$2.6 Million in Grants Recommended for 24 Historic Sites
Published on June 25, 2025
Morris County Preservation Trust Fund Review Board Considered 29 Projects
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners was asked tonight to approve $2.6 million in grants from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund to help restore, preserve and further protect 24 historic sites in 15 towns across Morris County.
More than half the funding recommended by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board, about 86 percent, is directed toward construction grants for 13 of the projects. Roughly 14 percent is recommended for non-construction activity at 12 historic sites. Those grants would support the preparation of drawings and specification work for future construction on six sites, and preservation planning for six sites.
View Photos from a May 10 Review Board Visit to Application Sites
“For over 20 years, the historic preservation program has helped support the preservation of our county’s exceptional abundance of historic resources. While restoring and protecting our historic fabric, it also increases opportunities for heritage tourism, economic development, and heightens the public’s awareness of our County’s irreplaceable historic character,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board.
“As Morris County prepares to host the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence in 2026, many of the historic sites we have helped to retore and preserve will be on display for visitors interested in learning about Morris County’s uniquely important role in American Revolution,” he added.
To date, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners has awarded 554 grants of over $54 million to assist in the preservation, protection and restoration of 129 historical properties since 2003, when grants were first issued for protecting historic sites through Morris County’s Preservation Trust Fund. The sites are in 35 towns.
View the PowerPoint Presented to the Board of Commissioners
“For the application review process, the county historic preservation consultant reviewed 29 applications for conformance to the Secretary of Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. The (Historic Preservation) board members conducted site visits and heard final presentations from the applicants, before deliberating on the funding recommendations,” said Larry Fast, chair of the Historic Preservation Review Board. “24 of the 25 funded projects received full funding this year.”
See the Full List of Projects Considered This Year by the Review Board (PDF, 775KB)
Among the projects recommended for approval by the Commissioners:
The Community Club of Brookside, Township of Mendham
Built in the 1860s as Brookside’s first schoolhouse, the building was moved in 1923 to its current location, and it has been used as a public meeting and event space ever since. An addition was built in the 1940s and it sustained fire damage in 1959. The building is a contributing resource to the Brookside National Register District. The $43,440 grant will restore the Bell Tower.
North Cottage, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
The North Cottage is one of three cottages on Craftsman Farms property that was owned by Gustav Stickley, a leader in the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States. It contributes to the National Historic Landmark District and the New Jersey Register. The $68,091 grant will provide exterior restoration of the North Cottage including replacement of severely deteriorated structural framing members.
Former Lock Tender’s House, Township of Roxbury
The ca. 1830 stone Former Lock Tender’s House was constructed for the Morris Canal, where the west portion of the canal met Lake Hopatcong. After the canal was abandoned in 1924, the property became Hopatcong State Park and the house was used for park offices. The building was saved from demolition in 1963 and converted to a museum in 1965. The $31,644 grant will prepare a Preservation Plan.
The commissioners anticipate taking action on the recommendations provided at the next public meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025.
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Photos
Photo 1: Members of the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board during their May 10 visit to the Community Club of Brookside in Mendham Township, the first schoolhouse to serve the Brookside area built in the 1860s.
Photo 2: Members of the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board during their May 10 visit to the Former Lock Tender’s House in Roxbury Township, constructed ca. 1830 for the Morris Canal and now houses the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum.