Morris County Lecture Series Highlights Revolutionary History
Published on January 23, 2026
Free Talks Encompass Revolutionary Heritage, People and Inventions
The Morris County Revolutionary Lecture Series launched successfully this week, drawing more than 100 attendees to its opening program Jan. 21 at the Morris County Library.
The free, monthly lecture series highlights the distinguished history and national impact of the people and events rooted in Morris County’s past. It is being presented by the Morris County Historical Society (MCHS) in partnership with the Morris County Heritage Commission and supported by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, the Morris County 250th Celebrations Committee and the Morris County Tourism Bureau.
“We are delighted by the breadth of topics featured in this series and both the opportunity to spotlight an exceptional group of local historians whose work brings these stories to life,” said Amy Curry, executive director of MCHS. “From the grueling winter encampments of Gen. George Washington and his troops, to incredible feats of engineering, to the people and places that left lasting legacies, the series offers something for everyone.”
The next lecture will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, and will feature local author and historian Janet W. Foster exploring Morris County sites listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book. The lecture is free, but pre-registration is required. Attendees may participate in person at the Morris County Library or virtually via Zoom.
The inaugural lecture featured historian Pat Sanftner, who examined how the relationship between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler -- forged during the Revolutionary War in Morristown -- helped shape the nation’s future.
“The historical events that took place right here in Morris County during the Revolutionary War helped shape our nation,” said Commissioner Christine Myers. “Preserving and sharing these stories ensures our heritage is understood and appreciated by future generations. The Board of County Commissioners is proud to support this lecture series and other initiatives that highlight Morris County’s role in our nation’s story.”
Additional lectures in the series will explore topics ranging from George Washington’s encampments in Morris County and the Morris Canal to the Great Swamp, Lake Hopatcong, mining and ironmaking, Picatinny Arsenal’s 1926 explosion, The Federalist Papers, Thomas Nast, historic cemeteries and more. Each program includes a 45-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer session with both in-person and virtual audiences.
“The 250th Anniversary has given us an opportunity to highlight our rich and vast history and the lecture series helps us celebrate incredible achievements, events, places and people who make this area so special,” said Heritage Commission Director Amanda Broschart.
Sponsors supporting the lecture series include RevolutionNJ, Crossroads of the American Revolution, the NJ Historical Commission, Morris County History Community, the F.M. Kirby Foundation, and FNM365.
The Morris County Historical Society is an independent, member-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Morris County history since 1946. Located at Acorn Hall since 1971, MCHS stewards extensive collections and archives documenting the county’s rich and diverse past. Acorn Hall is located at 68 Morris Ave., Morristown. More information is available at MorrisCountyHistory.org.
The Morris County Heritage Commission is a county governmental agency dedicated to preserving historical information and providing resources that increase awareness of the people, places and events that shaped Morris County, New Jersey and the nation.
For information on the Morris County 250th anniversary commemoration and related events, visit morriscounty250.org.
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Photo: Historian Pat Sanftner holding up portraits of Elizabeth Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton at the Schuyler-Hamilton House Museum in Morristown.