Morris County Awards Nearly $5 Million in Historic Preservation Grants
Published on July 08, 2026
Funding Will Support 35 Projects in 20 Municipalities
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight approved $4.92 million in grants from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund to support the restoration and protection of 35 historic projects in 20 municipalities across Morris County.
All projects were recommended for funding by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board last month following its annual review process. Approximately 86 percent of the funding for construction work at 16 projects, while the remaining funds will support 19 non-construction projects, including preservation planning, preparation of construction documents and one acquisition project.
“Morris County has now awarded more than $61 million from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 142 historic sites since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly supported dedicating a fund to protect our important historical resources,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the Office of Planning & Preservation. “We thank the members of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation staff for their hard work in selecting the most worthy projects for support and providing this important benefit to county residents.”
“As Morris County celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage, not only because of Morris County’s deep roots in the American Revolution, but also because of the local people and places that played significant roles in our great nation’s evolution throughout history,” he added.
Since its inception, the county’s Historic Preservation Trust Fund program has helped protect Morris County’s historic resources while creating opportunities for heritage tourism, supporting economic development and increasing public awareness of the county’s rich historic character.
Among the projects approved for funding is Camp Jefferson, formerly known as Camp Ranger/Camp Clifton, in Jefferson Township. Founded as Camp Ranger in 1926 after the purchase of 33 acres by the Boy Rangers of Montclair and Glen Ridge, a predecessor organization to the Cub Scouts, the property was later owned by the Boys’ Club of Clifton from 1962 to 1994 and renamed Camp Clifton. The $101,800 grant will support preparation of a Preservation Plan and a National Register nomination.
See the Full List of Projects Approved for 2026 by the Review Board
Other projects approved for funding include:
Merci Train Boxcar, Town of Boonton
The New Jersey Merci Train boxcar is a rare surviving example of a late 19th-century French “40 & 8” military railcar, designed to transport 40 soldiers or eight horses. It is one of 49 railcars distributed throughout the United States in 1949 as part of a post-World War II diplomatic from France recognizing American assistance through the Friendship Train.
The boxcar requires steel bracing and other preservation work. The $18,560 grant will support completion of construction documents for interior and exterior preservation efforts. The applicant is the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey.
East Hanover Historic Church, East Hanover Township
The First Presbyterian Church of Hanover and its burial ground are significant to the cultural and historical development of Hanover Village during the 18th and 19th centuries. The property represents one of the earliest centers of settlement in Morris County and is directly associated with the American Revolution. The 1835 building features Greek Revival architectural elements.
The $330,000 grant will assist with the acquisition of the historic church and burial ground property by East Hanover Township for use by the senior community and municipal programming. The property was purchased by the township in August 2025.
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Photo 1: The New Jersey Merci Train boxcar is a rare surviving example of a late 19th-century French “40 & 8” military railcar, designed to transport 40 soldiers or eight horses. It is one of 49 railcars distributed throughout the United States in 1949 as part of a post-World War II diplomatic from France recognizing American assistance through the Friendship Train. The grant will support completion of construction documents for interior and exterior preservation efforts.
Photo 2: Members of the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board during their May 9 Board site visit to the Glenburn House in Riverdale, built ca. 1816 and renovated in the Classical Revival style in 1912. Pictured from left: Samuel Tolley, Martin Kane, Lawrence Fast, Anthony Angiolini, Jill Gotthelf, Amy Curry, Gary DeBiasse, Alyssa Ercan (staff), Martha Wells, Joseph Falco, Ray Chang (staff). Members not pictured: Ann Granbery, John Solu.