The New Jersey Historic Trust, a preservation fund with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, has announced its 2023 grant recommendations, which included a $647,300 grant to Princeton national historic monument Morven Museum & Garden.
Morven, once home to figures like Richard Stockton and businessman Robert Wood Johnson, Jr., served as the state’s designated Governor’s Mansion for five elected officials until the property was transformed into a museum in the 1980s.
Now, Morven has been recognized as one of 71 “preservation planning, municipal, county, and regional planning, heritage tourism, and capital projects” to receive monetary support from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund, a total allocation of $14,038,043, according to a press release, to “save and promote historic sites throughout the state.”
The award will support Morven initiatives from 2024 to 2026, with a focus on preparation for the “United States Semiquincentennial,” which will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“This anniversary in 2026 is particularly important and impactful to Morven as the former home of Richard Stockton, one of the New Jersey signers of the Declaration of Independence,” the press release continues, noting that the site “was awarded $75,000, the highest amount given, from the Heritage Tourism Grant, going towards marketing efforts” such as enhancing the website, advertising efforts, and promotional materials for increased exposure.
The Capital I Grant program provided $72,300 to “modernize” the museum’s elevator, allowing the institution to upgrade its accommodations for those with mobility issues and ensure structural ADA compliance to better serve all visitors.
Another $500,000 from the Capital II Grant program is set to completely refurbish the driveway and parking lot, as well as add exterior lighting to the property, with Morven interim director Beth Allan explaining, “Our regular visitors know that Morven’s driveway is a constant issue with recurring potholes each season. A rehabilitated driveway and parking lot will provide a smoother and safer surface for entering and exiting the grounds on foot, bike, or vehicle.”
In addition to illuminating the pathways and paving, Morven will additionally set up “power drops and sitewide wi-fi connectivity” to benefit future outdoor programming.
Allan adds that “this generous funding will be transformative for Morven and our guests, and we are so grateful. As we enter our twentieth year as a museum, we look forward to getting to work on these improvements, which will ensure that Morven is ready for the semiquincentennial in 2026.”
“I am excited to see that Morven [Museum and Garden] has been awarded a grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust,” Princeton Mayor Mark Freda says in a statement. “Morven is a jewel within our community that deserves to be properly cared for and preserved. And having the support of the New Jersey Historic Trust is significant towards that goal.”
State Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer, who represents the 16th legislative district, adds, “I congratulate Morven Museum and Garden on this New Jersey Historic Trust Capital Improvement Grant. This investment in the preservation and sustainability of New Jersey’s historic buildings will help improve education opportunities and visitor experiences in the years to come.”
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton 08540. 609-924-8144. Elizabeth Allan, interim director & curator. www.morven.org.
