MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Historical Society will host the 17th annual Pathways of History Fall Tour on Saturday, October 3, and Sunday, October 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering residents and visitors a free opportunity to explore more than 29 historic sites and museums across Morris County.
The free, family-friendly, self-guided tour will highlight historic homes, museums, American Revolution-era landmarks and other features that tell the story of Morris County and the people, industries and events that shaped the region. The tour will be held rain or shine.
“The Pathways of History Tour is a great way to experience the history that surrounds us in Morris County,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw. “As we celebrate the Semiquincentennial, we encourage everyone to visit the places where that history happened and learn from the volunteers dedicated to supporting these special sites.”
“The Pathways of History Tour is a great way to explore local history, see some of Morris County’s incredible historic sites, and meet some of the region’s most dedicated historians. This year, in honor of America 250, a record number of locations will be open across the weekend, and organizations will be offering special exhibits and presentations,” said Amy Curry, Executive Director of the Historical Society.
Visitors can begin at any participating location and follow one or both of the tour routes:
- Blue Tour: Saturday, October 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Red Tour: Sunday, October 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Blue and Red Tours: Participating sites open both Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Launched with five participating organizations, the tour has grown to include more than 29 sites and more than 115 volunteers. The participating organizations operate independently and offer free admission during the tour weekend.
Among this year’s participating locations is the L’Ecole Kinnelon Museum, 25 Kiel Avenue, Kinnelon, housed in a former one-room schoolhouse and featuring exhibits on education and women’s health. Also participating is the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, which recently received a Merci Train boxcar, a World War I-era railroad car with a unique history, joining a collection of approximately 60 historic locomotives and railroad cars at the Boonton Yard, 104 Morris Avenue, Boonton.
Earlier this year, the County Commissioners awarded a Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund grant of $18,560 to the railroad society to support construction documents for interior and exterior preservation work on the boxcar.
The Pathways of History Fall Tour is part of Morris County’s ongoing commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, providing visitors with another way to explore the county’s connection to the nation’s founding and its unique history.
A complete list of participating sites, maps and tour information is available at PathwaysofHistoryNJ.net. Visitors are encouraged to check individual organization websites and social media pages for specific exhibits, presentations and other programming.
The Morris County Historical Society is a member-supported 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s history through education, advocacy and community engagement.
The Morris County Historical Society thanks the FM Kirby Foundation, New Jersey Historic Trust, County of Morris, Morris County Historic Preservation Trust, Morris County Heritage Commission, Morris County Tourism Bureau, Morris County 250th Celebrations Committee, Kraus Marketing, RevNJ and Crossroads of the American Revolution for their support.
