Lecturers 

 

 

Fred Eckert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Founder of NJFH, Fred Eckert is a lover of all things history. He got his start on historic research while at North Eastern Bible College where he read and researched ancient Greek, Roman, and Hebrew history along with biblical apologetics. While he gave up his collegiate experiences to start a family in the mid 80s, he continued to research and study throughout his family years. 

 

After his daughter began working for Historic Speedwell in Morristown, NJ, Fred began researching New Jersey specific history and was amazed at how many incredible stories happened right beneath his feet. With 20 years of sales experience and his talent for story-telling, Fred hopes to inspire other NJ residents to seek out the state's vast and exciting history and to take pride in New Jersey by understanding their past.

 

Fred is currently working on finishing his degree with Centenary College, and plans to continue unconvering New Jersey's Forgotten History until they nail his coffin shut.

 

 

 

Abagail Eckert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a father so steeped in history, it was no surprise that Abagail followed in Fred's footsteps and pursued a historically-heavy career path. As a child, Abagail played fife with the Colonial Musketeers Fife and Drum Corps in Hackettstown, and took an interest in historic music and clothing. She began historic interpretation in college while doing an internship at Waterloo Village, and after graduating, was hired at Historic Speedwell in Morristown. There she expanded her knowledge of historic clothing and became the official seamstress for the Morris County Historic Sites, as well as creating historic costume interest programs for Historic Speedwell.

 

While she still sews the occasional costume, Abagail is currently the administrative assisant of the Department of Social Sciences & History at Faileigh Dickinson University, and is working on a masters in creative writing. In her free time she teaches ancient fife with the Colonial Musketeers,  does Civil War reenacting with her boyfriend, and enjoys attending any festival or fair that allows her to wear historic clothing.