Organization of the Week: Montclair Historical Society

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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 Montclair Historical Society. The Society was founded in 1965 to save the 1796 Israel Crane House from demolition. The grassroots effort was successful and the house was relocated from Glen Ridge Avenue to its current location on Orange Road. In 1973, the Society acquired the adjacent 1818 Nathaniel Crane House and moved it approximately 75 feet to the Society's property. Together, both buildings serve the Montclair Historical Society's mission of preservation, education, and sharing by serving as a historic house museum, museum shop, and space for demonstrations, lectures, and classes.

In 1984, the Society expanded by purchasing the adjacent 1896 Clark House to serve as library and administration space. In 1997, the Society acquired the former home of successful Montclair banker Charles Shultz on North Mountain Avenue. This stately home was donated to the Society by Shultz's granddaughter Molly. Known as Evergreens, the house has been virtually unaltered for 100 years and holds an important collection that reflects Charles Shultz’s keen personal interest in science, the arts, and world travel. The home is also host to various changing exhibitions throughout the year.

The Montclair Historical Society relies on memberships, fundraising, and countless volunteers to continue its mission. For more information on programs, special events, and exhibits hosted by the Montclair Historical Society or to become a member or volunteer, please call 973-744-1796 or visit www.montclairhistorical.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.



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Location: 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA

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