Morristown National Historical Park Museum

Object of the Month

2012-01-12T13:16:00.003-05:00

Edward Savage (1761-1817)
Portrait of George Washington
Circa 1795
Unsigned
Oil on canvas
25 X 30 inches
Morristown National Historical Park, MORR 3252

Physical Description:
This painting reveals the image of an austere and stately George Washington. The background is a dark brown bronze. In almost profile, his face bears a long nose, dark eyes, and a protruding chin. Two brown, arching eyebrows frame his slender features. Four horizontal rows, one above the other, depict his gray and white hair. In a three-quarter length bust portrait, George Washington wears a solid black coat. It is open enough to reveal a white linen shirt underneath. The linen appears to zigzag down Washington’s chest. An ornate, gilded frame adorns the oil portrait.

Attribution:
The history of this George Washington portrait begins with debates about its attribution. Jennie Elizabeth Thompkins of Caldwell, New Jersey donated the painting to the Morristown National Historical Park (MNHP) on May 6, 1941. She believed Gilbert Stuart painted the portrait from life. In addition, she noted that Ebenezer Thayer, the portrait’s first owner, acquired the painting directly from Stuart in Boston or bought it from a Boston museum. The Chicago World’s Fair displayed the painting as a Gilbert Stuart; however, the Washington Centennial Exhibition at the Metropolitan Opera House exhibited the portrait under an unknown artist.[1]

After the portrait arrived in Morristown, the Frick Art Reference Library disputed the Stuart attribution. A letter from September 8, 1941, states: “[The portrait] bears no resemblance to any Stuart of which we find reproduction; it would seem, rather, to be nearer to the Edward Savage type of Washington Portrait.”[2] This letter illustrates that the Frick Art Reference Library compared the photograph of the Washington portrait from Morristown with examples of Stuart’s work. They noted that Washington’s eyes in the MNHP portrait appear dark while Gilbert Stuart’s paintings portray him with grey-blue or hazel eyes.[3] This detail, along with differences in style and technique, proved enough to discredit Gilbert Stuart’s attribution.

The park changed the official attribution to Edward Savage in 1942. The bust portrait of George Washington at the Morristown National Historical Park is an important painting in Savage’s oeuvre, or collective body of work. It displays the influence of Savage’s earlier portraits along with foreshadowing later paintings and mezzotints. While his contemporaries also painted portraits of George Washington, Savage’s portraits reflect his own unique style and technique. His paintings and engravings of George Washington have contributed to our national image of America’s first President.

[1] Information obtained from Mrs. Tompkins, April 28, 1941, MNHP, object file folder, Morr 3252.
[2] Letter from the Frick Art Reference Library to MNHP, September 8, 1941, MNHP, object file folder, Morr 3252.
[3] Letter from R. P. Tolman of the Smithsonian Institution to MNHP, September 20, 1941, MNHP, object file folder, Morr 3252.

Student Intern Exhibit Features Native American Artifacts

2012-01-05T14:53:00.007-05:00

In the fall of 2011, during an internship here at Morristown National Historical Park Museum, archaeology and anthropology major Brian Williams from Drew University utilized the Native American collection on site to create a temporary exhibit now on display at the museum. Through tedious research as well as some help from the staff here at Morristown National Historical Park, Brian created a fascinating exhibit showcasing some of the collection’s most unique artifacts.

Of the 20,000 Native American artifacts in the collection ranging from local tribes such as the Lenne Lenape to artifacts from across the Midwest and South, Brian focused in on a process called “knapping”. The tool-making process of Native Americans through knapping involved lithic reduction. This was done by striking workable material with a much harder tool, such as a rock. It was through this process that Native American tool making took a giant step forward during prehistoric times in North America. Through knapping, Native Americans formed sharper and more useful tools and weapons, some of which are exhibited in Brian’s display. Arrowheads are the most well-known products of knapping and are some of the most fascinating to look at.

The exhibit consists of two display cases, the first of which exhibits the tools

used for the knapping process, while the second shows the process and end results of knapping. Included in the exhibit are some examples created by Brian himself in order to replicate the process while others are the actual artifacts in MNHP’s collection. Through Brian’s work in one short semester, we are now able to showcase some of the more unique artifacts in collection here at Morristown National Historical Park Museum.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow right in MNHP backyard?

2011-12-13T15:34:00.004-05:00

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, by Washington Irving, completes the Halloween season with its thrilling legends of Ichabod Crane, and his ultimate doom with the headless horsemen. But could this timeless supernatural tale have some local history behind it?

As much as Irving was a one of a kind story teller, he was also an avid historical researcher. While settling down in Terry town New York at his estate, Sunnyside, Irving wrote Life of George Washington. Morristown National Historical Park’s Lloyd W. Smith library located at the headquarters’ museum, currently houses the first edition of two of the three volume set, which was printed in 1855.

Allegedly, while Washington Irving was in New Jersey conducting research for his biography Life of George Washington, he came across a local legend dating back to the time of the American Revolution. This story evolved around a Hessian soldier in the “devil’s den” area of the Great Swamp in Morris and Somerset counties. Apparently killed by the Continental Army, a Hessian soldier’s head, nearly severed from the body, remained in the saddle as the horse ran into the swamp. The horseman has been reported over the years by residents who live in the area. Could this story be the original legend of sleepy hollow?

Like all legends, there are discrepancies with this local tale. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was printed between 1819 and 1820. Life of George Washington was first printed four years before Irving’s death. This means that Life of George Washington was printed thirty years after The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. But these dates do not necessarily mean that Life of George Washington took a short time to write. It is possible that before The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was published, Irving could have taken his time researching the man he was named after, George Washington. It is also possible that Washington Irving heard this story from the local town’s people while researching in New York years earlier, and did not hear it when he was in New Jersey.

When investigating this local legend for the park's newsletter, some sources that have published the article were not sure if the story was true. Shadowlands.com's audience sends in their stories to be published the shadowlands website, and so the people that run the site did not have enough manpower to research the story.

Other sources however, had not heard of this legend. The park historican herewas not at all familiar with the story. When discussing this story with a representitive from Historic Hudson Valley who runs Sunnyside, she did not find that the story was true, and believed that Irving most likely heard the tale when researching for his first book about the Hudson valley.

This last finding appears to be the true story...that its just a story.

Living Voices presents Our Revolution October 22

2011-10-17T10:17:00.004-04:00

Join us on Saturday, October 22 at 2 P.M. when Living Voices, a New York based performance arts organization, will return for its second year in a row presenting "Our Revolution" at Washington's Headquarters Museum Auditorium.

"Our Revolution" discusses a delemma faced by the fictionalized "Peter Freeman" whose story is based on true situations faced during the American Revolution. Peter and his brother are faced with the ultimate question: Whose liberty am I fighting for?

For more information, please go to http://www.nps.gov/morr

http://www.livingvoices.org/revo/index.html

Lord Byron Letter... A Fake?

2011-08-04T09:29:00.007-04:00

Lloyd W. Smith Library and Archives Collection

The rumours are true!

Recently, Drew University in Madison, NJ wanted to borrow a letter from the Lloyd W. Smith Collection for their Lord Byron exhibit, documents would be provided by the Byron Society of America. Our chief of cultural resources/curator, Jude Pfister, seized the opportunity to show off the Lord Byron letter and gladly offered the letter to be exhibited.

To cover their bases, Drew University had Doucet Devin Fisher, from New York Public Library, come up and view the letter. While Fisher viewed the document, Fisher noted that there were noticeable discrepancies from other Byron letters.

One of the hints that Fisher saw that backed up this theory was the use of the word "affectionately". It was used by Byron scarcely, but the word was present within the letter to Capt. John Hay. Another hint that the letter may be fake is that the signature "N. Byron" was out of place.

Fisher decided to check out a 12 volume collection by Leslie Marchand, who is known to be one of the leading authorities on Byron. Under the section of forgeries, the discovery was made that the Byron letter was indeed a forgery.

NJnews.com states that "The letter appeares to have been written 50 years after Byron's death in 1824 and sold with other memorabilia...". Lloyd W. Smith, who collected the Byron letter, would be horrified at the sound of that right about now.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Eventually, Dr. Jude Pfister wants to make the letter into a educational exhibit about forgeries. It is uncertain when the exhibit will debut, but stay tuned to find out!

Resources: NJ.com

Museum Technician's Note: To Check out Jude Pfister's interview on WCBS on 880 AM radio about Lord Byron and hear it, Click HERE

Lloyd W. Smith Native American Collection

2011-08-02T13:12:00.008-04:00

My name is Carleigh Moore and I am a rising senior anthropology student at the University of Notre Dame. This summer I am working with the Lloyd W. Smith Native American artifact collection.

At the onset of my internship, roughly four weeks ago, I began cataloguing the Native American collection in order to make it more accessible to the museum staff, researchers, and Native American tribes who may be interested in the collection.

The collection of over 20,000 artifacts is stored in 60 boxes. Within each large box there are several bags of artifacts, grouped by type. The majority of the collection is comprised of various types of stone tools and projectile points.

To complete the cataloguing process, I am methodically going through each bag to record information about every artifact in the collection. Each bag of artifacts receives a catalogue number according to its contents. Next, I photograph the contents of the bag. Finally, I record descriptions of the contents in an excel spreadsheet.

