Morris County Historical Society Announces Pathways of History Tour
Published on September 22, 2026
Free, Family-friendly Tour Features More Than 29 Historic Sites Oct. 3 – Oct. 4
The 17th annual Pathways of History Fall Tour will be hosted by the Morris County Historical Society on Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering residents and visitors a free opportunity to explore more than 29 historic sites and museums across Morris County.
The self-guided tour will highlight historic homes, museums, American Revolution-era landmarks and other features that tell the story of Morris County and the people, industries and events that shaped the region. The tour will be held rain or shine.
“The Pathways of History Tour is a great way to experience the history that surrounds us in Morris County,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. “As we celebrate the Semiquincentennial, we encourage everyone to visit the places where that history happened and learn from the volunteers dedicated to supporting these special sites.”
“The Pathways of History Tour is a great way to explore local history, see some of Morris County’s incredible historic sites, and meet some of the region’s most dedicated historians. This year, in honor of America 250, a record number of locations will be open across the weekend, and organizations will be offering special exhibits and presentations,” said Amy Curry, Executive Director of the Historical Society.
Visitors can begin at any participating location and follow one or both of the tour routes:
- Blue Tour: Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Red Tour: Sunday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Blue and Red Tours: Participating sites open both Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Launched in 2009 with five participating organizations, the tour has grown to include more than 29 sites and more than 115 volunteers. The participating organizations operate independently and offer free admission during the tour weekend.
Among this year’s participating locations are the L’Ecole Kinnelon Museum (25 Kiel Avenue, Kinnelon) housed in a former one-room schoolhouse and featuring exhibits on education and women’s health. There also is the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, which recently received a Merci Train boxcar, a World War I-era railroad car with a unique history among a collection of approximately 60 historic locomotives and railroad cars at the Boonton Yard (104 Morris Ave., Boonton).
Earlier this year, the County Commissioners awarded a Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund grant of $18,560 to the railroad society to support construction documents for interior and exterior preservation work on the boxcar.
The 2026 Pathways of History Fall Tour is part of Morris County’s ongoing commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, providing visitors with another way to explore the county’s connection to the nation’s founding and its unique history.
A complete list of participating sites, maps and tour information is available at PathwaysofHistoryNJ.net. Visitors are encouraged to check individual organization websites and social media pages for specific exhibits, presentations and other programming.
The Morris County Historical Society is a member-supported 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s history through education, advocacy and community engagement.
The Morris County Historical Society thanks the FM Kirby Foundation, New Jersey Historic Trust, County of Morris, Morris County Historic Preservation Trust, Morris County Heritage Commission, Morris County Tourism Bureau, Morris County 250th Celebrations Committee, Kraus Marketing, RevNJ and Crossroads of the American Revolution for their support.
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Photo 1: The Henry Doremus Dutch Stone Farmhouse, 490 Main Road, Towaco. Built circa 1760, the farmhouse will be open to the public Saturday, Oct. 3, courtesy of the Montville Township Historical Society.
Photo 2: The New Jersey Merci Train boxcar, a rare surviving example of a late 19th-century French “40 & 8” military railcar designed to transport 40 soldiers or eight horses. The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey will have the boxcar on display at Boonton Yard, 104 Morris Ave., Boonton.
Photo 3: The Glenburn Estate, 211 Hamburg Turnpike, Riverdale. In 2006, the Borough of Riverdale purchased the Glenburn Estate with funding from the Morris County Historic Trust and the Open Space Funds. The Borough, together with the Riverdale Land Conservancy, is overseeing the restoration of the house and barn and the preservation of the land itself for the enjoyment of future generations.