Morris County Historical Society

The Morris County Historical Society (MCHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Morris County, New Jersey. Founded in December 1945 by the Lions Club of Morristown, the society began with 56 charter members and has since grown to become a leading institution in historic preservation and education.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the MCHS is to educate, engage, and inspire current and future generations by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history, culture, and lives of the people who have called Morris County home. The society offers a variety of programs and services to the community, including educational programs for students of all ages, public exhibits and events, research assistance for historians and genealogists, and preservation services for historic buildings and artifacts.

Acorn Hall

In 1971, the MCHS headquarters was established at Acorn Hall, a historic house museum built in 1853. Acorn Hall was remodeled into an Italianate Villa style by 1860 and serves as the ancestral home of four generations of the Crane-Hone family. The hall retains much of its original 19th-century furniture and fine and decorative arts. MCHS listed Acorn Hall on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places in 1972, with updates in 2016 to include associated outbuildings and the entire six-acre property.

Collections and Exhibitions

The MCHS maintains an extensive archival and object collection, featuring nearly 15,000 items in the public trust. This includes one of the richest, most diverse historic costume collections outside of New York City, along with business and legal source materials from the County's earliest days. Annually, the society installs several exhibitions drawing from its varied collections to promote a deeper appreciation for Morris County's history.

Governance and Support

The MCHS is a self-sufficient, member-supported organization that receives generous support from its members, state and local organizations, private foundations, and independent donors. The society operates with a governing board and staff, dedicated to fulfilling its mission.

Leadership and Membership

Current leadership includes Amy E. Curry as Executive Director, with a board consisting of community leaders dedicated to preserving Morris County's heritage. As a growing membership organization, MCHS partners with compatriot organizations throughout Morris County.