The best part of my job is when I come across something that I have never seen before. In one box, I found several bags of small round stones. I was unaware of their function until I researched and concluded they were most likely used as part of a bola throwing weapon. A bola consists of several connected ropes with weights on the end. Hunters throw the bola and the weapon’s ropes become tangled in the animal’s legs, often making it impossible for the animal to continue running.

While assigning these small stones new catalogue numbers I was in awe of the hunters’ ingenuity. I would have never thought to use these small stones to create such an effective weapon!

Object of the Month: Lydia Maria Child Manuscript

2011-07-26T10:17:00.006-04:00

Description:

Lydia Maria Child (1802-1880) was an American author whose earliest works centered on hearth and home. She founded the children’s periodical Juvenile Miscellany when she was twenty-four years old. By 1831, Child had published The Mother’s Book and The Girl’s Own Book, “both of which,” according to her obituary in The New York Times, “hold places in nearly every New-England family library.”

In that same year, 1831, Child met William Lloyd Garrison. Her subsequent writings forcefully promoted anti-slavery issues. Within a decade she moved to New York to edit the weekly newspaper National Anti-Slavery Standard, a position she held until 1843.

This letter from the Lloyd W. Smith Archives was addressed to a Mr. Frederic Oxnard, and sent from New York in the fall of 1846. It appears that Oxnard had written for Child’s permission to include her in his pending project. Child replied,

“I cheerfully comply with your request, though with a consciousness that you may be often asked why that name was inserted among a gallery of “distinguished” ones; and, like the old Roman, ‘I would prefer that posterity should inquire why no statues were erected for me, rather than ask why they were.’”

Look closely at the bottom right corner of the manuscript. Affixed to the document is circular impression in green wax. The image appears to represent the palm of a right hand. Seals were used in the nineteenth century for a variety of purposes, often to secure envelopes. This particular seal, however, was not meant to be broken, and remains intact after more than one hundred and fifty years.

Featured Manuscript:

Child to Oxnard (November 3, 1846). LWS 2471. Lloyd W. Smith Archival Collection, Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, New Jersey.

Sources:

“Child, Lydia Maria.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 11 July 2011. .

“Obituary: Lydia Maria Child.” The New York Times, October 21, 1880.

“sigillography.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2011. Web. 15 July 2011.

Museum Technician's note: Blog made by one of the Cultural Resources summer interns, Anne Ricculli

Archival Ambassadors Program First Year A Success

2011-07-21T16:01:00.005-04:00

The Archival Ambassadors Program, headed by Sarah Minegar and Jude Pfister of Morristown NHP, just finished their first year with a success!

What is the Archival Ambassadors Program about?

The Archival Ambassadors Program is a 4-week summer program where graduate level students (such as Elizabeth, Peter, Andrea, Lacey and Lauren, who were chosen this year) decide to spend some of their summer exploring the endless boxes of archives, and put together a traveling archives box. Not only do they put together a traveling archives box, but by the end of the summer, the graduate students meet with high school students among the grade levels of 10th, 11th, and 12th, (who are nominated by their teachers) and both groups of students put together a exhibit that is featured on community day. Community day is led by the graduate students.

The graduate students can receive college credit, and the high school students receive a certificate on community day.

Interested?

Any students who are interested in history, historical documents, artifacts, public history, archives, and have museum research experience should go to the Primary Source Seminar Blog on the main page, on the right hand side where you can find more information on how to apply.

* Museum Technician's Note: Special thanks to Sarah Minegar who was a big part of making this first year such an success. Great Job!

Object of the Month: Captain Cook prints

2011-06-16T11:15:00.014-04:00

Description:

The two prints depicted here, A Night Dance by Men in Hapaee and Articles Sandwich Islands reflect how vast and rich James Cook’s final voyage was.

A Night Dance by Men in Hapaee exhibits the exoticism of Polynesian dances. Seated at the centre foreground is Captain Cook who is flanked by his crew. Bare-chested dancers perform a dance to a rhythm provided by men striking the ground with bamboo poles. John Webber engraved this scene c. 1774 on the island of Hapaee (Ha’apai, Central Tonga).

Articles Sandwich Islands displays wooden weapons, sharks teeth, a musical gourd instrument with feathers, an idol with mother of pearl eyes and dogs teeth and boar’s tusk bracelet. John Webber was also the artist of these objects c. 1785 at Cook’s last voyage in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii.

The exquisite prints produced by the artists on Cook’s voyages come from Lloyd W. Smith as part of his extensive archival and rare book collection donated to the park in 1955.

MORR?

About Cook's Voyage:

Born in 1728 in Marton Yorkshire, Britain, Cook joined the Royal Navy and sailed his first voyage around the world on the ‘Endeavour’ from 1768-1771. He sailed three voyages in total in the 1770’s, and was killed on the third voyage in an unfortunate miscommunication between his men and the native in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii in 1779. Cook was attempting to circumnavigate the globe in an attempt to define shipping routes, trade routes, identify new societies and cultures, and to determine the position and extent of the west side of North America.

Cook had naturalists, anthropologists, and artists (no cameras of course) among others, to document the exotic sites and peoples he encountered, and to collect biological specimens. Men such as Henry Roberts, William Hodges, Sydney Parkinson, and John Webber joined Cook to document what they saw by sketching drawings, maps, and engravings. These prints that were produced by the artists are among the most valuable productions and developments from an anthropological standpoint during a very active decade for the British.

Resources:

Morristown NHP Collection
Bound volumes of Captain Cooke's voyage to the Pacific Ocean exists in the Morristown Library Collection

Object of the Month: Joseph Plumb Martin and Yankee Doodle

2011-05-31T14:53:00.017-04:00

Description:

Narrative of Some of the Adventures, Dangers and Sufferings of a Revolutionary Soldier, (known today as Private Yankee Doodle),which is featured in this month's object of the month. The volume held at Morristown NHP (picture above) is a first edition which was published anonymously and is now known to have been written by Joseph Plum Martin. The volume is unusual in that both the front and back boards are literally boards. The cover consists of paper cover wood with a gold tooled and quarter leather spine. There is an inscription on the title page presumably front a former owner which reads, Charles C. Tyler Cooper, 1839. The publication date is 1830.

The book was donated to the museum in 1959 by Lloyd W. Smith via 1955 and is part of the rare book collection.

MORR 9600

About Joseph Plumb Martin:

Joseph Plumb Martin entered active military service at age 15 in 1776. During his eight-year tour of duty in the army, he kept a journal of his experiences.

In 1830, he published his memoir, based on his journals composed during the Revolution, under the title A Narrative of Some of the Adventures, Dangers and Sufferings of a Revolutionary Solider. The work is a vivid first-person account of the life and times of a common Revolutionary War solider and is often referred to for its detailed descriptions in terms of understanding the life of a continental solider.

The work however suffers from a malady quite common of period in which it was published and of the style and genre of writing. Put simply, Martin tended to embellish or exaggerate episodes and events to present a more favorable or action-packed account of his or the armies exploits.

Again, while this was common, modern readers and researchers should rely on Martin with an appropriate amount of caution added. Martin was 70 years old when he published the work, but memory beyond what is reasonable in most individuals.

Finally, the work suffered one more malady common to historical tracts of the period: poor sales. It was Morristown NHP superintendent Dr. Francis Ronalds who showed the Morristown NHP copy to George Scheer who then edited the volume for publication as Private Yankee Doodle. It has not been out of print for over 50 years.

Resources:

Chronicle of The Revolutionary War, Joseph Plumb Martin." Liberty! The American Revolution. PBS, h.d. Web. 2 June 2011. plummartin.html>.

"Selections from the Diary of Private Joseph Plumb Martin."

USHistory.org. Independence Hall Association, 2010. Web. 2011.

Object of the Month: Open Front Cupboard

2011-04-28T15:01:00.009-04:00

Description:
The cupboard’s upper section has an open front with molding around all edges and is arched at the top. There are three shelves within the upper section. Each of the three shelves are cut concavely, with two lower shelves containing a round projectile in the center of the shelf.
The lower section possesses a single paneled door, with mounted hinges. The door also has a keyhole and turn-button fastener. There is a concealed drawer between the upper and lower sections.

MORR 4815

About open front cupboards:
According to word-origins.com, the definition of a cupboard is “a board; or table, on which cups (and other pieces of crockery or plate) were placed for display” (Blackburn, 1). The extensive use of a cupboard began roughly around the 14th century, when there was a surplus of food that was provided to the poor, and a storage unit was needed.
Eventually, from this humble beginning, cupboards evolved over time into armoires, hutches, and side boards utilized for various types of storage within the overall open front cupboard design.

The open front cupboard, belonging in the livery cupboard category, was mainly found in bedrooms so that “a supply of food and drink was readily available when a very long interval separated the last meal of the evening from the first in the morning”(Chisholm, 634). The cupboard was often small enough to stand upon its own as a minor piece of furniture or as a larger sideboard or cabinet requiring significant space in a room. Most designs featured a variation of the open front with balusters, just like the one featured in the object of the month.

Resources:

Blackburn, Graham. “A Short History of Cupboards.” Fine WoodWorking.com. Taunton Home and Garden Network, 2011. Web. 26 Apr 2011.

“The Encyclopedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature, and General Information."Google e-book. Ed. Hugh Chisholm. University Press, 2006. Web. 26 Apr 2011.

