Lantern-lit cemetery tour to bring 18th-century German Valley history to life in Washington Township, Morris County
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — The Washington Township Historical Society will host a special lantern-lit Historic Evening Cemetery Tour on Saturday, October 25, offering visitors an immersive look into life in 18th-century German Valley.
The event will take place at Union Cemetery, adjacent to the Washington Township Historical Society Museum, located at 6 Fairview Avenue in Morris County. The tour will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with timed-entry tickets required in advance to manage group sizes and reduce wait times.
Participants will walk through the historic cemetery guided by lantern light, encountering costumed reenactors portraying former German Valley residents, including Revolutionary War soldiers, a blacksmith, a judge, farmers, and their families. Each reenactor will share stories based on historical records, offering personal perspectives on life during one of the most formative and challenging periods in early American history.
The museum will also be open during the evening for guests interested in exploring more of the township’s heritage.
Advance tickets will go on sale September 1 through the Historical Society’s online ticketing site. Tickets may also be purchased in person starting September 28, and each Sunday in October from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum, subject to availability. Prices are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12 in advance. Day-of tickets, if available, will cost $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
In case of rain, the tour will be rescheduled for Sunday, October 26 at the same time, with all Saturday reservations honored. Organizers note that due to uneven terrain, the tour is not suitable for those using wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
For more information, visit WTHS.org or the WTHS Facebook page.
