Morris County Tourism Bureau's Historical Tours and Presentations€“Summer 2017

Published on June 26, 2017

Focus for 2017 Season will be on Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler

Book Early to Reserve Your Space

Fans of Broadway's "Hamilton, an American Musical'' can get a more personal look into the life Alexander Hamilton, and his love, Eliza Schuyler, through the Morris County Tourism Bureau's Summer 2017 Historical Walking Tour and Lecture Series to be held on five consecutive Saturdays, from July 15 through Aug. 12.(JPG, 386KB)In addition to the life of Hamilton, the 2017 season also will include a terrific Seeing Eye Walking Tour that will help kick-off the season on July 15.

"With the interest in Alexander Hamilton generated by the popular Broadway play, we decided to expand our offerings this year to feature a look at Hamilton's history right here in Morristown, especially regarding his romance with Eliza Schuyler,'' said Leslie Bensley, Executive Director of the Tourism Bureau. "I think Hamilton enthusiasts will find the tours and lecture very interesting.''

"We congratulate the Tourism Bureau for its continuing excellent programs and presentations that call attention to the great history of Morris County, and which provide our county residents and visitors with a rich experience,'' said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.

Summer programs, led by a knowledgeable guide, will be offered on July 15,22, 29, and Aug. 5 and 12. Tour start times vary. Tickets are $15. Please pre-register and pre-pay online at morristourism.org. For additional information or to pre-register call 973-631-5151.

  • The Seeing Eye Walking Tour-Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m.

Three Seeing Eye dogs(JPG, 272KB)North America's first guide dog training school, The Seeing Eye of Morris Township, was founded in 1929 by Morris Frank. During this tour you'll learn about the history of The Seeing Eye, walk the streets of Morristown where the dogs train, and see how Seeing Eye dogs respond to their owners.

The tour begins at their in-town training center, passes sites important to the history of the organization, and concludes at the statue of Morris Frank and his dog, Buddy for a photo opportunity.

Husband and wife, Jim and Ginger Kutsch, lead this unique tour. Jim serves as the president and CEO of The Seeing Eye; Ginger is a volunteer with the organization. Both are graduates of The Seeing Eye.

Saturday, July 15 at 10 a.m. Tour begins at 14 Maple Avenue, Morristown. Parking is available in the DeHart garage and there is metered parking on adjoining side streets.

  • Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler: A Match Made in Morristown Walking Tour-Saturdays July 15 and 22, August 5 and 12 at 10 a.m.Morris County Tourism logo(JPG, 68KB)

This unique walking tour will cover a mile through Morristown visiting sites associated with Alexander Hamilton's stay here in 1777 and 1779-80. Serving as General George Washington's aide-de-camp, Hamilton thrived as a trusted advisor to the General.

Your guide will be Patricia Sanftner. Ms. Sanftner is a member of the local Daughters of the American Revolution, who are the conservators of the Schuyler-Hamilton House (c. 1760). You will learn about the life and loves of Hamilton and how he met his wife in Morristown.

The tour will be given four times: Saturdays, July 15 and 22, August 5 and 12 at 10:00 a.m. The tour begins in the center of the Morristown Green, Park Place, at the stone bench. Park at nearby garages or metered parking spaces around the Green.

  • Curator's Presentation: Spotlight on Alexander and Eliza Hamilton-Saturday, July 29 at 10 a.m.

photo of Jude Pfister in Colonial garb(JPG, 13KB) Jude Pfister in Colonial costume

Visit Morristown National Historical Park for this special program given by Dr. Jude Pfister, Chief of Cultural Resources. While the park displays and interprets the events of two winter encampments by the Continental Army, its archives span the years 15,000 B.C. to the 20th century and include 500,000 objects, many of which have never, and never will be, on display to the public.

This special program will highlight items in the collection that directly relate to Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler, e.g. their sofa, a lock of her hair. As a bonus, Dr. Pfister will be presenting a few astonishing objects associated with World War I, in commemoration of the centennial of America's April 1917 entry into the Great War.

Saturday, July 29 at 10 a.m. at Morristown National Historical Park, 30 Washington Place, Morristown. Free parking is available in two parking lots adjacent to the Washington's Headquarters Museum. Day of program only: MNHP phone number is 973-539-2016.

The Summer 2017 Historical Walking Tours and Programs from the Morris County Tourism Bureau are generously sponsored by Normandy Real Estate Partners, AAA Northeast, Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), Skylands Magazine, the Artist Baker, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, the Washington Association of New Jersey, New Jersey Natural Gas, NJM Insurance Group, Nicky and Paige L'Hommedieu, and Jeanne and Joe Goryeb.

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