CHATHAM TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Restoration work has been completed at the historic Mount Vernon School, also known as the Red Brick Schoolhouse Museum, following several years of preservation efforts supported by Morris County historic preservation funding.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw recently visited the site to present a Morris County Historic Preservation plaque to Chatham Township Mayor Jen Rowland and the Chatham Township Historical Society in recognition of the completed project.
County officials said more than $305,000 in grants from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund supported the restoration work.
“Preserving our history is always a priority in Morris County, and this year it carries even greater significance as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” said Director Shaw. “The Mount Vernon School is a wonderful example of the historic places we are proud to protect for future generations.”
Originally built around 1860, the building later received additions around 1900 and 1958. The structure served as a local school and Sunday school until 1928 before later housing community organizations and Chatham Township Hall.
The building was eventually converted into a local history museum.
According to county officials, preservation grants awarded since 2019 funded a National Register nomination, preservation planning, construction documents and exterior restoration work.
The 2022 and 2023 grants supported repairs to deteriorating brick and mortar, reconstruction of part of the vestibule, restoration of stone window features and installation of interior storm windows.
“We’re so grateful for all the support and all the funding. The Red Brick Schoolhouse is a beloved site in town — not only because it holds so much history for us and our residents — but it is the destination for field trips for our students. This is a field trip that they remember and they continue to come back with their grandparents and parents,” said Mayor Rowland.
“Morris County has been with us since the beginning of the process. From the preservation plan and National Register nomination to the construction documents and restoration work, we could not have completed this project without the county’s support,” said Martha Wells, president of the Chatham Township Historical Society.
The recognition ceremony followed Morris County’s annual Pathways of History weekend held May 2 and 3, during which the museum welcomed visitors from across the region.
County officials said the Chatham Township Historical Society also featured the RevolutionNJ “Revolutionary Lives” exhibit as part of Morris County’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
