By Marie Pfeifer
The Discover History Center, an interactive gallery proposed in 2013 for the Washington’s Headquarters Museum in Morristown, should become a reality late next year or early 2017, thanks to a $1.347 million donation on Tuesday by the Washington Association of New Jersey.
Exhibits will include a re-created soldier’s hut from the Revolutionary War. Kids will be able to walk into it, try on uniforms, handle equipment and generally explore the life and role of a Continental Army soldier, according to Park Service officials.
General George Washington and 10,000 of his troops spent two winters in Morristown because of its strategic location.
“If Morristown had not happened, we might be speaking German now instead of English,” said Eileen Cameron, president of the Washington Association.
Tom Ross, superintendent of the Morristown National Historical Park, said he looks forward to inspiring the next generation of visitors.
“They are our future supporters who will sustain the history documenting the sacrifices made by General George Washington’s Continental Army, particularly in Morristown,” Ross said.
The project will be contracted and managed by the National Park Service.
Tuesday’s gathering included Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th Dist.), state Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco (R-25th Dist.), Morristown Council President Rebecca Feldman, Bill Byrnes of the Kirby Foundation and Leslie Bensley, executive director of the Morris Tourism Bureau, and Debbie Lynch of Crossroads of the American Revolution.
Organizers had hoped to open the exhibit this year. But a change in park superintendents, Park Service approvals, and some cost overruns pushed back the timetable, according to Susan Johns of the Washington Association.
“But we are finally there!” Johns said via email.
Slideshow photos by Marie Pfeifer. Please click icon below for captions.
Established 143 years ago, the Washington Association has raised money via events such as the Boxwood Ball, a black-tie dinner dance.
The association says the Discover History Center will…
… invite multi-generational groups and families to explore the stories of the American Revolution and Morristown, New Jersey’s significant role in it. The DHC will be an immersive environment that will provide visitors with engaging, hands-on and multi-media experiences. In addition to the DHC exhibition space, the project also includes completing exhibition galleries on the museum’s entry level, creating a dedicated theater space for the park’s orientation film, renovations to the visitor information area and museum store, as well as finding signage throughout the museum.
Kevin Coughlin contributed to this report.
