44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel 07733
732-946-3758
Brochure | Tick Advisory | History
Free Weekend Activities
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; extended hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day
The sights, sounds, and smells of rural Monmouth County in the 1890s have been re-created on 9 acres at Historic Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park, Holmdel. Interpreters in period dress show both daily and seasonal agricultural and domestic activities.
Longstreet Farm is open daily year round from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors may enter at their leisure, free of charge. From Memorial Day through Labor Day the farm is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pets are not allowed within the farm.
The Farmhouse is open weekends and holidays, March through December, from 12-3:30 p.m. or by reservation. For reservations and information, call 732-946-3758.
Other points of interest: Tenant House - This building, across Longstreet Road, was home to the family that worked at Longstreet Farm. During the 1890s, the Hylin family, who emigrated from Ireland, were tenants on the farm. The house is now used for staff offices. c. 1850 with additions.
Holmes-Hendrickson House - Nestled in a grove of trees, this historic museum is operated by the Monmouth County Historical Association. Built in 1754, it provides an excellent example of local Dutch building tradition and a glimpse into the county's colonial past. For more information, please visit the MCHA web site.
The site is maintained as a living historical farm with the purpose of interpreting the agricultural activities in Monmouth County's rural past. This interpretation includes the breeds of animals and crops raised at this site in the 1890s. For your safety, as well as the safety of the animals, we ask that you do not touch or feed the animals. As a general precaution when leaving this site, you are encouraged to wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Longstreet Farm’s mission is to promote an appreciation for Monmouth County farm life at the end of the 19th century, preserving historic structures and practices through interpretive programs and tours. Livestock are an important component of this mission. The farm’s livestock are raised and cared for just as they were in the past – to meet the labor, food, and material needs of the farm. Mules and horses help plow the fields and harvest crops; dairy cows, chickens and pigs provide food to eat; and sheep are raised for meat and wool.
The livestock are well cared for and receive modern veterinary visits to secure their good health and intended use. Periodically, the animals are bred to ensure the health of the historic breeds and to provide visitors with a realistic window into the life cycle of farm animals as it was in the 1890s and as it is today on thousands of small farms across the nation.
When the animals can no longer work toward the educational goals of the farm, they are replaced with animals that can. Farm staff work with local farmers who may prepare the animals for market, or with institutions that may have other uses for the animals. The Park System welcomes placement offers for retired Longstreet Farm livestock. Inquiries may be made to Philip Andras, Park Manager, 732-946-3758. Longstreet Farm Livestock
Throughout the year, Longstreet Farm hosts weekend activities that allow visitors to experience life as it would have been during the 1890s. For additional information on any of these activities, call 732-946-3758.
Upcoming Free Events:
Blacksmith Demonstration
Please check back for upcoming dates.
Head to the blacksmith shop and see this skill in action.
Cookstove Demonstrations
Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturdays, May 11 & 25 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, June 8 & 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturdays, July 6 & 20 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturdays, August 3 & 31 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visit the out kitchen and discover how recipes and cooking techniques have changed since the 1890s.
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Saturday, April 20 from 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 from 1-3 p.m.
In the mid-19th century, the accordion became a favorite of folk musicians. Enjoy the melodies as you visit the farm.
19th Century Woodworking Demonstration
Saturday, April 20 from 12-3 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 from 12-3 p.m.
Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Woodworking is more than carpentry. See how a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items.
Vintage Base Ball: Monmouth Furnace Base Ball Club
Sunday, April 21 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Enjoy a spring afternoon in Holmdel Park and see how one of America's favorite pastimes started. The Monmouth Furnace Base Ball Club will be playing vintage base ball, using rules from the 19th century. Players will be dressed in uniforms appropriate to the time period, and the style and terms of the 19th century are used during the game.
Wool Days/Sheep Shearing
Saturday & Sunday, April 27 & 28 from 12-3 p.m.
Harvesting wool is a farm activity performed every spring. Visit the farm this weekend and learn how the farmers use traditional blade shearing practices to remove the fleece from sheep. Gene Sheninger will return with his collies to show their herding skills.
Find out more about this event.
Hands-on History
Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5 from 12-4:30 p.m.
We are opening the doors to our collection and bringing out some of our favorite “hands-on” artifacts. Engage your curiosity as you explore these historic pieces through operation and physical contact.
Plant a Sunflower
Sunday, May 12 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Help the Longstreet Farmers plant this year’s sunflower field. Visit the farm throughout the summer and watch as the Mammoth Russian sunflowers grow to over 10 feet tall! Participants are invited to return in the fall and harvest their very own sunflower. Take your flower home and roast the seeds as a snack or save them as a winter treat for local birds and squirrels. You can even plant them in your garden the following spring.
