Morris County Reviews 21 Historic Sites for Preservation Funding
Published on June 27, 2024
Trust Fund Review Board Recommends $3.6 Million in Grants 
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners was asked last night to approve $3.6 million in grants from the county’s Preservation Trust Fund to help restore, preserve and further protect 21 historic sites in 16 towns across Morris County.
More than half the funding recommended by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board, about 77 percent, is directed toward construction grants for 12 of the projects. Roughly 23 percent is recommended for non-construction activity at nine other historic sites. Those grants would support design and specification work for future construction on four sites, preservation planning for two sites, a historic landscape plan for one site, assist with the acquisition of one site and fund the research and development necessary to submit another site for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
View photos from a May 18 Review Board Visit to Recommended Sites
“Our historic preservation program has been supported by taxpayers for more than 20 years. While the funding preserves our county’s unique heritage by restoring and protecting the fabric our history, it also supports economic development, tourism and educational opportunities that enhance the overall quality of life of our communities,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board.
“As Morris County prepares to host the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence in 2026, many of the 123 funded historic sites will be on display for visitors to appreciate,” he added.
Jefferson Township has been recommended to receive a grant for the first time for the Chamberlain House. Built in the 1870s in the Second Empire architectural style, the building was used as a library from the 1960s until 1982 when it was acquired by the township. It currently operates as a museum and headquarters for the Jefferson Historical Society. A $16,160 grant has been recommended to support the completion of a Preservation Plan.
To date, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners have awarded 533 grants of nearly $49 Million to assist in the preservation, protection and restoration of 123 historical properties since 2003, when grants were first issued for protecting historic sites through Morris County’s Preservation Trust Fund. The sites are in 34 towns.
View the PowerPoint Presented to the Board of Commissioners
“For the application review process, the county historic preservation consultant reviewed 22 applications for conformance to the Secretary of Interior Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. The (Historic Preservation) board members conducted site visits after final presentations by the applicants, and the review board deliberated on funding recommendations,” said Larry Fast, Chair of the Review Board. “19 of the 21 projects received full funding this year.”
See the Full List of Projects Considered This Year by the Review Board
Among the projects recommended for approval by the Commissioners include:
Ford-Faesch House, Rockaway Township
The 18th century Georgian style Ford-Faesch House was leased by Faesch, a Swiss ironmaster who produced munitions critical to Washington’s Revolutionary War effort. The $400,000 grant will provide for partial interior restoration and roof replacement including fireplace surrounds, wood flooring, restoration of main stair, and new asphalt shingle roof at main and east wing roofs.
Martin Berry House, Landscape Plan
The c. 1720 Dutch Colonial house includes a gambrel roof, shallow fireplaces, interior chimneys, thick stone walls and massive roof framing. The house was documented through the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) in 1939. The house was listed on the National and New Jersey Registers in 1973. The $31,922 grant will provide for the completion of a Historic Landscape Report.
The Commissioners anticipate taking action on the recommendations provided at the next work session meeting scheduled for July 10, 2024.
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Photos
Photo 1: Members of the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board during their May 18 visit to the Seward House in Mount Olive, an Italianate style farmhouse that sits on 270 acres of park land.
Photo 2: Ray Chang, Historic Preservation Program Coordinator, walking towards the entrance of the Chamberlain House in Jefferson Township.