below - the Mechanics of the Mill
Explore all four levels of the gristmill. Wear old clothes and sturdy shoes. No fee, but please register by calling (609) 259-6275.
Saturday, July 17 from 9:30-11:30am
Ice Cream!
Sunday, August 8 from 3-4pm
Help crank, then consume, a canister of sweet vanilla ice cream.
Raise the Rafters
Sunday, August 29 from 2:30-3:30pm
Help fit post to beam, mortise with tenon as we construct a timber frame building.
For more information call: 609-259-6275.
Site Map
Directions:
Please note: If you choose do an internet search for directions to this address, be aware that the parking lot on site is not accessible from the Walnford Rd/Hill Rd intersection. Directions below.
From the East Via I-195: Take Exit 11 (Imlaystown/Cox's Corner) and turn left onto Rt.43 (Imlaystown/Hightstown Rd). At the first intersection, turn right onto Rt. 526/Red Valley Rd. At the first light, turn left onto Sharon Station Rd and follow approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto Rt. 539 North. Travel a short distance and turn left onto Holmes Mills Rd. Make first right onto Walnford Road which leads directly into the park..
From the West: Follow I-195 to Exit 8 (Allentown), Rt. 524/539. Turn right and follow Rt. 539 through Allentown. Turn right onto Holmes Mills Rd and then right onto Walnford Rd, which leads directly into the park.
From the North: Take Rt. 9, 79, or 34S to 537W to Rt. 539 in Upper Freehold. Turn right onto Rt. 539 (Forked River Rd), then left onto Burlington Path Rd. Turn right onto Holmes Mills Rd and then left onto Walnford Rd, which leads directly into the park.