Object of the month: Chippendale Style Tiger Maple Slant Front Desk

2011-03-22T11:10:00.004-04:00

Description:

The front of the desk has a rectangular top over a lunged fall front opening. The interior has four short document drawers with fan carving accents. The center document door leads to a secret compartment. The compartment has over six figured cubbyholes. Under the cubby holes are four short convex drawers set back and above two short drawers to support the lid.

Under the lid, there are four graduated overlapping drawers with brass lulls on ogee bracket feet. The desk has a Branchburg, NJ provenance.

MORR 686

History of the Writing Desk:

A desk is a table dedicated to reading or writing, and as such originally implied a sloping top. The sloping top, in fact, constituted practically the entirety of early desks, since these were used primarily in monasteries and universities before the invention of the printing press when the books that were read or written were large parchment volumes.

After the introduction of printing, books became more plentiful (and were no longer commonly chained to the desk) and smaller, so that they no longer required such massive supports. Consequently the desk evolved into what we now call a desk box: a relatively small box with a sloping lid. For several hundred years the term “desk” implied something portable, even when fitted with small drawers and made large enough to store several books and various writing impedimenta.

Inevitably desks were provided with stands and could be confused with a new type of furniture known originally as an “escritoire,” or “scriptor” (from the Latin word to write) designed primarily for writing. This new type of furniture was originally made much like a legged cabinet, the front of which folded down to provide a writing surface, frequently lined with wool, hence the name “bureau,” from the French word bure, meaning wool.

An important exception, and one than presaged the flat-topped modern desk, was the kneehole desk: a small cabinet designed for writing with drawers surrounding a central recess that allowed the user to sit up close to the writing surface.

By the 18th century, bureaux and desks were essentially the same item, and with the introduction of larger pieces that included shelving or other storage space above the writing surface, the secretary was born, although for a long time the commoner term was “bureau-cabinet” and sometimes “writing-cabinet.”

Of course, other combinations were inevitable, such as secretaire-bookcases, but all retained the central function of providing a surface for writing on, which was the original function of a desk. The term “desk,” however, has now been limited to a flat-topped table designed for commercial rather than domestic use, and has continued to evolve into further varieties such as a partner’s desk, essentially a double desk designed to accommodate a user on both sides; a roll top desk, which is practically another form of the 18th- and 19th-century secretary but with a curved and articulated lid rather than a drop-down flap that also functions as the writing surface; and the computer table.

Resource:

http://www.finewoodworking.com/PlansAndProjects/PlansAndProjectsAllAbout.aspx?id=3029

Revolutionary Times Weekend: April 15, 16, & 17, 2011

2011-03-22T09:49:00.004-04:00

NPS Photo.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 15, 16 and 17, 2011, historic and cultural sites in the greater Morristown, New Jersey area will present "Revolutionary Times Weekend," a weekend of American Revolution-related programs. To help promote the imprtance of Morristown and New Jersey to the American Revolution, all of the special events will be held at sites within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area.

Details are as follows:

Friday, April 15th
Naturalization Ceremony – 1 p.m. at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum, 30 Washington Place, Morristown. Welcome new American citizens as they take the oath of allegiance to the United States. Immigrant and founding father Alexander Hamilton (as portrayed by a costumed interpreter) will be the keynote speaker. The Martha Washington Tea and Reception follows the ceremony at 2 p.m. Both events are open to the public at no charge. For more information: 973-539-2016 x 210.

Over Here and Over There: Morris County’s Role in WWII: Preserving the Freedoms Won in the American Revolution – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Special exhibition at the Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall, 68 Morris Avenue, Morristown. Repeats on Sunday, April 17th. Admission fee. For more information: 973-267-3465.

Conversation and Libations with Alexander Hamilton – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cocktail reception with Alexander Hamilton, founding father and a General Washington aide-de-camp in Morristown during the 1779-1780 encampment (portrayed by a costumed interpreter). At the Morristown Club, 27 Elm Street, Morristown. $25 per person. Reservations required, 973-292-1874.

Saturday, April 16th
First Annual Symposium of the North Jersey American Revolution Round Table – 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 at the Washington’s Headquarters Museum, 30 Washington Place, Morristown. Scheduled speakers include David Cowen, Carrie Fellows, Executive Director of Macculloch Hall Historical Museum; Jude Pfister, Chief of Cultural Resources, Morristown National Historical Park; Robert Mayer and Marc Mappen. Free for NJARRT members. Reservations required, email: njamerrevrt@aol.com.

Meet the Speakers: Colonial Luncheon with the Symposium Speakers – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morristown Club, 27 Elm Street, Morristown. $22 per person. Reservations required, 973-292-1874.

Jockey Hollow Continental Army Encampment – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adjacent to the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center, Tempe Wick Road, Morristown. Join the Second New Jersey Regiment. Helms’ Company and approximately 40 additional costumed reenactors as they present military and camp-life demonstrations throughout the day, including special "recruitment drills" for children. Repeats on Sunday, April 17th. All events are open to the public at no charge. For more information: 973-539-2016 x 210 or 973-543-4030.

Spring in the Wick Garden – Noon to 4 p.m. Adjacent to the Jockey Hollow Visitor Center, Tempe Wick Road, Morristown. Volunteers from the Herb Society of America, Northern New Jersey Unit will be available to give tours of the historic Wick Garden and answer questions about the garden. Repeats on Sunday, April 17th. Open to the public at no charge. For more information: 973-539-2016 x 210 or 973-543-4030.

Montville Dutch Revolutionary Times with the Outwater’s Brigade Militia - 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Henry Doremus House, 490 Route 202, and Dutch Stone Outkitchen, 52 Jacksonville Road, Montville. Activities include reenactments and spinning & weaving demonstrations and tours of historic sites. Repeats on Sunday, April 17th (1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ONLY on Sunday). All events are open to the public at no charge.

Fosterfields: Then and Now – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, 73 Kahdena Road, Morristown. Walks and talks on early Fosterfields history, and cooking and agricultural activities that compare colonial life with the early 20th century and now. Admission fee. For more information: http://www.morrisparks.net/.

Children’s Colonial Crafts and Games - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown. Join a Morris Museum educator to learn about children during the Revolutionary War. Admission fee; members free. For more information: http://www.morrismuseum.org/.

Mirror of History: The Livingston-Benedict House 1752-2011 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Livingston-Benedict House, 25 Old Parsippany Road, Parsippany. Repeats on Sunday, April 17th. Crafts, demonstrations and costumed reenactors bring history to life. All events are open to the public at no charge; donations are accepted.

Walking Tour of the Historic Presbyterian Church Burying Ground – 2:30 p.m. The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, East Park Place. Join Scott Shepherd, local historian and author of "Who’s Who in the Graveyard" as he helps you explore the burying ground where a variety of luminaries are interred. No reservations needed but limited to the first 25 people. Free. Rain or shine.

Sunday, April 17th
Intrepid Majors Millidge & Morris: Hanover Township’s Highest Ranking Officers Choose Opposite Sides in the American Revolution – 8:50 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Whippany, 494 NJ Route 10 West in Whippany (parking lot behind church, off the Whippany Road intersection jughandle). Local historian Don Kiddoo will recount the life stories of surveyor Thomas Millidge who served with the Tory Loyalists supporting the British, and tavern keeper Joseph Morris who fought for the Washington's Continental Army. Light breakfast available. The event is open to the public at no charge, no reservations required. For more information: 973-887-2197.

Special Showing of the NJN Program, Morristown: Where America Survived – 2 p.m. at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown. Included in museum admission fee; members free. For more information: http://www.morrismuseum.org/.

A Day in the Life of a Morristown Woman – 2:30 p.m. gallery talk at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Avenue, Morristown. Museum Executive Director Carrie Fellows’ practical experience performing domestic tasks with period techniques and tools will provide special insight as she helps you explore the most common domestic occurrences of late 18th-century Morristown – food preparation, housework, childrearing and related activities. The presentation will occur in the School Room Gallery where the exhibition Hearth and Home: A Century of Family Life is on display through June. Reservations required; call 973-538-2404 x 10. Admission fee; members are free.
****
Sponsors and Participants
Crossroads of the American Revolution Association
Eastern National
First Presbyterian Church in Whippany
Herb Society of America, Northern New Hersey Unit
Livingston-Benedict House, Parsippany
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
Montville Township Historical Society
Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall
Morris County Park Commission, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
Morris County Tourism Bureau
Morris Museum
Morristown Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
National Park Service, Morristown National Historical Park
North Jersey American Revolution Round Table
Second New Jersey Regiment, Helms’ Company and other regiments
The Presbyterian Church in Morristown and Scott Shepherd
The Washington Association of New Jersey
****
Questions? Contact Justin Monetti at: justin_monetti@nps.gov.

"Our Revolution" by Living Voices at the Museum 2 P.M., Saturday, March 19th

2011-03-01T11:11:00.000-05:00

Morristown National Historical Park is pleased to announce "Our Revolution: The Meaning of Liberty from the Perspective of an African-American Soldier." The performance will take place in the auditorium.

Admission to the performance is included in the $4 entrance fee to the museum however, seating is limited and is on first-come, first-served basis.

