Historic Walnford

62 Walnford Road, Upper Freehold, NJ 08501
609-259-6275 - Historic Walnford House
609-259-5794 - Ranger Station
Park Brochure & Map | Tick Advisory            
Park is open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. thereafter.
Historic buildings are open daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
See Upcoming Free Activities

Cross Stitch Sampler
Sunday, April 28 from 1-4 p.m. 

Eleven-year-old Elizabeth Waln Wistar, granddaughter of Richard and Elizabeth Waln of Walnford, created a beautifully executed cross stitch sampler in 1799. Now in a private collection, it has been meticulously recreated for us by award winning needle worker Elizabeth Dey. This afternoon she will explain what makes this sampler special, how she charted, then stitched this historical recreation and show how you can chart and stitch a sampler. FREE! 
 

Corn Crib entrance

1879 Carriage House

1772 Waln House

Waln House kitchen

Working Grist

Interior view of Grist Mill

Upcoming Free Events at Historic Walnford       

Cross Stitch Sampler   
Sunday, April 28 from 1-4 p.m.     
Eleven-year-old Elizabeth Waln Wistar, granddaughter of Richard and Elizabeth Waln of Walnford, created a beautifully executed cross stitch sampler in 1799. Now in a private collection, it has been meticulously recreated for us by award winning needle worker Elizabeth Dey. This afternoon she will explain what makes this sampler special, how she charted, then stitched this historical recreation and show how you can chart and stitch a sampler.

Spring Cleaning  
Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5 from 1-4 p.m.  
Experience life in the 19th century: beat a rug, scrub laundry with a washboard, dust with feathers and sweep, sweep, sweep away the dirt! If you ever thought these were the good old days, think again! Gain a new appreciation for all the labor-saving devices we can choose to employ and more respect for the energy of our ancestors as you engage in these and more (happily) forgotten household chores.

Walnford Day  
Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  
Got an ITCH to try something different? We may have the experience you’re looking for: Ingenuity, Technology, Culture and History come together in one great event. See demonstrations and displays of historical crafts, trades, music, art, that illustrate the impressive ingenuity of our ancestors and 18th and 19th century cutting edge technology. Add in hands-on activities including a ride in a horse drawn wagon, writing with a quill pen and exploring four floors of grand architecture - this is entertaining, educational, FREE family FUN for you to experience.  

Antique Autos on Display  
Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.      
The Horseless Carriage comes to Walnford with these shining examples of pre-WWII automobiles displayed across our shady lawn. Stroll the grounds, tour the house, see the grist mill in operation and imagine when life in the fast lane never hit 50 mph.

The Roots of Root Beer     
Sunday, June 23 from 1-4 p.m.     
Sip a tasty brew and identify some of the many ingredients used in what was originally considered a healthful tonic as you learn the fascinating history of this 19th c. soft drink and its connection to the Waln family. We present fun for all ages with historical facts in a beautiful landscape for you to enjoy.

Weaving a Seat - Chair Caning      
Sunday, July 14 from 1-4 p.m.     
Comfortable and decorative, caned seats were a popular feature of many 19th century chairs. We will provide a “show and tell” afternoon to enhance your visit to Historic Walnford with a variety of historic chairs on display and the opportunity to “sit a spell” on the front porch while the almost forgotten craft of cane chair seats is demonstrated.

Edible History - Ice Cream!     
Sunday, August 4 at 3 p.m.     
There is no better time to enjoy this cool creamy treat than a summer afternoon in the shade of the ice house at Historic Walnford. Help us crank and then consume batches of ice cream made from historical recipes using 19th century technology.

Historical Fun and Games   
Sunday & Monday, September 1 & 2 from 1-4 p.m.    
It is a tradition at Historic Walnford to honor the shift from summer leisure to back to school schedules with a weekend and holiday afternoon packed with historical fun and games. Trap Ball, corn cob darts, ring toss, spinning tops, riddles, checkers, pick up sticks ... the list of activities to delight and challenge the whole family goes on and on.
 

 

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. 

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.