Morristown National Historical Park 90th Anniversary Events

An air of historic excitement will be swirling around the Morristown National Historical Park (NHP) as it ushers in its 90th anniversary this year.

As the pioneer of National Historical Parks across the United States, the park is marking this significant milestone with special events scheduled for June 10 and 11.

Admission will be free to the public, embodying the park's commitment to making history accessible to all.

One of the highlights on Saturday, June 10, is "The Turncoat's Widow" presentation. At 1:00 p.m., distinguished author Mally Becker will delve into the backstory of her award-winning novel. Set predominantly in Morristown, New York, and the historical Ford Mansion, the narrative brings to life the town's rich history.

Following the discussion, Becker will be signing copies of her book, providing an excellent opportunity for fans and history buffs alike to interact with her.

This event will be held at Washington’s Headquarters Museum, located at 30 Washington Place in Morristown.

On Sunday, June 11, at 3:00 p.m., the park will present "Tea for Three: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty". Emmy award-winning actress and playwright Elaine Bromka will take attendees on an evocative journey through time, exploring the unique challenges and triumphs of America's First Ladies. Her insightful portrayal promises to uncover both the personal and political aspects that define the lives of these influential women.

The event will also be held at Washington’s Headquarters Museum, ensuring an immersive historical experience.

Given the popularity of these events, seating will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot and explore the many historical treasures the park offers.

For a comprehensive list of all the 90th Anniversary events at Morristown NHP, visit https://www.nps.gov/morr/planyourvisit/90th-anniversary-calendar-of-events.htm.

To learn more about Morristown National Historical Park, visit https://www.nps.gov/morr/index.htm.

As the park steps into its 90th year, the celebrations serve not just as a testament to its past, but as a beacon guiding future generations to preserve and appreciate our nation's rich history.

Calendar of Events

Kick Off
Saturday, March 4 at 1:00pm
Spring Encampment
Saturday, April 22 (11am – 4pm) and Sunday 23 (11am – 3:30pm)
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The Turncoat's Widow
Saturday, June 10 at 1:00pm--Author Mally Becker will talk about her award-winning novel The Turncoat's Widow which is set primarily in and around Morristown, New York, and the Ford Mansion. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

TEA FOR THREE: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty
Sunday, June 11 at 3:00pm--Critically acclaimed actress and playwright Elaine Bromka will portray the not always easy lives of American First Ladies through her play Tea for Three, Lady Bird, Pat, and Betty. Whether Martha Washington or Dr. Jill Biden, the stresses and joys of being married to the President of the United States are as unique as each individual lady but as similar as the unofficial office they hold. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle Tour of National Parks
Saturday, June 17 at 1:00pm--Keith Muchowski, park volunteer and librarian and professor at New York City College of Technology (CUNY) in Brooklyn will speak about the little-remembered Brooklyn Daily Eagle Tour of National Parks sponsored by the newspaper the Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1919. This is a fascinating and well researched look at organized touring involving the National Park Service, Native American tribes, and a host of towns and cities eager for tourist dollars. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

Archeology in the Park
Sunday, June 18 at 1:00pm--Monmouth University professor and archaeologist Dr. Richard Veit will present a talk and slideshow on some of the work he has recently performed within Morristown NHP and some of the exciting finds excavated by him and his team. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

Xiomaro
Saturday June 24 at 1:00pm--Photo artist Xiomaro will present an interactive talk and slideshow on his work at Morristown NHP and his larger interests in the historical possibilities contained within many national parks. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

4th of July Celebration
Tuesday, July 4 at 12:00pm--Celebrate our Declaration of Independence with July Fourth activities beginning at noon on the park's Washington’s Headquarters grounds with a "Warm-Up for the Declaration" including eighteenth-century stories, jokes and riddles followed by the reading of the Declaration at 1pm. On the grounds of Washington’s Headquarters Museum.

Washington’s War Tent
Saturday, July 8 and 9 10am – 4pm--Explore a replica of General George Washington's original sleeping and office tent from the Revolutionary War will be on display. Come learn about the first oval office. On the grounds of Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Sponsored by the Washington Association of New Jersey.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Saturday, July 15 at 1:00pm--American Historical Theater actress Kim Hanley will portray leading American women's rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who in 1848 sponsored the first women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, NY. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

Phillis Wheatley
Sunday, July 16 at 1:00pm--American Historical Theater actress Dr. Daisy Century will portray the first published enslaved African American Phillis Wheatley. Also on display will be a copy of the first edition of Wheatley's poems from the park's collection. The volume is one of few signed by Wheatley. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

Concert
Saturday, July 22 at 1:00pm--Pianist Dr. Peter Toth will perform on the park’s 1873 Steinway grand piano. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

The Baroque Orchestra of NJ
Sunday, July 23 at 2:00pm--The Baroque Orchestra of NJ under the direction of Maestro Robert Butts will perform the specially commissioned work tentatively titled The Jockey Hollow Suite. This work was composed by Dr. Butts at part of the park’s celebratory 90th anniversary year and is funded through a grant from Morris Arts. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

Libro de Cofradias
Sunday, July 30 at 1:00pm--Fairleigh Dickinson University professor Dr. Luz Huertas will discuss her translation of and meaning of a Libro de Cofradias from the Order of Santa Ana in Mexico City on April 27, 1557, one of the earliest monastic establishments of Mexico. The Book of Orders, which will be on display, contains the original Articles of the Constitution of this Order. This manuscript is from the park's collection. Washington’s Headquarters Museum. Seating limited, first-come, first-served.

Please check back as the park will be adding many other events and exhibits throughout the year.