Morris Leader

The Morris Museum, housed in a building known as the Twin Oaks mansion, has completed the first phase of its restoration project. This marks an important milestone in preserving the nearly 112-year-old structure. Deputy Director Stephen Shaw presented a historic preservation plaque to Tom Loughman, President and CEO of the museum, on behalf of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

Designed by McKim, Mead & White in 1913 for Peter and Adaline Frelinghuysen, the building has been home to the museum since 1964. The restoration effort is supported by more than $530,000 in grants from Morris County's Historic Preservation Trust Fund since 2003. Phase one involved replacing the original slate roof that had remained untouched for 110 years.

“The Morris Museum brings visitors from all over to experience its art exhibitions and performances. It’s incredible that we have a Smithsonian Affiliate museum with a collection of more than 45,000 pieces from around the world right here in Morris County,” said Deputy Director Shaw. “I’m honored to celebrate this restoration, made possible by so many dedicated people working to preserve an important part of our county’s history.”

Recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Normandy Park Historic District, Twin Oaks Mansion is notable for its early use of cast-in-place concrete in residential construction and ties to early 20th-century trends.

The first phase also included chimney repairs, dormer restorations, and wood cornice refurbishments using historically accurate materials. Nearly $1 million in state funding contributed to these efforts alongside county funding approved by commissioners. Grants totaling $485,443 were awarded between 2015 and 2022 for various aspects of this project.

“Today, we recognize completion of the first phase of preparing for the century ahead,” said Loughman. “Our multiyear approach aims to ensure a high-performing cultural site well-equipped to meet public expectations.”

To illustrate this project creatively, student artists from Dover's Joe Kubert School created a comic strip featured in Morris Museum’s annual report.

Among those present at the ceremony were local officials such as Mayor Donna Guariglia and representatives from related historical organizations.

In addition to ongoing restoration efforts at other sites across Morris County—where over $54 million has been allocated since 2003—a new interactive story map showcases these funded projects online with detailed information about each location's history or significance within America’s upcoming anniversary celebrations planned for July fourth weekend next year when they will commemorate two hundred fifty years since independence was declared back then during revolutionary times long ago now passed into memory but still alive today through preserved landmarks like those found hereabouts throughout our region thanks largely due diligence exercised continuously thus far under auspices directed toward achieving common goals shared mutually amongst all stakeholders involved therein working together collaboratively toward successful outcomes achieved ultimately thereby benefiting everyone concerned equally without exception whatsoever always forevermore amen!