Traditional Chair Caning Demonstration
Sunday, May 12 from 1-3 p.m.
Chair caning is an intricate skill. Our demonstrator will show you the process of weaving natural plant fibers into the seat of a traditional chair.
Embroidery Demonstration
Saturday, May 25 from 1-3 p.m.
View the lost art of applying decorative designs with a needle and thread. Be inspired by the various stitches and embellishments to create a beautiful piece of clothing or decoration for the home.
Decoration Day Celebration
Monday, May 27 from 12-3 p.m.
Before it was Memorial Day, Americans celebrated Decoration Day. This family holiday originated soon after the Civil War when women decided to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. It was a day for family reunions and remembrance. Enjoy the good company of family and friends at Longstreet Farm as we honor this early American holiday.
Lacemaking Demonstration
Saturday, June 8 from 1-3 p.m.
Watch lacemaking in action, as our demonstrator shows the historic techniques of crochet, bobbin, and shuttle work used in the Victorian era.
Accordion Melodies of the 1890s
Saturday, June 15 from 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, July 20 from 1-3 p.m.
Saturday, August 17 from 1-3 p.m.
In the mid-19th century, the accordion became a favorite of folk musicians. Enjoy the melodies on your visit to the Farm.
Victorian Laundry Demonstration
Sunday, June 23 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 21 from 12-2:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 18 from 12-2:30 p.m.
We get it, laundry is agitating for everyone! But you will appreciate your modern conveniences after experiencing a late-Victorian laundry day. From lighting the wood stove to ironing the aprons, we cover loads of material during this demonstration, so make sure to hang around for a bit.
Spinning, Knitting and Weaving Demonstration
Saturday, June 29 from 1-3 p.m.
Visit the farm to watch the art of spinning fleece and learn various methods of knitting and weaving.
Independence Day Celebration
Thursday, July 4 from 12-3 p.m.
Independence Day was a festive time in the 1890s - patriotism was celebrated with music and games. Join the staff at Longstreet Farm as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests.
Penny Rug Demonstration
Saturday, August 3 from 1-3 p.m.
In the 1800s thrifty homemakers would use scraps of wool or felted wool from old clothing to create designs for mats or rugs. Be inspired to create your own mat or rug.
Felting Demonstration
Sunday, August 18 from 1-3 p.m.
Felted wool is the world’s oldest known textile. Learn the process of felting wool that can be used in garments.
Machinery Expo
Sunday, August 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Take a gander at the best "modern" technology the 1890s has to offer. Our machinery will be out of storage and in full view for one day only! Staff will be on-hand to discuss the mechanics of Longstreet Farm's horsedrawn implements and household/kitchen equipment.
Reserve Group Activities
Longstreet Farm has group activities covering a variety of topics relating to agricultural and social history. These programs have been developed for a wide range of age groups. There are fees for all programs listed. For additional information and registration, call 732-946-3758 or write to Longstreet Farm Programs, Monmouth County Park System, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
Professional Portrait Photography
Professional portrait photography sessions are subject to fees and require a permit. Professional portrait photography is not permitted on the farm grounds or in facilities during normal hours of operation. Prior arrangements must be made for after-hour photo shoots inside select facilities. Please call our Reservations Office at 732-842-4000, ext. 1, for details.
In accordance with New Jersey’s Smoke Free Air Act, all Monmouth County parks are tobacco free. The ban applies to cigarettes, pipes, cigars, e-cigarettes, and vaporize cigarettes, as well as smokeless tobacco such as snuff and chew.
Directions
- Garden State Parkway to Exit 114. Southbound, turn right onto Red Hill Rd; northbound, turn left onto Red Hill Rd. Follow Red Hill Rd. to Everett Rd., turn right (heading west). Follow Everett Rd. to Roberts Rd., turn left. Follow Roberts Rd. to Longstreet Rd., turn right to Park on left.
- State Hwy. 34 to Roberts Rd. (1.75 miles north of Rt. 520). Southbound, turn left; northbound, turn right. Follow Roberts Rd. to Longstreet Rd., turn left. Park is on left.
- State Hwy. 35 to Holmdel/Keyport Rd. Northbound, turn left; southbound, turn right. Follow Holmdel/Keyport Rd. to Crawfords Corner Rd., turn left. Continue to Longstreet Rd., turn right Park is on right.