Living Voices is a New York based performance arts organization that uses theatre, video, and live interaction for high impact storytelling. "Our Revolution" features the dilemmas faced by the fictionalized "Peter Freeman" whose story is based on true situations that Blacks faced during the American Revolution. In the 1770's, Peter was a free man in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. When the colonial conflict with the British government reaches his town of Concord, Peter and his brother goes to sea and is stolen by privateers and sold into slavery. By the time the colonies declare their independence, Peter and his brother find themselves on opposite sides of war, where they are each forced to face the question: Whose liberty am I fighting for? Walk in the footprints of a soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolution as he struggles to find a place for himself during the birth of both a new country and a new people--the first generation of African-Americans in the United States of America.

Object of the month: Bust of George Washington

2011-02-15T14:14:00.004-05:00

Description:

Marble bust of George Washington with attributions of Jean-Antoine Houdon and Hiram Powers.

Natural size: 25" high, 17" across shoulders, 5" round pedestal.

It is of the class having antique dress, in this case showing Washington in toga drapery. White marble.

Resembles, somewhat, the plaster bust owned by the N.Y. Historical Society. The face resembles the Houdon bust owned by the Stockholm National Museum. Slight W.A. label states: "Marble bust of Washington by Houdon." Continuing research indicates bust may have more qualities attributable to Hiram Powers.

About Washington's stay at Morristown:

For two critical winters of the American Revolution, 1777 and 1779-80, General George Washington chose the Morristown, New Jersey area as the main Continental Army's winter encampment. Because of its strategic location, the area continually served as the military capital throughout the war. During the 1779-1780 Jockey Hollow encampment, over 10,000 soldiers endured the war's most severe winter.

Morristown National Historical Park was established in 1933 to preserve and commemorate the story of of the Continental Army struggling to survive during the American Revolution. The park consists of four non-contiguous units including the Washington's Headquarters unit, Fort Nonsense, Jockey Hollow, and the New Jersey Brigade area.

Resource:

Morristown National Historical Park

"The Many Faces of George Washington" Traveling Exhibit at the museum February 15-March 25,2011

2011-02-03T13:42:00.004-05:00

The Washington Assocation of New Jersey, The mount Vernon Ladies' Assocation and Morristown National Historical Park (NHP) are pleased to announce the national premiere of the traveling panel exhibition, "The Many Faces of George Washington."

"The Many Faces of George Washington" explores the breadth of Washington's leadership abilities. Not only does the exhibit touch upon his well-known achievements, but it also highlights many of his accomplishments that prove to be suprising and fascinating. The content is organized into seven sections, with each consisting of four double-sided seven-foot tall panels, approximately 24 inches wide. Each panel will feature quality reporduction images of items such as portraits, land surveys, maps, clothing and letters.

Update: Extended through April 10, 2011

Object of the Month: French Sundial and Compass

2011-01-05T15:21:00.004-05:00

Description:

Pocket-size combination sundial and compass, silver.

Morr 5536

Roman numerals indicate the time of day around the face. Arabic numerals are underneath. Engraved. Dial indicator also engraved. On the underside, a flower design is engraved and "Roch blongeau/Paris 1673."

About Sundials:

People judged the time of day by the length and position of the sundial's sticks shadow.

The technical name is "gnomon" (NO mon) which is Greek for "The one that knows."

By angling the gnomon north, it was found that the gnomon had more of an accurate reading then any other position. Because its angle makes up for the tilt of the Earth, the hour marks remained the same all year long, unlike clocks today. After this discovery, people were able to construct sundials that were much better at keeping accurate time.

History:

Egyptians began using a T-shaped "time stick". It consisted of one vertical stick and one crossbar. The names of five hours were written on the stick in hieroglyphics.

Around 1500 BC smaller Egyptian timepieces were created. The sundial was a smaller version of the obelisk.

In the Middle Ages peasants in northern Europe used sundials carved into the bottom of their wooden clogs. To tell time, the peasant would take off his shoe and stand it up facing the sun. The hour was told by the shadow the heel cast on the dial. Another medieval European device for telling time was the hand dial.

During the Renaissance period sundials changed rapidly and many various designs were created. In addition to having hour and minute marks for telling time, other features were sometimes added. Some sundials had markings to indicate the seasons, the calendar date, the times of sunrise and sunset, Zodiac signs, and the points of the compass.

People continued to make sundials long after clocks were invented. Today most people who have sundials in their gardens use them for decoration rather than as a way of keeping time. Thanks to the invention of the digital wristwatch, people no longer need to carry around a portable sundial.

Resources:

http://www.fi.edu/time/Journey/Sundials/aboutsd.htm

Object of the Month: War of 1812 Flag

2010-12-09T15:21:00.005-05:00

Description:

The flag is believed to have been in the possession of the Morris rifle company. It is constructed of green silk fabric with an eagle painted on white silk. The frame is made of basswood and the front is made of protective plexiglass.

Morr 5622

About the War of 1812:

The War of 1812 lasted for over two years, and ended in stalemate. It did however, once and for all confirm American Independence. The offensive actions of the United States failed to capture Canada. On the other hand, the British army was successfully stopped when it attempted to capture Baltimore and New Orleans.

List of major battles during The War of 1812:

U.S.

Battle of Tippecanoe

Battle of Lake Erie

Capture of Ft. Niagara

Battle of Washington

Battle of Baltimore

Battle of New Orleans

Canada

Battle of Queenston Heights

Battle of French town

Battle of York

Capture of Ft. George

Battle of Stoney Creek

Battle of Beaver Dams

Battle of Thames

Battle of Chateauguay

Capture of Crysler's Farm

Battle of Chippawa

Battle of Lundy's Lane

Resources:

Websites- http://www.historycentral.com/1812/ and http://www.library.thinquest.org/22916/exbattles.html

Object of the Month: Cartridge Box

2010-11-08T13:05:00.008-05:00

Photos taken by Steve Newfield a volunteer with the Cultural Resource Division.

Description:

Above is a British light infantry cartridge box. The cartridge is a wooden box with a leather cover. The initials "GR" is imprinted on the flap. The cartridge box holds 18 cartridges and is said to come from Connecticut.

MORR-242

About cartridge boxes:

Cartridge boxes were often worn off the shoulder with a leather strap. Individual cartridges were wrapped in pieces of paper.

Cartridge boxes were first used in the early 1700's.

Resources:

N/A

Object of the month: Calender Print- September

2010-09-09T10:44:00.010-04:00

Description:

The subject depicting September is wearing a mobcap with lace edging which ties under her chin with red ribbons. Her Dutch hairstyle is evident by the ringlets hanging down her back.

She wears a mustard colored open robe gown. A fichu is draped over her shoulders and tucked in the front of the gown. At her elbows, you can see the ruffles of her chemise.

Notice the white kid “mittens” she is wearing. The flap that covers her knuckles is turned back toward her wrist.

Leaning on her cloak of blue material, she holds a pomegranate in her left hand. Her right hand holds a pomegranate seed, ready to eat.

In the window behind her is a cache of fruit. An orchard is seen in the background with a worker on a ladder harvesting fruit.

In the background, two men are fishing from a small boat.

Engraved: T. Burford.

Morr3217

About T. Burford and the subjects depicted in the calendar:

Thomas Burford was born in 1710 and died in 1770 in London. He was a member of the Incorporated Society of Artists. His prints are dated from 1741 to 1765. He is best known as a portrait engraver and "Mr. John Chaloner Smith" in his catalogue of British Mezzotinto Portraits describes 20 plates by him in addition to a set of twelve 2/4 length portraits of ladies in ovals representing the months published in 1745.

The ladies that represent the 12 months of the year are mezzotints, that are hand colored. Having the complete set of twelve is unusual. The prints represent with clarity the feminine fashions and interiors of the middle 18th century. The costumes portrayed range from simple house dresses of the period to elaborate silk and brocade gowns of highest the fashion.

Resource:

Morristown NHP resources

Fall Teacher Workshop at Morristown

2010-09-09T10:13:00.004-04:00

Morristown National Historical Park is hosting a professional development opportunity planned for this fall.

Teachers and education majors are invited to attend the annual Primary Source Seminar fall teacher workshop, November 10, 2010. Teacher workshops are designed to familiarize educators with the Primary Source Seminar offerings and provide teachers with resources and valuable training in primary source use in the classroom.

This fall, the workshop will be lead by teacher, Laurie Johnson, who was chosen this past summer to work with the seminar and the museum's Lloyd W. Smith Collection. She was able to do so upon The National Park Foundation's Stewardship Grant the museum received. Ms. Johnson will focus on techniques for teaching Document Based Questions (DBQs).

Workshops are FREE for teachers and educaton majors, and participating teachers will receive professional development certificates. Morning refreshments and lunch are provided.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Minegar, Archives Technician/Museum Educator at Morristown NHP

or e-mail Sarah at: Sarah_Minegar(at)NPS(dot)GOV

To learn more about Primary Source Seminar, you can go to www.primarysourceseminar.blogspot.com or click the link on the right side of the home page.

object of the month: Small wall clock

2010-08-19T10:25:00.004-04:00

*Photography taken by Steve Newfield, a volunteer for the Cultural Resources Division.

Desciption:

Wag-on-the-wall clock, 12'' high, face 8 1/4'' in diameter.

The small wall clock, is also known as chamber or a lantern clock. Roman numerals are in dark brown on white. There are red circles enclose the numerals. The bell is brass. Note its working condition. The hands are missing, and a simulated hour hand. The original weight is also missing. The simulated weight is attached to the end of a manila cord.

