Morris County lecture series spotlights Revolutionary history; next talk set for Feb. 25
WHIPPANY, N.J. (Morris County) — A new Morris County Revolutionary Lecture Series launched this week with more than 100 people attending its opening program Jan. 21 at the Morris County Library, organizers said.
The free monthly series is presented by the Morris County Historical Society in partnership with the Morris County Heritage Commission and is supported by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, the Morris County 250th Celebrations Committee and the Morris County Tourism Bureau. Organizers said the series is designed to highlight the county’s Revolutionary-era history and its broader national impact.
“We are delighted by the breadth of topics featured in this series and both the opportunity to spotlight an exceptional group of local historians whose work brings these stories to life,” said Amy Curry, executive director of MCHS. “From the grueling winter encampments of Gen. George Washington and his troops, to incredible feats of engineering, to the people and places that left lasting legacies, the series offers something for everyone.”
The next lecture is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, featuring local author and historian Janet W. Foster discussing Morris County sites listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book. Organizers said the program is free, but pre-registration is required, and attendees can participate in person at the library or virtually via Zoom.
The inaugural lecture featured historian Pat Sanftner, who examined the relationship between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler, formed during the Revolutionary War in Morristown, and how it influenced the nation’s future, organizers said.
“The historical events that took place right here in Morris County during the Revolutionary War helped shape our nation,” said Commissioner Christine Myers. “Preserving and sharing these stories ensures our heritage is understood and appreciated by future generations. The Board of County Commissioners is proud to support this lecture series and other initiatives that highlight Morris County’s role in our nation’s story.”
Upcoming programs will cover a range of subjects, including George Washington’s encampments in Morris County, the Morris Canal, the Great Swamp, Lake Hopatcong, mining and ironmaking, Picatinny Arsenal’s 1926 explosion, The Federalist Papers, Thomas Nast, historic cemeteries and more, organizers said. Each session includes a 45-minute presentation followed by a question-and-answer segment for in-person and virtual audiences.
“The 250th Anniversary has given us an opportunity to highlight our rich and vast history and the lecture series helps us celebrate incredible achievements, events, places and people who make this area so special,” said Heritage Commission Director Amanda Broschart.
Organizers said sponsors include RevolutionNJ, Crossroads of the American Revolution, the New Jersey Historical Commission, Morris County History Community, the F.M. Kirby Foundation and FNM365.
The Morris County Historical Society is an independent, member-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting county history since 1946. It is based at Acorn Hall in Morristown. More information is available at MorrisCountyHistory.org. For information about Morris County’s 250th anniversary commemoration and related events, visit morriscounty250.org.
