Tomorrow evening we kick off to the 2013-2014 season of the Hamilton Township Historical Society's monthly meetings, I will be introducing non-computer users to the wonderful ability the computer offers in bringing LOCAL history to history minded citizens. At the ripe old age of 80, I have witnessed many public functions where the Kodak "Carousel" slide projector brought beautiful and sometimes boring historical objects to the silver screen. Then along came the computer with its ability to digitize (convert) articles and photographs into a beautiful pristine historical ON SCREEN presentation. Many local history minded citizens have seen samples of this innovative method of bringing history alive. A year or so ago, we had a full house as viewers saw photos and articles relating to the late, great New Jersey State Fair. Indeed a local collector whose name I unfortunately never got, brought scrapbooks with his absolutely incredible collection of New Jersey State Fair memorabilia for those in attendance to see. Still others watched in awe as my "THIS WAS CHAMBERSBURG" presentation (dedicated to my dear friend former Hamilton Mayor Maurice "Maury" Perilli). This presentation also had a standing room only attendance. There have been numerous request for a command performance of both of the aforementioned programs, and they will be appearing again in upcoming Hamilton Historical Society or Kuser Mansion programs. When compared to the incredibly well organized Trenton Historical Society website (www.trentonhistory.org), it is no secret that Hamilton Township throughout many generations has been seriously derelict in focusing on Hamilton's rich historical heritage.You will note that the word "LOCAL" has been emphasized above. Local historians and dear friends Jim Colello and Gil Lugossy gave attendees fantastic historical insights to Hamilton's Broad Street Park area of Hamilton, including the Rusling Hose Fire Company. My friend Gary Lippincott, our Groveville "go to guy, along with Groveville native Claire Dwier Zarr have equally fantastic historic lore on the bucolic town of Groveville. The possible exposure to local history is practically endless, and except for the incredibly wonderful Trentoniana collection in the Trenton Free Public Library, and the aforementioned Trenton Historical Society, LOCAL history can once again shine brightly for all citizens to enjoy. In November, I will be presenting another on screen program dealing with Bromley, the little known Fashion Stud Far, and a repeat of the N.J. State Fair program I presented a few years ago. We will learn that Bromley's Adella, Rosalia, and Victor avenues were part of the Kuser family's involvement with the development of that area of Hamilton. Our age old connection to the city of Trenton, and indeed most towns and townships in Mercer County will be an integral part of future programs presented by the Society and also those in future programs at Kuser Mansion . These programs are all completely free of charge to all residents of Hamilton, Trenton, and the outlying townships and villages from Ewing to Lawrence to Pennington, to Hopewell and other Mercer communities. The Monday evening meeting starts at 7:00 P.M. in the lower level of the Hamilton Township Public Library. Refreshments will be served. I hope to see at least a few of the visitors who brought this website to 700,000 plus visits!
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