Morr 4761

The history of the wall clock:

The first wall clock was powered by a spring mechanism and was invented in Germany around 1510. The mechanism was the first for wall clocks, but were not very accurate.

A major advancement was the pendulum wall clock. This clock was developed by Christiaan Huygens in 1656. The mechanism depends on the swinging motion of the pendulum arm. Although very accurate, the only problem with the pendulum clocks was that they had to be restarted once the pendulum ran out of momentum.

The early battery power in the 19th century made such inventions a thing of the past. But in 1920, the quartz crystal clock was invented, from which most present day clocks are based. Quartz crystal vibrates or oscillates at a constant frequency when low voltage and pressure are applied. The oscillation moves the clocks hands precisely and that proved to be the end of the pendulum type clock.

Quartz driven clocks have become time pieces we now depend on today.

Resources:

http://www.wallclockscenter.com/evolution-wall-clocks-other-timepieces/

Object of the month: Gold Bull's eye pocket watch

2010-07-19T09:45:00.005-04:00

Photographs taken by Steve Newfield, a volunteer with the Cultural Resource Division.

Description:

This watch is an English Gold bull's pocket watch by Marmaduke Storr, done in London in 1773. The size of the case is 2'' in diameter, and 1/2'' thick.

The watch has a white enamel face, and contains a chased and engraved case with the back initialed with a letter "B". The back of the watch is delicately engraved. The case is hallmarked with the year of 1773. The enamel is chipped, and the key is missing.

Morr 3926

History of the pocket watch:

The pocket watch has been around since the 16th century. The pocket watch was at first more square in design and somewhat larger. At this time, pocket watches were only availiable to the wealthy.

In the 17th century, artists with designs and craftmanship florished. Clock makers began developing cases and later dials that were signed by the watch maker during this period.

During the 18th century, the use of diamonds and oil to smooth movement of the hands became a popular trend. Also, 3 hands on the clock became the standard for watches that made the watches have better accuracy in time telling.

The "glory days" of the pocketwatch however did not develop until the 19th century. During the 19th century, clock designers began to rise, such as Ulyssee Nardin, Minerva, Heuer and many others. Craftmanship was refined and clock makers began producing in industry scale. Lastly, the crown winder was introduced.

In the 20th century, certifigates were issued to those who created the best design. Unfortunately, during the later part of the 20th century, pocket watches began to fade due to the rising popularity of wrist watches.

Today, pocket watches come in different designs and colors. The price range various on design and if jewels such as diamonds were added. Pocket watches make a good gift and are still around today.

Resources:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-Of-The-Pocket-Watch&id=284047

Historic Ford Mansion opens...but improvement projects still continue

2010-07-06T11:31:00.006-04:00

Photo taken by T. Winslow

The park is pleased to announce that the historic Ford Mansion, which was closed in October 2009 because of the installation of a fire suppression system, is now open for tours.

The first part of the project is complete, and all of the necessary hardware, pipes and sprinkler heads are now in the house. The second phase of the project involves installing a new waterlineto the house; that work is ongoing with a targeted completion date of late fall 2010.

To prepare for the installation project, the park's curatorial staff removed the majority of the Ford Mansion's furnishings and decorative arts pieces. The staff has now refurnished about fifty-percent of the house. As they continue to refurnish the Ford Mansion, visitors on tour of the house throughout the summer will be able to observe a historic preservation and interpretive improvement project in progress. In addition to the wall to wall carpeting that was in the main halls and stairwells. The wood floors underneath are now revealed and this allows for a greater understanding by visitors of what the house might have looked like in the late 1700s. In place of the carpeting, the staff laid down clear plastic matting to protect the floors.

Tours of the Ford Mansion are offered daily and begin in the adjacent 1930s Washington's Headquarters Museum located at 30 Washington Place, Morristown, New Jersey. During the transition phase with the ongoing improvement projects, the Ford Mansion tour schedules are subject to change.

Please call 973-539-2016 x210 for the most up-to-date information.

Object of the month: English double barreled flintlock pistol

2010-06-19T09:33:00.001-04:00

*Photography taken by Steve Newfield, a volunteer from the Cultural Resources Division.

Description:

The barrel is 6'' long, its caliber is about .35. The pistol contains Birmingham proof marks (crown and sceptre) on barrels. Birmingham hall marks are on the silver mask; anchor, lion and date letter (1781-82). The barrels are brass. The lock is marked "London" on the left side. The pistol contains silver wire on its grip. It only has one hammer and contains a silver plate on the grip engraved, "GL".

The pistol is from the late American Revolution, and reportedly captured in the Revolutionary War.

Morr 2179

About Revolutionary War pistols:

Due to the shortage of muzzle loading rifles and pistols with bayonets during the Revolutionary War, soldiers had to use other weapons from where they lived. Pistols were used as one of these house hold items. Officers and men of higher stature often carried pistols.

The pistol was limited to 2-3 rounds per minute because the individual had to load each shell, often not being able to hit targets as they hoped. Accuracy of the pistol was terrible from long distances. However, pistols were excellent for dueling because of the short accuracy and easy handling.

Pistol designs range from a intricate design on the barrel, butt and handle, to an ordinary plain pistol.

Resources:

http://revolutionarywarantiques.com/Revolutionary-War-Pistols

Spend your 4th of July at Morristown National Historic Park!

2010-06-17T15:41:00.005-04:00

Morristown National Historical Park's (NHP) July 4th activities begin at noon on the park's Washington's Headquarters grounds, 30 Washington Place, with a "Warm-Up for the Declaration." The "Warm-Up" will feature a park ranger in period clothing entertaining the crowd and giving a "kids level" explanation of the Declaration. Stories, jokes, riddles, and an inspection of the troops will all be included.

At 1 p.m. the "Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence" will commence. Attendees will be given a copy of the Declaration, and encouraged to cheer along with park rangers and re-enactors as they denounce tyranny and praise liberty. At the conclusion of the reading, members of the 2nd New Jersey Regiment, Helms' Company, a volunteer re-enactment group, will fire a feu de joie (musket salute).

Following the reading of the Declaration, historical balladeer Linda Russell will perform Revolutionary-era music. Through ballads, broadsides, love songs, marches, drinking songs, dance tunes and Revolutionary War anthems, Ms. Russell will bring the eighteenth century to life.

Visitors are asked to bring water to drink and a chair or a blanket to sit on the ground, and are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather including wearing a hat and sunscreen. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to carpool or walk to the event.

There is no admission fee on July 4th.
General Public Contact: 973-539-2016, x 210 or 973-543-4030

Phillipsburg high school teacher Laurie Johnson to participate in park stewards program at Morristown NHP

2010-06-08T10:17:00.003-04:00

Laurie Johnson of Phillipsburg High School is joining Morristown NHP this summer in expanding the Primary Source Seminar educational program. The Primary Source Seminar Program is designed to utilize the park's archival collection, and to teach AP high school students researching skills necessary for college.

The National Park Foundation's Park Stewards program is designed to build a deeper connection and sense of stewardship for national parks among high school students. Morristown and 19 other parks across the country were awarded nearly $300,000 in grant money.

With the help of Ms. Johnson and the Stewards program, the park will form the basis for the "Archival Ambassador" program. Jude Pfister, Chief of Cultural Resources, and Sarah Minegar, Archives Technician/Museum Educator will be running the program with Ms. Johnson's expertise.

Please visit us on facebook and twitter at facebook.com/nationalpark and twitter.com/MorristownNPS

Object of the month: The Early Years of the Saturday Club Part I by Edward Waldo Emerson

2010-05-18T10:23:00.012-04:00

The first image is the binding of the book. The second image to the right is a sketch of Andrew Johnson. He also autographed the picture.

The letter was written by R.W. Evenlyn? and Charles K. Whipple, by Committee. The sketch to the right is of Boston, and Bunker Hill from the east.

*Both images were taken by Steve Newfield, a volunteer for the Cultural Resources Division.*

Description:

Paper bound book, with blue cover and gold colored lettering and decoration on the binding and front of the book. Part I was collected between 1855-1870. Published December, 1918.

Morr 9687

Bout The Early Saturday Club:

The Early Years of the Saturday Club was put together in Boston, Massachusetts by Emerson, along with the help of Professor Bliss Perry. The sketches in the book was sketched by Perry, Mr. Storey, Governor McCall, Mr. DeWolfe Howe, and Mr. Edward W. Forbes. Each sketch was initialed by the writer.

According to Emerson, "The original plan preserve a record of its first half-century of its existence." Part I includes 13 years of the clubs history. The suggestion to archive and write a book about the club was presented by president Elliot.

The club met in Boston, and was established in 1855. The club had monthly gatherings of writers, scientists, philosophers, historians and others.

Some of the clubs members includes William H. Prescott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, John M. Forbes, John C. Gray, William W. Goodwin, Samuel Hoar, and Robert S. Peabody.

Resources:

The Early Years of the Saturday Club by Edward Emerson

1/3rd of Military Gallery installation complete!

2010-04-20T14:23:00.008-04:00

Just in time for Revolutionary War Weekend, 1/3 of the Military gallery was debuted Friday, April 16, 2010.

The new 3rd of the gallery features prospectives from the two leaders, George III, King of England and George Washington. The gallery looks at seminal battles from New Jersey, such as Monmouth and Princeton.

