Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall

10/21/2026

Tonight's lecture, Iron Mining & Iron Making in the NJ Highlands, has been postponed. We apologize for the inconvenience. A rescheduled presentation is being planned for 2027.

10/21/2026

A special thank you to Chambon Electric, Inc. and beekeeper Debbie DeRosa for rescuing a growing hive of honeybees at Acorn Hall! Living under the Hall's roofline, the endangered bees were in need of expert care and a new home. The hive was only accessible by a bucket truck, generously supplied by Chambon Electric, and required over an hour of careful work by Debbie to be safely packed in a beebox for transportation. We are so grateful for their assistance. The bees have now been successfully rehomed and are actively filling the combs for winter.

Established in 1956 and located in Chatham, NJ, Chambon Electric, Inc. is a family-owned company that provides a range of commercial, industrial, and residential services. Thanks to Gene and Rob!

Debbie DeRosa is an animal rehabilitator and beekeeper based in Madison with 9 years of experience with bees. Thanks to Debbie and her husband Pete, who operated the bucket truck!

10/20/2026

In MCHS archives is a fascinating artifact from Morris County’s defining industry: a large, leatherbound ledger from the Boonton Ironworks dating to 1791. Most likely saved by what nearly obliterated it, that the ledger survived at all is probably thanks to it being turned into a scrapbook around 1853. However, a few pages were spared, providing a peek into the operation under the leadership of famed local ironmaster John Jacob Faesch.

by Anne Motto, F.M. Kirby Curator of Collections October 20, 2026 In MCHS archives is a fascinating artifact from Morris County’s defining industry: a large, leatherbound ledger from the Boonton […]

10/15/2026

On this week in Morris County history...
Founded in 1855, the National Iron Bank in Morristown celebrated its 88th anniversary on October 16, 1943 with refreshment, "good music," and souvenirs for all who attended the event. The following year, it merged with local First National Bank and the institution operated on South Street under the name First National Iron Bank into the 1970s.

10/08/2026

On this week in Morris County history...
Records began for the Morristown Lyceum on October 6, 1879 at its first regular meeting following its official organization. The debating society's early minutes, now in MCHS archives, describe their plans to lease a "commodious" room in the library on South Street. Previously the "Young Men's Lyceum," its first officers included Paul Revere (great-grandson of the famous Revolutionary figure) and Mahlon Pitney, later a Supreme Court Justice.

10/08/2026

Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day! Bring a blanket or chairs and spend the evening in Acorn Hall's garden enjoying samples from a local brewery, distillery, and winery along with food from local eateries. History & Hops, 4:00-8:00pm, includes topical lectures in our restored carriage house and our current exhibit, Fermenting a Communal Spirit: Morris County Taverns, Speakeasies & Social Clubs. Admission is $25 per person. No registration required. Must be 21 and over. For more information, link to the event's page is in the comments.

10/05/2026

Don't miss History & Hops this Friday, from 4:00-8:00pm! A evening of food, fun, and fermented history, the event will feature Glenbrook Brewery, Dismal Harmony Distilling, and Rebel Sheep W**e Co. along with topical talks in Acorn Hall's restored carriage house and our current exhibit, Fermenting a Communal Spirit: Morris County Taverns Speakeasies & Social Clubs. Admission: $25. Limit 5 samples per person. Must be 21 and over. For more information, visit the event's page on our website!

10/01/2026

Join MCHS at the surface lot on Dehart St. on this Sunday, October 4, from 11-2pm for our second annual “History in Motion” Car Show! Dozens of classic cars, muscle cars, antique cars, hot rods, and exotic cars, foreign and domestic, will be on display at this fundraiser that celebrates automotive history. Music will be provided by Denville’s Golden Gup from his custom pink 1965 Ford F-100. To learn more or to register your car, visit the events page on our website! Link in the comments

09/29/2026

At the turn of the century, estates of Gilded Age millionaires dotted the landscape from Florham Park to Washington Valley, dominating the page of the 1910 Mueller Atlas of Part of Morris County. Paired with postcards of the day, which provide perhaps the most dynamic view of these grand estates, the atlas allows us to take a stroll through the neighborhoods, particularly Normandy Heights and Normandy Park, as they were when Morristown was a millionaire capital of the world. Link below in the comments.

09/25/2026

Looking for ways to celebrate America250? Join MCHS and our partners for our Revolutionary Lecture Series and Morris County Walking Tour Series which continue this October! All tours and lectures are free; pre-registration is required. Check out our website calendar for more information and visit our YouTube channel for a sneak peek of upcoming events!