Morris County Approves Funding for 24 Historic Sites
Published on July 10, 2025
More Than $56 Million Directed Towards Preservation Efforts Since 2003
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved $2.6 million in grants from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund to help restore, preserve and protect 24 historic sites across 15 towns during its public meeting in Morristown last night.
Including this grant disbursement, Morris County has awarded more than $56 million to preservation efforts at 129 historic locations since 2003, when awards were first issued for protecting historic sites through Morris County's Preservation Trust Fund. In total, 554 grants have been issued, with some sites receiving multiple awards for planning, acquisition and construction for projects spanning 35 towns.
“We are proud to move these recommendations forward and continue our commitment to preserving Morris County’s rich historical legacy, which is so deeply tied to the shaping of America,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board. “These projects strengthen our local economy, promote heritage tourism, and connect residents and visitors with the stories that shaped both our county and our country. As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, we invite everyone to explore the extensive history preserved across all 39 of our municipalities -- starting with our Historic Preservation StoryMap, which highlights 129 historically significant sites preserved with county trust funding throughout Morris County.”
See the Full List of Projects Approved for 2025
About 86 percent of this year’s funding is directed toward construction grants for 13 projects. Roughly 14 percent is recommended for non-construction activity at 12 historic sites. These grants will support the preparation of drawings and specification work for future construction on six locations, and preservation planning for six others.
Among the projects approved by the commissioners includes:
The Community Club of Brookside, Mendham Township
Built in the 1860s as Brookside’s first schoolhouse, the building was moved in 1923 to its current location and has served as a public meeting and event space ever since. A 1940s addition sustained fire damage in 1959. The structure is a contributing resource to the Brookside National Register District. A $43,440 grant will fund restoration of the bell tower.
North Cottage at Craftsman Farms, 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. A $68,091 grant will support exterior restoration, including the replacement of severely deteriorated structural framing.
Former Lock Tender’s House, Roxbury Township
The circa 1830 stone 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 into a museum in 1965. A $31,644 grant will fund preparation of a preservation plan.
Application Review Process
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.
“In this round, the county’s historic preservation consultant looked over 29 applications to make sure they met the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties,” said Larry Fast, chair of the review board. “After visiting the sites and hearing the final presentations from the applicants, board members got together to talk through and decide on their funding recommendations.”
View Photos from a May 10 Review Board Visit to Application Sites
Site visits were conducted by the review board to assess the properties up for consideration. After a final presentation was made by the grant applicants, the review board deliberated on the funding recommendations. The review board recommended full funding for 24 projects and partial funding for one.
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Photos
Photo 1: Street view of the bell tower of the Community Club of Brookside which was originally built as a schoolhouse and now serves as a public meeting space.
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.
Photo 3: The North Cottage at Craftsman Farms which contributes to the National Historic Landmark District and the New Jersey Register.