MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Morris County showcased its pivotal role in American history last week as it hosted the 2026 New Jersey History and Historic Preservation Conference, drawing hundreds of historians, preservation professionals, educators and museum leaders from across the state during the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration.
The two-day conference, held June 17-18 at Saint Elizabeth University, attracted approximately 400 attendees each day and served as New Jersey’s premier annual gathering focused on history and historic preservation.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw welcomed participants, emphasizing the county’s significance in the story of the American Revolution as the United States marks its 250th anniversary.
“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on the people and places that helped forge a new nation. Few places played a greater role in that story than Morris County,” Shaw said. “This is where General George Washington headquartered not once, but twice, during some of the most critical moments of the Revolutionary War, and where the Continental Army endured the Hard Winter at Jockey Hollow while the cause of independence hung in the balance.”
Hosted by the Friends of New Jersey Heritage and the New Jersey Historic Trust, the conference featured educational sessions, workshops, tours and networking opportunities centered on historic preservation, archaeology, museum management, heritage tourism and public history.
Shaw thanked Glenn Ceponis, executive director of the New Jersey Historic Trust, as well as conference organizers and planning committee members for bringing the event to Morris County during the historic anniversary year. He also recognized the trust’s grant programs for helping preserve historic sites throughout the county.
Several Morris County organizations participated in the conference, including the Morris County Park Commission, Office of Planning and Preservation, Heritage Commission and Morris County Tourism Bureau. Morris County Historical Society Executive Director Amy Curry served on the conference planning committee.
The conference also featured a presentation by Emmy Award-winning PBS travel host Darley Newman, who discussed heritage tourism and the role storytelling plays in connecting visitors with historic places.
During his remarks, Shaw noted that 136 historic sites have been restored and protected through the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund since 2003. He encouraged visitors to explore the county’s Revolutionary War landmarks, museums and historic districts as part of Morris County’s yearlong Semiquincentennial observance.
Attendees and visitors were invited to return for upcoming Morris County 250th anniversary events, including the nationwide Light to Unite campaign beginning July 2 and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at the historic Morris County Courthouse on July 8.
Additional information about Morris County’s Semiquincentennial events is available at MorrisCounty250.com.
