Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms Reopens
Published on October 30, 2024
Museum Restoration and Former Councilman Michael dePierro Celebrated
Local dignitaries and community members gathered Saturday at Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms (SMCF) in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, celebrating its 35th anniversary and grand reopening since the pandemic and a damaging storm forced it to close in 2020.
The event, attended by nearly 100 people, included a ribbon-cutting for the newly restored Log House, the Annex Visitor Pavilion and the Log House Kitchen. It also served as an occasion to honor former Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro for his nearly 60 years of dedicated public service, including leading the township’s campaign to purchase Craftsman Farms, saving it from demolition for a housing development.
The museum, closed since the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, underwent extensive restoration after sustaining damage from Tropical Storm Isaias. The reopening also unveiled additional improvements, all part of the museum’s mission to preserve and interpret Gustav Stickley’s vision for Craftsman Farms.
Commissioners Stephen Shaw, John Krickus, and Deborah Smith presented a Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund plaque to Barbara Weiskittel, president of the SMCF Board of Trustees, and Vonda K. Givens, executive director of SMCF.
“We are excited to see the Stickley Museum reopen after all these years. Morris County has proudly invested nearly $1.2 million over the past two decades to help preserve and restore the remarkable structures at Craftsman Farms,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Shaw. “Today, this dedication reflects our shared commitment to protecting the historical and cultural fabric of our community.”
The plaque was awarded to the SMCF Education Center (formerly known as the Administration Building), commemorating more than $350,000 in historic preservation funding Morris County put toward that structure. Today, the Education Center serves as a museum office, education space, and visitor center, bringing new life to an original 1912 Stickley-era building.
Since 2003, the taxpayer-funded Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund has preserved more than 120 structures with nearly $50 million in grants.
Prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, Weiskittel and Givens honored former Councilman dePierro with the Gustav Stickley Award, the museum’s highest volunteer recognition, in acknowledgment of his long-standing service to Parsippany-Troy Hills and his ongoing support for the museum.
dePierro, who served on the council for 40 years and six years on the township board of education prior to that, has been active in civic organizations for nearly 60 years. He credited his wife, Dee, as the motivating force behind his efforts both as an elected official and in his civic involvement.
“This restoration would not have been possible without the support of community members, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, the NJ Historic Preservation Trust, and the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust,” said Givens. “Today, we celebrate this beautiful space and honor everyone who contributed to safeguarding this cultural landmark.”
Among the dignitaries presenting honors to former Councilman dePierro were Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Jamie Barberio, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, and Marie Fragomeni from the County Clerk’s Office, on behalf of County Clerk Ann Grossi. Frank Cahill, Chairman of the ParsippanyEconomic Development Advisory Committee, presented proclamations from State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio, Assemblyman Brian Bergen, and Assemblyman Jay Webber of the 26th District. Weiskittel also presented congressional certificates on behalf of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
The museum reopening provided the public with a renewed perspective on Gustav Stickley’s early 20th-century Arts and Crafts movement, emphasizing simplicity, natural materials, and artisanal craftsmanship.
For more information about the Stickley Museum and upcoming events, visit stickleymuseum.org. Email: info@stickleymuseum.org. Phone: (973) 540-0311.
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Photo 1: (l-r) Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Commissioners Deborah Smith and John Krickus, Vonda K. Givens, Exec. Director of SMCF and Barbara Weiskittel, President of the SMCF Board of Trustees.
Photo 2: The 10/26/2024 ribbon cutting to mark the reopening of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms. Former Parsippany Councilman Mike dePierro is standing center with the scissors.