Morris Canal Day returns to Montville after decades; county honors organizers at event
MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris Canal Day returned to Montville Township for the first time in nearly four decades, drawing hundreds of visitors and earning recognition from county officials.
Morris County Commissioners Douglas Cabana and Thomas Mastrangelo, joined by Sheriff James Gannon, presented a Morris County Certificate of Honor to Montville Township and the Montville Township Historical Society for their efforts in reviving the community event, which had not been held locally since 1988.
“It’s great to see Canal Day back in my hometown of Montville for the first time since 1988. The canal itself was once a lifeline for this region, stretching 102 miles across New Jersey and shaping communities like ours,” Mastrangelo said. “This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.”
The certificate, issued April 18, recognized the event’s role in celebrating the historic Morris Canal and highlighting local history through education and community engagement during the nation’s semiquincentennial year.
Organizers said the event attracted more than 800 visitors and was supported by over 50 volunteers. Activities included canal history lectures, exhibits, colonial-era games, live music and food vendors.
Elected officials attending the event included Assemblyman Brian Bergen, Morristown Councilman Steve Pylypchuk, and Montville Township Committeewomen June Witty and Daria Senaldi-Romeo.
