Morris Leader

Local dignitaries and community members gathered at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township to celebrate its 35th anniversary and grand reopening. The museum had been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and damage from Tropical Storm Isaias.

The event, attended by nearly 100 people, featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly restored Log House, Annex Visitor Pavilion, and Log House Kitchen. It also honored former Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro for his nearly six decades of public service, including efforts to save Craftsman Farms from demolition.

The museum's restoration is part of its mission to preserve Gustav Stickley's vision for Craftsman Farms. Morris County Commissioners Stephen Shaw, John Krickus, and Deborah Smith presented a plaque from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund 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 commemorates more than $350,000 in historic preservation funding for the SMCF Education Center. Since 2003, the taxpayer-funded Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund has preserved over 120 structures with nearly $50 million in grants.

Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Weiskittel and Givens presented dePierro with the Gustav Stickley Award for his long-standing service to Parsippany-Troy Hills and support for the museum. DePierro credited his wife Dee as his motivating force.

“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.”

Dignitaries presenting honors included Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Jamie Barberio and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling. Frank Cahill presented proclamations from State Sen. Joseph Pennacchio and Assemblymen Brian Bergen and Jay Webber.

The reopening offers a renewed perspective on Gustav Stickley's early 20th-century Arts and Crafts movement.

For more information about upcoming events at Stickley Museum visit stickleymuseum.org or contact info@stickleymuseum.org or (973) 540-0311.