Organization of the Week: The Washington Association of New Jersey

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Every Monday, I highlight a non-profit related to history or the arts, a historical society, preservation group or friends group whose main objective is to promote the historical and artistic history of New Jersey.

This week, I am featuring the Washington Association of New Jersey. The Washington Association of New Jersey was officially chartered in 1874 by a special act of the Legislature of New Jersey to preserve the Ford Mansion, Washington’s Revolutionary War Headquarters during the bitter winter of 1779-1780. The Association restored and operated Washington's Headquarters until 1933 when it was transferred to the Department of the Interior by the Washington Association and became the nucleus of the country’s first National Historical Park. Lloyd Waddell Smith, a former president of the Association, gave the greater part of the Jockey Hollow land. Since then, the National Park Service has expanded the Jockey Hollow area through land purchase and donations with assistance from the Association.

The Association sponsors education initiatives and co-sponsors monthly lectures and symposia relating to Washington and the Revolution that are held at the Washington Headquarters Museum, in conjunction with the North Jersey American Revolution Round Table and the National Park Service.

The Washington Association of New Jersey relies on memberships, fundraising, and countless volunteers to continue its mission. For more information on programs, special events, and exhibits hosted by the Washington Association of New Jersey or to become a member or volunteer, please call 973-292-1874 or visit www.wanj.org.

If you are a member of a non-profit organization or know of one that you would like to see featured on this site, please let us know in the comments or send an e-mail to kelly@thehistorygirl.com.


Location: Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA

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