First stop for Morris fall walking tours: Historic Speedwell, Sept. 21

A re-enactor in the Factory Building at Historic Speedwell.
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Autumn is the perfect time for foot excursions through our local history. The Morris County Tourism Bureau’s fall walking tours start this Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, with an architectural exploration of Historic Speedwell.

Here’s more, from the Tourism Bureau:

 

Fall 2019 Historic Programs Announced

The Morris County Tourism Bureau (MCTB) welcomes you to “Discover Morris County” and join us again for our annual fall walking tours and programs. Experience the rich history that Morristown has to offer with a knowledgeable guide.

Tours and programs last approximately one hour. Tickets are $15 per person unless otherwise indicated. It is recommended that you pre-register and pre-pay to hold your spot as some of these tours do sell out quickly. In most cases, walk-ins will not be accepted. Contact the MCTB at 973-631-5151 for more information, or sign up online.

Scheduled tours:

Creating Historic Speedwell-Protecting Our History

Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 am

This lovely 7-acre property consists of a number of historic 18th and 19th century buildings that were relocated here after being threatened with demolition as Morristown developed and grew. Basically an architecture tour, you’ll also learn how these buildings were saved and renovated as examples of Morristown’s past. In the park, see “The Factory Building”- the site of the invention of the telegraph-a National Landmark site.

Victorian Morristown Walking Tour

Saturday, Oct. 5 at 11 am

Learn about one of the grandest periods in Morristown’s 300-year history with guide Karen Ann Kurlander, a Victorian lifestyle expert and Historic District resident. Walk through town visiting commercial and residential buildings that date from 1870-1910. Victorian social customs will be presented, and you’ll learn how 100 Victorian homes came to be built within a few blocks of the Morristown Green.

Treasures from the Vault

Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 am

The Morristown National Historical Park collector and benefactor, Lloyd Smith, donated his rare books and manuscripts to the Park nearly 100 years ago. The vault containing his most valuable acquisitions continues to yield incredible treasures. The recently discovered Scarlatti manuscript will be performed by Maestro Robert Butts of the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, and the poetry of Phyllis Wheatley will be recited. Ms. Wheatley, brought here as a slave, was the first African-American female to be published in America.

Gilded Age Morristown: Foote Mansion and Garden Tour

Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 pm

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see a nationally-registered, largely intact Gilded Age mansion. Saved by adaptive re-use, the 1906 Robert Foote home was once known as Spring Brook House. This home is the largest residence ever built in Morristown with 44 rooms. Carol Barkin of the Morristown Historic Preservation Commission will provide background on the Gilded Age and the Foote family, then visitors will tour the mansion and gardens, and enjoy refreshments. The Loyola Jesuit Center has held retreats here since 1927. Please note: $20 pp for this tour.

Halloween Happening at Morristown’s St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Saturday, Oct. 26 at 4 pm

Take a guided tour of this McKim, Mead and White church which is on the National Register of Historic Places, then visit the adjacent historic graveyard by lantern light. “Holiday-appropriate” music courtesy of the church organist, Joshua Stafford, and refreshments in the Parish Hall will follow as we celebrate Halloween 2019. Please note: $20 pp for this tour. Costumes welcome.


 

The walking tours and programs are graciously sponsored by Glassworks Studio, NJ Natural Gas, Normandy Partners, the Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center, the Washington Association of New Jersey, and media sponsor NJ.com. The MCTB will provide, with two weeks advanced notice, assisted listening systems.

The Morris County Tourism Bureau is a Destination Marketing Organization that positively affects the economy of Morris County by promoting the area’s exceptional historic, cultural and recreational opportunities by providing services to residents, business travelers and tourists.

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