The gallery also features an upright cannon, George Washington's military sword, and a genuine musket just to name a few.

New Temporary exhibit: Lloyd Smith's Native American Collection

2010-04-20T12:36:00.005-04:00

*Above is Janine, a intern from Drew University who helped design the Native American exhibit.

A new temporary exhibit has been added in the back of the auditorium at Morristown National Historic Park's George Washington Headquarters. The featured exhibit is from the Lloyd Smith Collection.

Little is known about the native American collection that Lloyd Smith donated to the park upon his death. Some say he had school children dig for native American archeology in his backyard, while other evidence suggests that the majority of this collection was from private dealers and auctions that took part during the great depression in the United States.

The focus of the exhibit is on the native Americans who lived on the east coast (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and surround areas) before European contact. The exhibit displays the daily life of a native American. Some of the objects on display includes fragments of pipes, a woman's knife, net weights and various other archaeological objects.

The exhibit was completed by Krystal Poelstra, museum technician and intern Janine Billadello, who is currently studying archeology at Drew University in Madison.

Revolutionary Times Weekend: A roaring success!

2010-04-19T13:00:00.008-04:00

In case you missed it, Revolutionary Times Weekend kicked of Friday, April 16th and ended April 18th 2010.

Some of the many programs and events that took place was the Naturalization Ceremony, Martha Washington Tea, The Jockey Hollow Army Encampment (3 of those pictures featured above), Spring in the Wick House Herb Garden and others that were featured here at the park's three sites, and Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall, The Morris Museum and other vicinities around the Morristown area.

Pictures from the weekend are now availiable on flickr under the heading, Morristown NHP's Other Blogs.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Revolutionary Times Weekend: April 16, 17, & 18th 2010

2010-04-02T13:56:00.000-04:00

Various historic and cultural sites in Morristown, New Jersey will present a weekend of American Revolutionary War programs. The events will all be held within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area, and will promote the importance of Morristown and New Jersey to the American Revolution.

As of mid February, more than 15 programs are scheduled, including: Jockey Hollow military encampment; Naturalization Ceremony at Washington's Headquarters Museum; arrival of General Washington on the Morristown Green; historic cemetery tours; Alexander Hamilton Symposium; and children's activities.

Most programs are free of charge; however, some will require an admission fee. More information will be availiable closer to the event at http://www.morristourism.org/ ~ http://www.nps.gov/morr ~ and http://www.revolutionarynj.org/

Some of the major sponsers include:

-The National Park Service

-Crossroads of the American Revolution Association

-Washington Association of New Jersey

-Morris County Tourism Bureau

-North Jersey American Revolution Round Table

-2nd New Jersey Regiment, Helms' Company

-Herb Society of America, Northern New Jersey Unit

-Township of Hanover Landmark Commission

-Morris Museum

-Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall

Hope to see you there!

Object of the Month: First use of steam in navigation on the Hudson River 1807 metal

2010-04-01T14:14:00.018-04:00

*Museum technician's note: please notice on the side where the three ladies are seated, the lady on the left has a devils tail coming out of her dress. Could this possibly be a symbol of a patron's negative opinion about the new invention of the steam engine? We can only speculate.

*Photographs taken by Steve Newfield, a volunteer from the Cultural Resources Division*

Description:

Object: Medal, Commemorative. American medal.

Silver medal commemorating Robert Fulton, 4' diameter.

Morr 5323-1 & 2

On the front of the coin, three seated, female figures are holding a steamboat, anchor and chart, surmounted by a portrait of Fulton in a wreath. The description on the coin reads, "Robert Fulton 1765-1815" "First to use of steam in navigation on the Hudson River 1807."

On the back, the picture of the sailors on deck of the ship are displayed. A small sailing ship is at the bottom with words "Halve Maene." Around the edges, the description reads, "Discovery of Hudson River by Henry Hudson A.D. MDCIX." "The American Numismatic Society" "Hudson-Fulton Celbration Comm."

About Robert Fulton:

Robert Fulton was born in Lancaster County, PA in 1765 and died in New York on Feb. 24Th 1815. Fulton's father came from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania. In the years of 1782-1785, he spent most of his time painting and drawing mechanical & architectural drawings in Philadelphia. In 1786, Fulton went to London where he studied under the family of Benjamin West for several years. Afterward he practiced his art in Devonshire, under the patronage of several wealthy persons, among who were the Duke of Bridgewater and Earl Stanhope. These acquaintanceships began his experiments in mechanics.

In 1798, Fulton actively engaged in a project for the improvement of canal navigation. He went on to patent many mechanical ideas such as a mill. In 1801, he began experiments on British submarine ships. However, he failed to blow up the ships. In 1806, Fulton returned to the United States and renewed his experiments with torpedoes.

It was not until after he returned to the United States that Fulton turned his full attention to steam navigation. In 1803, having financial assistance from Chancellor Livingston, Fulton launched a steamboat on the Seine. But because of faulty construction, the ship almost immediately sank.

Encouraged by his earlier parital success, Fulton shortly afterward ordered an engine of Watt & Bolton. Early in the spring of 1807, the "Clermont" steamed up to the Hudson to Albany, the voyage occupying 32 hours. In the autumn, the "Clermont" was run as a packet between New York & Albany. Sadly, litigation and competition soon threatened to rob Fulton all his profit from his invention with new and better inventions.

Sources:

To learn more about Fulton's steamboat and what happened next, please go to http://www.robertfulton.org/ where this information was collected.

tilt-top candlestick table sold at the 1873 auction at the Ford Mansion returns home

2010-03-23T11:46:00.006-04:00

The Chippendale-style inspired, tilt-top candlestick table that was sold at the Ford mansion auction in 1873 was recently returned by Washington Association member, Rev. Canon J. Elliot Lindsley.

The table originally was purchased by John Thatcher, an early Washington Association member, at the 1873 auction, and eventually made its way to Lindsley, a Ford descendant by marriage. It will join a couple of dozen other original Ford-era items in the mansion, including some chairs, a desk, a secretary's cabinet, and others.

However, while the the pedestal table is a excellent example of the furniture that was used and manufactured during the Revolutionary War period, making a connection to Washington is difficult. But it can certainly be tied to the Fords and their history.

According to Jude Pfister, Chief of Cultural Resources, there could be more originals out there."There could be somebody out there right down with an original piece, maybe with a beer bottle sitting on it. And they probably don't even know it. We'd wouldn't mind having them," he laughed.

Early History:

Jacob Ford Jr., who built the mansion, was a prominent figure in the iron industry in New Jersey during the Colonial period, and was even a important local figure. His family lived in the mansion until 1872 when Henry A. Ford died. In his will, he wished that the mansion be sold and contents auctioned, with proceeds going to his children.

Four local residents bought the mansion, saving the site, and then later the National Park Service bought the mansion and surrounding land in 1933. This allowed the park to become the nation's first national historic park in the United States.

With majority of the mansion's contents gone, the mansion now only contains period pieces or reproductions of the type of furnishings that would be in the mansion when George Washington had his encampment in the winter of 1779-80.

Resources: written by Lawrence Ragonese, Star Ledger, 3/19/2010

Object of the month: Powder Horn from Poughkeepsi

2010-03-02T12:42:00.018-05:00

*Photopgrahs taken by Steve Newfield, a volunteer at the Cultural Resources Division

Description:

Powder horn from the Revolutionary Period. Etched by Samuel More, with Winding Map of the Hudson River from New York City to Onida Lake.

Length: 14 inches, dated Poughkeepsie, 1775.

A finely engraved horn, the map commencing at the base, with a view of New York City at the mouth of the Hudson; the fort there still flying the English flag. The river winds past Tapan, Phillipe Manor and New Windsor, above the plan of which is the following inscription contained in a panel; "Jacobus Rosecrans his horn, made by Samuel More, a Prisoner at Poughkeepsie, 1775." Poughkeepsie is the next plan and above this is finely executed copy of the Royal Arms, next comes Esopus and Albany, Schonactaday (so spelled) and a view of Johnston's Hall.

The river winds around the horn to Onida Lake at the top, and past the following forts: Hunter, Henry and Harkamon (Herkimer), Fort Stanwix and the Royal Block House. As at New York the Union Jack still flies about Fort Stanwix.

Rosecrans, the owner of the horn, was an Ensign in the Fouth Regiment Orange County Militia, and Samuel More an enlisted man in the Third Regiment.

About Powder Horns:

Powder horns were influenced by the Louisburg Expedition of 1745, from which they first appeared. Men were influenced by their frontier enviroment, which is shown by the different choices of designs and rhymes on a powder horn, with a impact on the experiences that each carver gained during their time in the frontier.

Most horns were decorated with motifs, rhymes, formats and themes of the horns chosen from the region that emcompasses Lake George; Lake Champlain; Strewsbury, Massachusetts; The Connecticut River Valley; and the Lake Ontario/Niagra area.

The horns were usually carved by soliders, who willed away the idle hours of a siege or of the occupation of a town by decorating their equipment. Sometimes a professional powder horn carver would develop, as in this case, and such a professional would usually beautify the powder horns of his comrades, and receiving perhaps, as remuneration, a jugful, or in some cases a barrel of rum. The charge for carving doubtless depended upon the temperament and desires of the carver and upon the affluence of his patron.

