MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has approved nearly $5 million in Historic Preservation Trust Fund grants to support 35 preservation projects in 20 municipalities.
The board approved $4.92 million in funding, with all projects recommended by the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board following its annual review process.
Approximately 86% of the funding will support construction work at 16 historic sites, while the remaining funds will be used for 19 non-construction projects, including preservation planning, preparation of construction documents and one property acquisition.
“Morris County has now awarded more than $61 million from our Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 142 historic sites since 2003, when voters overwhelmingly supported dedicating a fund to protect our important historical resources,” said Commissioner Thomas J. Mastrangelo, liaison to the Office of Planning & Preservation. “We thank the members of the Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and our Office of Planning and Preservation staff for their hard work in selecting the most worthy projects for support and providing this important benefit to county residents.”
“As Morris County celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s independence this year, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our heritage, not only because of Morris County’s deep roots in the American Revolution, but also because of the local people and places that played significant roles in our great nation’s evolution throughout history,” he added.
County officials said the Historic Preservation Trust Fund has awarded more than $61 million since its creation in 2003, helping preserve 142 historic sites while promoting heritage tourism, economic development and public awareness of Morris County’s history.
Among the projects receiving funding is Camp Jefferson, formerly known as Camp Ranger and Camp Clifton, in Jefferson Township. Established in 1926 after the Boy Rangers of Montclair and Glen Ridge purchased 33 acres, the property later became Camp Clifton under the Boys’ Club of Clifton.
The project will receive a $101,800 grant to prepare a preservation plan and a nomination for the National Register of Historic Places.
The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey will receive an $18,560 grant for construction documents related to preserving the New Jersey Merci Train boxcar in Boonton.
The railcar is one of 49 “40 & 8” boxcars presented to the United States by France in 1949 as a gesture of gratitude for American assistance following World War II through the Friendship Train. The funding will support preparation of plans for interior and exterior preservation work.
In East Hanover Township, a $330,000 grant will support the township’s acquisition of the historic First Presbyterian Church of Hanover and its burial ground.
The church, built in 1835 in the Greek Revival style, is associated with one of Morris County’s earliest settlements and has ties to the American Revolution. The property was purchased by the township in August 2025 and will be used for senior programming and other municipal activities.
