GREAT GATSBY PARTY Returns to Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University Tonight

Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University has announced its September programming, highlighted by the museum's second annual Great Gatsby Party tonight, September 20 (7 p.m. - 11 p.m.). This year's lavish reception will feature handcrafted hors d'oeuvres, 1920s-inspired cocktails, period music, dancing and gambling. Guests are encouraged to don vintage or reproduction Prohibition-era attire, as many did when the museum threw its first such themed event last summer.

"We had such a good time last year, we're throwing the party of the year again," stated Lacey Bongard, Coordinator of Museum Programs, who designed last summer's event to coincide with the much-anticipated release of Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation on DVD. "If you loved the movie, now you can experience the real thing at Liberty Hall. Guests will step back into a time when jazz raged, gin flowed, and Charleston-crazed flappers danced the night away, just like they did at Jay Gatsby's infamous parties."

Admission for Liberty Hall's Great Gatsby Party is $60, and guests must be 21 or over to attend. Ms. Bongard noted that all proceeds from the event will support ongoing historic programming and restoration at Liberty Hall, and encouraged guests to reserve as soon as possible by calling908-527-0400 or emailing libertyhall@kean.edu as space is limited.

Liberty Hall's ongoing programming includes Afternoon Tea, served the second and fourth Wednesday of the month (September 10 & 24) from2 p.m. - 4 p.m. The museum's exquisite traditional tea service, which includes a sumptuous selection of scones, assorted pastries, finger sandwiches, and the freshest of fruit, concludes with an intimate, guided tour of the museum's fascinating travel exhibit, Bon Voyage! 200 Years of Luxury Travel. Admission is $40 per person and reservations are required; call 908-527-0400 or email libertyhall@kean.edu to reserve.

Yoga in the Gardens continues Sunday, September 14 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (in the event of rain, the session will take place indoors). Led by acclaimed teacher Jessica Anderson, Yoga in the Gardens offers practitioners the opportunity to take in the museum's breathtaking grounds and relax while exploring the benefits of doing yoga outside a studio with a certified instructor. Admission is $5 per person, and reservations are suggested; please call 908-527-0400 or email libertyhall@kean.edu. Participants should bring a yoga mat, towel and bottle of water. The final session of Yoga in the Gardens is scheduled for October 12.

Children can learn about farming through hands-on activities they can take home with them at this month's Junior Farmer's Club (Thursday, September 25; meets the fourth Thursday of every month). In this month's meeting, children will learn about apple trees, pick their own apples, and make their own birdhouse with Market Manager Susan Beddia. Two sessions will be offered: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. for ages 2-5, and 3:30-4:30 p.m. for ages 6 & up. Admission is $3 per child, and reservations are required; email farmersmarket@kean.edu for more information.

The young and young at heart will also enjoy Legends & Lore of Old New Jersey: Settlers & Spirits of '76 on Saturday, September 27 (11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m.). Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk will amaze visitors with fables, fairy tales and legends, including the harrowing adventures of William Livingston's daughters during the American Revolution. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children and senior citizens.

Finally, Liberty Hall's weekly Community Farmer's Market continues every Thursday from Noon - 7 p.m. in the museum parking lot. FeaturingJersey Fresh produce, bread, cheese, baked goods, honey, prepared foods, natural skin care products, and food trucks, the market operates rain or shine every Thursday through October 30.

"We can't believe that summer has already ended and it's September," said Director of Museum Operations Bill Schroh. "But that only means that we have lots of great things taking place this fall. The transition of seasons is a beautiful thing to see at Liberty Hall, so visitors should make sure to visit soon."

Founded in 1855, Kean University is New Jersey's most affordable comprehensive public university. As one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, Kean boasts a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving nearly 15,000 students. The Nathan Weiss Graduate College offers three doctorate degree programs and more than 60 options for graduate study leading to master's degrees, professional diplomas or certifications. With locations in Union Township and Toms River, New Jersey, the University's five undergraduate colleges offer 49 undergraduate degrees over a full range of academic disciplines.

Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University chronicles more than 240 years of American history. The museum also houses extensive collections of furniture, ceramics, textiles, toys and tools owned by seven generations of the Livingston and Kean families. The Firehouse Museum, built in 2004, houses three antique fire engines, including a rare 1911 American LaFrance Metropolitan Steam Engine. Tours of Liberty Hall run Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the hour; the last tour departs at 3 p.m. General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for Kean alumni, and $6 for children and seniors. Kean students and faculty are free.

For reservations and further information, call 908-527-0400, e-mail libertyhall@kean.edu or visit www.kean.edu/libertyhall.

Pictured: Guests hit the dance floor at Liberty Hall Museum's first Great Gatsby Party. Photo by Ben Gancsos.

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