Powder horns were made during the periods of King Georges War (1774-1748); The French and Indian War (1755-1763); The pre-siege of Boston period, when anti-British sentiment began to emerge (1765-1774); The siege of Boston period (1775-1776); Through the end of the American Revolution (1776-1783) and on to 1787.

Resources:

Morristown National Historic Park card catalog and the book, Drums A' beating, trumphets sounding: Artisticlly carved powder horns in the Provincial manner 1746-1781 by William H. Guthman, copyright 1993.

The Chief of Cultural Resources speaking at NJARRT March 11th

2010-02-18T15:20:00.000-05:00

Morristown National Historic Park's own Dr. Jude Pfister, Chief of Cultural Resources, is scheduled to speak at New Jersey's American Revolutionary Round Table monthly meeting at the museum on March 11th, 2010.

Dr. Pfister will talk about the park’s varied and extensive archival and rare book collection. The talk will include a discussion of Lloyd Smith, the main park benefactor, as well as a "show and tell" type of section where the wonders of the archive and library will be displayed and talked about.

About Dr. Pfister:

Jude Pfister has been at the Morristown NHP since 2004 and has been with the National Park Service in the field of historic preservation and cultural resource conservation since 1993. Prior to 1993 he worked for the Delaware State Archives. He earned his BA from Delaware State University in 1991, his MA from Washington College in 1993, and his doctorate from Drew University in 2007. His dissertation, The First Decade of the United States Supreme Court, was published in 2008. He is also the author of the recently published The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion, the Storied History of a New Jersey Home, as well as several articles on the Morristown archival collection.

PBS to show Morristown-Where America Survived

2010-02-17T15:50:00.003-05:00

Morristown: Where America Survived can be seen on member PBS stations across the country on March 1st at 10:30 PM EST, following a new American Experience special on First Lady Dolly Madison.

Morristown: Where America Survived tells the story of how George Washington's army of more than 10,000 troops survived the terrible winter of 1779-1780, a winter which is the worst one in recorded history. In a story of remarkable courage, the troops not only survived, but eventaully prevailed against a sweeping British attack in the spring.

Based on the book The Uncertain Revolution by award-winning historian John T. Cunningham, the NJN produced documentary explores that terrible winter encampment through the words of those who survived from the letters of General Washington to the recollections of a young private.

The film, narrated by the acclaimed actor Edward Hermann and produced by Emmy-award winner Bob Szuter, received major funding from S. Dillard and Adrienne Kirby.

For more information on the program, visit http://www.njn.net/ !

Object of the Month: Lap Desk

2010-01-19T14:50:00.005-05:00

Description:
18th Century writing desk. Height: 20.8 With: 53.3 Diameter: 26.0 cm
No carvings. Brass metaling and a mother of pearl diamond shaped keyhole.
Key missing; hinges hand made inside box
When opened, slant top with 3 compartments exposed and two compartments covered by two pine boards.
Morr 4670

About lap desks:
It was not til the 18th century that the popularity of lap desks took a major role in colonial life. Lap desks were a invention out of necessity. One often used a lap desk while during travel when a desk was not accessable. Hence, the word "lap desk".

From the end of the 18th century to the end of the 19th century, lap desks were featured prominently on military expeditions, travels, libraries and drawing rooms. Literature as well as dispatches, contracts, letters and post cards were also written on the desk. The lap desk was a personal possession and not a household item. Lap desks are commonly made of either manogany or walnut.

This object of the month resources was provided by http://www.nygra.com/writing.html and in Morristown National Historic Park's library.

The museum's galleries and temporary exhibits

2010-01-12T15:21:00.021-05:00

The American Syle Gallery

George Washington, a gentleman farmer who became a soldier and president, spent much of his time pursuing a genteel life. When he was not occupied with military campaigns or civil duties, he was involved in decorating his Mount Vernon estate, entertaining and enjoying leisure activities such as reading and playing games with his family. Like many early American citizens, George and Martha Washington imported much of their clothing, fine china, glassware, furniture, and other house hold goods from England.

After American independence, there came a new government and a uniquely American form of gentility. Whereas British aristocracy was an inherited right, gentility in the newly established democracy of the United States could be acquired.

Many of the objects displayed in The American Style Gallery at Morristown National Historic Park are material expressions of the genteel values that informed American culture before and after the American Revolution.

The Pamphlets of Protest Gallery

In the years leading up to declaring independence from Great Britain, politicians, preachers and the public---both patriots and loyalists---engaged in fierce debates about civil liberties and the rights of the colonies. Many published their opinions, speeches and political sermons in pamphlets. Printed relatively quickly and inexpensively, these booklets provided a forum for discussing the hot political, economic, and social issues of the day.

From the Stamp Act of 1765 through the end of the Revolution in 1783, pamphleteers on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean published thousands of pages expressing a broad spectrum of opinions. Some authors opposed the unfair treatment of the colonies by England while other supported the King; some believed in independence for the colonies but opposed going to war; some looked for a peaceful solution, while others called on their countrymen to take up arms. Whether mildly persuasive or wildly argumentative, these Revolutionary era pamphlets collected by Lloyd W. Smith helped shape public opinion during the 18th century.

The Military Gallery

*Please note that only 1/3 of the gallery is finished, the other 2/3rds is still under construction.

Relations between the colonists and the British monarchy had been slowly deteriorating ever since the Stamp Act, a tax on paper goods, was imposed by King George III in 1765. Many colonists resented being taxed without representation, and groups such as the Sons of Liberty protested vigorously over the next decade, tensions between Britain and her colonies continued to increase as more taxes were levied and met with growing concern about the role of the monarchy.

Some colonists felt that war was inevitable, while many others hoped for a peaceful reconciliation. Eventually, King George and his Parliament decided that a military solution was necessary to quell the rebellious colonists and sent British troops to Boston in 1774. Meanwhile colonists took measures to prepare themselves for war. When the Continental Congress met in 1775, it authorized the formation of the Continental Army and appointed George Washington to be Commander-in-Chief.

A year later, in 1776, the colonists declared independence in the midst of a war that had already begun. Finally after eight years of fighting England acknowledged American independence in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris, and George Washington ultimately became the new nations first president in 1789.

Temporary Exhibits

The temporary exhibits are exhibited at Jockey Hollow and here at the museum. These temporary exhibits allow the staff here at Morristown National Historic Park to display other themes and objects that the park acquired when Lloyd W. Smith donated his valuables to the park. Some of the examples the park has in its collection is artifacts from the excavation of Jockey Hollow and the Continential army and Indian artifacts from early American settlers.

About the Staff

2010-01-12T14:18:00.015-05:00

Morristown National Historic Park's Division of Cultural Resources staff consists of a group of people who as individuals bring a unique love of history and enthusiasm for preserving our heritage for future generations.

The Division of Cultural Resources at Morristown National Historic Park consists of Dr. Jude M. Pfister, who is the division chief and curator, Joni Rowe museum specialist, Sarah Minegar archives technician/museum educator, and Krystal Poelstra museum technician.

Jude Pfister has been part of Morristown National Historic Park since 2004 and has been with the Park Service since 1993. His professional interests include American constitutional development; the development of American historiography as a separate discipline; historic preservation and the communication of cultural patrimony to the general public; and understanding the broad scope of historic preservation through the interconnection of cultural resources. He earned his BA from Delaware State University in 1991, his MA from Washington College in 1993 and his doctorate from Drew University in 2007. He is the author of The First Decade of the United States Supreme Court and The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion: The Storied History Of A New Jersey Home.

Joni Rowe has been part of Morristown National Historical Park since 1985. Earning a BS from Black Hills State College in South Dakota, and while working for Custer State Park, Joni was intrigued by the National Park Service. Starting with the Interpretation Division, and then moving to the Curatorial Division, Joni has found the work both challenging and rewarding. Understanding and researching the domestic side of 18th century life, and applying that knowledge to Morristown N.H.P.’s collection has inspired workshops and exhibits. Joni is also part of a Revolutionary War and French and Indian War reenactment group.

Sarah Minegar has been with Morristown National Historic Park since May 2007. Sarah was hired to process and re-house The Lloyd W. Smith Archival Collection. In the fall of 2008, Sarah was asked to help design and execute a new educational program that became known as The Primary Source Seminar. Sarah earned her BA in English Education and BS in Social Studies Education from Oakland City University, in 2004. Sarah taught high school for two years before she began graduate school. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Modern History and Literature at Drew University.

Internships/Volunteers

2010-01-12T13:52:00.004-05:00

Click the link above

The Division of Cultural Resources at Morristown NHP offers internship opportunities for students on an annual basis; first come, first serve. For students who are interested in a curatorial or archival internship, at Morristown you will work with the staff of the Division of Cultural Resources in learning how to conduct database research on the museum's collection; look through microfilm and/or assist staff on various projects. This may include assisting museum staff in developing an exhibit or helping the museum educator with the primary source seminar. Every intern will be assigned a specific task for the term of their internship and will have direct responsibility for the completion of that task. Interns at Morristown NHP are considered temporary staff and do not engage in “busy work.”

The Collection

2010-01-11T15:36:00.004-05:00

Morristown National Historic Park's library, museum artifacts & archive focuses not just on the period of George Washington's encampment with the Continental Army in Morristown, New Jersey, but greatly extends beyond that period.

