25 Historic Sites Open for Exploration During Free Morris County History Tour This October

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — The Morris County Historical Society has announced the return of the Pathways of History Fall Tour, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 4–5, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This free, self-guided, family-friendly event will feature 25 historic sites and museums across Morris County, each offering a unique perspective on the area's heritage.

Richardson History House - the Mount Tabor Historical Society, Mount Tabor, New Jersey.

Now in its latest iteration, the tour continues to celebrate local history while contributing to a larger, countywide effort recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence in 2026. The initiative is supported by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, the Morris County Tourism Bureau, and the Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee.

Dr. Condict House, 55 West Blackwell St, Dover, NJ

Split into two thematic routes, the event will include:

• Blue Tour – Saturday, October 4

• Red Tour – Sunday, October 5

Participants may choose to follow one route or attend both days. A complete list of sites and an interactive map are available online. Visitors are encouraged to consult individual organization websites and Facebook pages for tour-day programming and updates.

Lock 2 East, Hugh Force Canal Park 100 West Central Ave, Wharton, NJ - Canal Society of New Jersey

According to Amy Curry, executive director of the Morris County Historical Society, “The Pathways of History weekend is an incredible opportunity to explore the vast history that makes Morris County so special. In addition, the event showcases some of Morris County’s smallest, all-volunteer, and fee free history organizations and the amazing historic resources and collections they hold. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan to spend a fun afternoon exploring history in your own backyard!”

Among the 25 sites, eight have documented ties to the American Revolution, reflecting the area’s significance during the country’s formative years. Notable returning participants include the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum, rejoining the tour for the first time in nearly seven years. Located within Hopatcong State Park, the museum captures the lake’s legacy as a popular Northeast resort during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

United Railroad Historical Society of NJ, 104 Morris Ave., Boonton, NJ

Sarah Neibart, executive director of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee, highlighted the tour’s importance in the broader context of America’s approaching milestone: “Our iron mines forged the tools of independence. Our hills and valleys sheltered Washington’s army through hardship and sacrifice. Our towns were the backdrop to some of the most critical moments in America’s struggle for freedom.”

Also featured is the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey in Boonton, where guests can explore railcars and exhibits celebrating New Jersey’s two-century railroad legacy. 

Little Red Schoolhouse, 203 Ridgedale Avenue Florham Park, NJ - Florham Park Historic Preservation Commission

“For nearly two centuries, railroads have been central to New Jersey’s history,” said Kevin Phalon, executive director of URHS. “We’re thrilled to showcase this legacy alongside Morris County’s other outstanding historic sites and museums.”

Christine Myers, a Morris County Commissioner and committee member, encouraged public participation: “This is a perfect time to explore the history that created our nation… and get excited about celebrating this milestone anniversary.”

Ayres/Knuth Farm, 25 Cooper Road Denville, NJ - Ayres/Knuth Farm Foundation, Inc.

✅ Complete List of 2025 Participating Sites:

🔷 Blue Tour — Saturday, October 4, 2025:

• Washington Township Historical Society – Long Valley

• Union Schoolhouse & Union Church and Burial Ground – Long Valley

• Roxbury Township Historical Society – Silas Riggs House – Ledgewood

• Roxbury Historic Trust – King House & Store – Ledgewood

• Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum – Hopatcong State Park

• Canal Society of New Jersey – Lock 2 East – Wharton

• Orchard Street Gatehouse Historical Association – Dover

• Dover Area Historical Society – Dr. Condict House – Dover

• Randolph Friends Meeting House and Cemetery – Randolph

• Ayres/Knuth Farm Foundation – Denville

• Borough of Rockaway Historical Museum – Rockaway

• Historical Society of Rockaway Township – Ford-Faesch House – Rockaway

• Picatinny Arsenal Historical Society – Wharton (Advanced registration required)

• Jefferson Township Historical Society – George Chamberlain House – Oak Ridge

Pompton Plains Railroad Station, 33 Evans Place, Pompton Plains, NJ - Pequannock Historic District Commission

🔴 Red Tour — Sunday, October 5, 2025:

• Mount Tabor Historical Society – Richardson History House – Mount Tabor

• Historical Society of Boonton Township – Kincaid Home of History – Boonton

• United Railroad Historical Society of NJ – Boonton

• Montville Township Historical Society – Henry Doremus House – Towaco

• Lincoln Park Historical Society – Old Library Museum – Lincoln Park

• Pequannock Historic District Commission – Pompton Plains Railroad Station

• Pequannock Township Historical Society – Martin Berry House

• Sankofa Heritage Collective – Bethel AME Church – Morristown

• Chatham Township Historical Society – Red Brick Schoolhouse Museum

• Florham Park Historic Preservation Commission – Little Red Schoolhouse

• Hanover Township Landmark Commission – Whippany Burying Yard

Ford-Faesch House, 629 Mount Hope Rd, Rockaway, NJ - Historical Society of Rockaway Township

🔁 Blue & Red Tours – Both Days:

• Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society – Bowlsby-DeGelleke House – Parsippany

🎯 Event Details:

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday, October 4–5, 2025

• Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. each day

• Cost: Free

• Format: Self-guided driving tour (rain or shine)

• Online Resources: Full site list, map, and details on participating organizations available on official websites and Facebook pages

Randolph Friends Meeting House & Cemetery, 2 Quaker Church Road, Randolph NJ - Randolph Friends Meeting House and Cemetery Association

🤝 Tour Sponsors & Partners:

The Pathways of History Tour is made possible with the support of numerous sponsors and partner organizations, including:

• FM Kirby Foundation, Morris County (and multiple affiliated commissions), Highlands Council, Morristown Municipal Airport, The American Friends of Lafayette, Friends of Jockey Hollow, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C., Atlantic Health Systems, Paul Miller Auto Group, First Bank, Kraus Marketing, New Jersey Historical Commission

• (Full list available in here)

ℹ️ About the Morris County Historical Society:

The Morris County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s historical heritage. Through education, advocacy, and outreach, the society ensures that Morris County’s historical legacy remains accessible, vibrant, and meaningful for generations to come.

For additional information, including maps and updates, visit the Morris County Historical Society website or search "Pathways of History Tour" on Facebook.

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