Morven Museum & Garden Undertakes Major Preservation Project & Receives Grant

Morven Museum & Garden undertakes major preservation project with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a National Park Service “Save America’s Treasures” Grant 

“In these extraordinary times, we are able to fulfill our most primary public charge, to preserve the National Historic Landmark known as Morven in perpetuity, thanks to a $210,000 grant from the ‘Save America's Treasures’ program of the National Park Service coupled with a gift from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,” Morven Museum & Garden’s Executive Director Jill Barry announced recently.

Competing against preservation projects from across the country, “Save America’s Treasures”, administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior, awarded Morven its full request to facilitate much-needed repairs on the landmark structure including exterior woodwork repair, interior floor repairs, interior storm windows, and a new energy efficient lighting system.

“At a time where operating funds are so limited, we are fortunate to have funders that understand the importance of caring for the infrastructure of the 260-year old physical building in a timely manner or risk suffering irreparable damage,” Barry added. “As Robert Wood Johnson’s home from 1928 to 1944, the Foundation generously supported the project.”

Notably, additional matching funds were provided by the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund, along with the sponsorship of the Princeton chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for the first phase of the project, the repair of 52 windows and corresponding 104 shutters.

Most historic sites celebrate one notable resident, Morven is unique in that it was home to many remarkable people. Built in the 1750s and home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Morven is New Jersey’s first Governor’s Mansion and home to five New Jersey governors, their families and staffs; witnessing nearly 300 years of history.    Morven is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ and is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The gardens are open daily until dusk.

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About Morven Museum & Garden
For nearly 300 years Morven has played a role in the history of New Jersey and the nation. Originally part of a 5,500-acre tract purchased from William Penn in 1701 by the Stockton family, it is the home of Richard Stockton, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, and is the only home of a New Jersey signer which is highly interpreted and open regularly to the public. As well as serving as a Stockton homestead for several generations into the 20th century, and home to three generations of enslaved families, Morven was home to the families and household staff of Robert Wood Johnson Jr., and was the first New Jersey Governors’ Mansion and home to five New Jersey governors and their families and staffs.

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