The collection represents highlights which reflect the aspirations, achievements, and failures of seminal events over the past five-hundred years. The voyages of exploration are chronicled in the archives, research studying the causes and implications of revolutions are available in the library, and the museum collection allows us to marvel at the ingenuity of our shared American heritage.

This collection of artifacts, archives and books would not be possible without the persistent collecting and love of history of Lloyd W. Smith and The Washington Association. The Lloyd W. Smith's collection consists of some 12,000 printed works and more than 300,000 manuscripts that is not limited to letters from all the founding fathers, manuscripts illuminating New Jersey history, documents and maps from European explorers of the Western hemisphere and letters from some of the most well known people in history.

The Washington Association's collection consists of artifacts that they had accumulated in its 60 years of ownership, turned partnership with the National Park Service. The majority of the objects The Washington Association contributed consist of more than 40,000 objects in fine decor and utilitarian pieces that were made or used in the 18th century in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Morristown National Historic Park also has 10,000 excavated artifacts that were recovered during archaeological investigations in a span of several years. These investigations uncovered military and civilian life when The Continental Army stayed in Jockey Hollow and when George Washington lived with the Fords during the encampment of 1779-80.

"Unusally inviting to the eye..." Morristown Daily Record, March 2, 1938

2010-01-11T15:18:00.002-05:00

Even though the quote above from the Morristown Daily Record is from 1938, seventy-five years later the Morristown National Historic Park still tries to ensure the same feeling of excitement when visitors first step through the inviting colonial revival door into the terrazzo main hall of the museum. Visitors are greeted by park staff, and are transported back in time to the Colonial and Revolutionary War periods when they enter one of three galleries. In each gallery they enter, appreciation for the past is generated through sensory information. This was the vision that the founders of the museum had, and that goal is continued today. The park founders though probably never thought about how historically significant their museum itself would become.

The Morristown National Historical Park had its nascent beginnings in 1873 when four men came together with a common interest: the winter encampment of 1779-80 in Morristown of George Washington and his Continental Army. More specifically, these four men felt a particular attachment to the Ford Mansion, where Washington stayed during the 1779-1780 encampments. This interest was more than just a hobby; the men paid the then considerable sum of $25,000 at auction to purchase the mansion, with each man contributing about $6,000-$7,000. The motivation for the group purchase is somewhat lost to history, but the four had undefined ideas of making the Ford Mansion a shrine to Washington in some form. Looking back at the historiography of the period, the patriotic influence of the upcoming centennial in 1876 of the founding of the country may have been a motivating factor.

That next year, 1874, the men created the Washington Association of New Jersey (WANJ.) The Washington Association was incorporated by the State of New Jersey with the State as its partner and the Washington Association became one of the first historic preservation organizations in the country, second only to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. The WANJ accumulated a significant number of artifacts over the next 60 years pertaining to the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Early National periods of American history.

By the 1920s, the Washington Association and the mansion had grown increasingly more significant to the Morristown area in terms of tourism. Clyde Potts, the mayor of Morristown during the 1920s and 1930s, hit upon the idea of drawing more people into the Morristown area by promoting the area’s rich cultural heritage. Today, this concept is called heritage tourism and is a separate discipline all to itself.

By 1930, "It [the mansion] was now a memorial not just to Washington, but also to the entire forgotten period of the eighteenth century..." writes Jude Pfister, in his book about the history of mansion. Increased visitation was taking a toll on the infrastructure of the nearly 200 year old mansion and the Washington Association was faced with significant repair and maintenance bills. Furthermore, by 1930, the stock market collapse had decimated the Washington Association’s portfolio, adding further to the stresses facing the WANJ. Faced with the inevitable, the Washington Association began to look to other possibilities to keep the mansion as a viable historic site.

Aware of the Washington Association’s problems, Mayor Potts approached the group about including the mansion in the newly formed Morristown National Historical Park. The Park was created from the area known as Jockey Hollow and was the location of the Continental Army encamped during the 1779-1780 encampments. Bolstering Potts’ plan was Lloyd W. Smith. Smith was a prominent businessman who had more than a passing interest in history. Smith donated the Jockey Hollow land and, as a member of the Washington Association helped to convince members to donate the mansion for inclusion into the new park—the first historical park in the NPS system. President Herbert Hoover signed the legislation creating the park on March 2, 1933, his last day in office.

In addition to the mansion, the Washington Association donated its substantial collection to the NPS. Housing such a large collection in a mansion slowly compacting from the weight was an untenable situation and the NPS immediately set about developing plans for a standalone museum building. The design, announced on October 2, 1934, was created by architect John Russell Pope. Pope created the building in a colonial revival style to compliment the Ford Mansion. Completed as part of the Works Progress Administration with significant assistance for the Civilian Conservation Corps, the museum was dedicated in 1938 and opened to the public in 1939. Unfortunately, Pope died in 1937, and did not see the opening.

Lloyd Smith continued to support the park, and in 1953 he offered to the park, upon his death, his extensive library of Washingtonian, Revolutionary War materials, and earlier items. The only demand that Smith had upon Morristown National Historic Park owning his collection was that the park had to build an appropriate building to house the collection within ten years of his death. Smith’s collection consisted of 12,000 printed works and more than 300,000 manuscripts that includes letters from all of the founding fathers, New Jersey history, documents and maps from European explorers and letters from famous figures such as Catherine de Medici, Victor Hugo, Catharine the Great and the composer Allesandro Scarlatti. Smith died in 1955, and the construction for the new library wing began in 1957.

Morristown National Historic Park continues to benefit from the generosity of the State of New Jersey, Morris County, Eastern National, the Washington Association, and various government entities, individuals, and foundations. Together with the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association, the Washington Association, Eastern National and other partners, the park plans to continue in its goal to preserve and educate future generations.

Headquarters Museum Location

2010-01-10T10:15:00.001-05:00

Please note that the Morristown National Historical Park Museum/Washington's Headquarters location is comprised of two buildings: the museum building and the Ford Mansion. The museum features exhibits and houses our library and special collections. The historic Ford Mansion is available for interpretive tours. Make sure to visit both to get the complete story of this fascinating site.

Morristown NHP Museum
30 Washington Place
Morristown, NJ 07960-4299
fax 973-539-8361

Directions: http://www.nps.gov/morr/planyourvisit/directions.htm

Read more about our other park sites, Jockey Hollow and Fort Nonesense, here.

Welcome

2010-01-09T14:03:00.003-05:00

The staff at Morristown National Historical Park Museum would like to welcome you to our blog. The museum and archival collections of Morristown NHP are rich sources of exciting information and material whose scope has no limit. With some 350,000 items ranging from fine and decorative arts, paintings and prints, and textiles to archaeology, biological representations and of course military weaponry from the Continental Army's encampment, anyone can find something of interest in our collection. The collection ranges in date anywhere from the fifteenth century on through the twentieth century and is sure to please any interest in history a person may have.

We continually update our blog with interesting objects in our collection as well as any current events here at MNHP. Once again, welcome and thank you!

Morristown National Historical Park Museum

Object of the Month

Student Intern Exhibit Features Native American Artifacts

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow right in MNHP backyard?

Living Voices presents Our Revolution October 22

Lord Byron Letter... A Fake?

Lloyd W. Smith Native American Collection

Object of the Month: Lydia Maria Child Manuscript

Archival Ambassadors Program First Year A Success

Object of the Month: Captain Cook prints

Object of the Month: Joseph Plumb Martin and Yankee Doodle

Object of the Month: Open Front Cupboard

Object of the month: Chippendale Style Tiger Maple Slant Front Desk

Revolutionary Times Weekend: April 15, 16, & 17, 2011

"Our Revolution" by Living Voices at the Museum 2 P.M., Saturday, March 19th

Object of the month: Bust of George Washington

"The Many Faces of George Washington" Traveling Exhibit at the museum February 15-March 25,2011

Object of the Month: French Sundial and Compass

Object of the Month: War of 1812 Flag

Object of the Month: Cartridge Box

Object of the month: Calender Print- September

Fall Teacher Workshop at Morristown

object of the month: Small wall clock

Object of the month: Gold Bull's eye pocket watch

Historic Ford Mansion opens...but improvement projects still continue

Object of the month: English double barreled flintlock pistol

Spend your 4th of July at Morristown National Historic Park!

Phillipsburg high school teacher Laurie Johnson to participate in park stewards program at Morristown NHP

Object of the month: The Early Years of the Saturday Club Part I by Edward Waldo Emerson

1/3rd of Military Gallery installation complete!

*New* Temporary exhibit: Lloyd Smith's Native American Collection

Revolutionary Times Weekend: A roaring success!

Revolutionary Times Weekend: April 16, 17, & 18th 2010

Object of the Month: First use of steam in navigation on the Hudson River 1807 metal

tilt-top candlestick table sold at the 1873 auction at the Ford Mansion returns home

Object of the month: Powder Horn from Poughkeepsi

The Chief of Cultural Resources speaking at NJARRT March 11th

PBS to show Morristown-Where America Survived

Object of the Month: Lap Desk

The museum's galleries and temporary exhibits

About the Staff

Internships/Volunteers

The Collection

"Unusally inviting to the eye..." Morristown Daily Record, March 2, 1938

Headquarters Museum Location

Welcome

New Temporary exhibit: Lloyd Smith's Native American Collection