Morris County and the Industrial Revolution

Cooper Gristmill, was originally built by Nathan Cooper in1826. The mill and adjacent visitors center have been carefully restored to provide visitors with an opportunity to rediscover the roots and heritage of the region while witnessing the amazing power of the Black River which has been harnessed to grind grain into flour by massive 2,000 pound millstones. 
April – June: Saturdays only, 10 am – 5 pm
July – August:Wed – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm Sunday 12 – 5 pm
September – October: Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Sunday, 12 - 5 pm
66 Route 513, Chester 
908-879-5463
morrisparks.net

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, captures the spirit of life at the turn of the 20th century through weekly activities presented on the farm, in the 1920s farmhouse and at The Willows, the mansion built by Joseph Revere, grandson of Paul Revere. The staff is  dressed in appropriate period attire and interprets the lives and roles of farm laborers, domestic workers and Foster family members and  friends. They perform a daily regimen of farming and domestic chores, and raise livestock and crops by historical methods. 
(April-June:Tues.-Sat. 10-5 , July-Oct: Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5

some off-season programming)
73 Kahdena Road, Morristown  
973-326-7645
morrisparks.net

Historic Speedwell, brings the birth of the American Industrial Revolution to life. This National Historic Landmark site is comprised of eight historic structures. Among these are the home of Stephen Vail, proprietor of the Speedwell Iron Works, restored to the period of 1844-1864, and the Factory Building where Samuel F.B. Morse and Alfred Vail first publicly demonstrated the telegraph.  Exhibits illustrate the history of the iron works and Stephen Vail's connection to the S.S. Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.

Enjoy weekend programming, special events, school class programs, home school days and scout programs. Visit the Gift Shop opened all year!

General Operating Hours: April – June, Tues. – Sat. 10 -5,

July – Oct. Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5

Holiday Program: First Weekend of December

Open by Appointment: Nov. - March

973-285-6550

www.speedwell.org

www.morrisparks.net/speedwell/home.html

Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, explores 18th and 19th century American history, with a focus on New Jersey craftsmen and artisans. Housed in the beautiful 1900 James Library, and drawing on its collection of over 8,000 artifacts, METC offers something for visitors of all ages. Visit the gift shop.
(Tues.-Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-5)
9 Main Street, Madison  
973-377-2982
metc.org

Obadiah LaTourette Grist and Saw Mill, built circa 1750 by Philip Weise and expanded in the late 1800's, is currently being restored by the Washington Township Land Trust. This mill is part of the German Valley Historic District. Tours are given from 10-2 most Saturdays, and anytime by appointment.
12 East Mill Road (Route 513), Long Valley
908-876-4478, 908-832-9603
WTLT.org

Ralston Cider Mill
This is a rare working cider mill museum that illuminates its interesting history and the importance of applejack from our earlier settlers thru prohibition. Visitors tour the restored building, built in 1848 , with knowledgeable staff that explain the history and construction of the mill. They operate the restored original equipment, demonstrating the production process and tell the story o hard cider, applejack and bootleg “Jersey Lightning.”
(May, Sun. 1-5; last two weeks of Sept. Sun. 1-5; Oct. Sat. and Sun. 1-5 and by appointment to groups)
336 Mendham Road, Mendham
ralstoncidermill.org

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms - This 30-acre National Historic Landmark is the 1911 estate of noted designer, Gustav Stickley, who is internationally known for his multiple roles as lifestyle designer, philosopher, publisher, social critic, and leader of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. The centerpiece of the park-like estate is Stickley’s massive Log House, which is now operated as a historic house museum. Major restoration and refurbishments have taken place throughout the property during the past year, including the sensitive restoration of the master bedroom in the Log House. The Museum is developing a growing list of educational events and activities and has opened the Log House to the public year-round. A new education room has been opened in the adjoining Annex for the Museum’s expanding series of lectures, programs, Scout workshops, and meetings. Recent refurbishments have also been completed on North Cottage, one of the nine Stickley structures on the site. This charming bungalow is open for special programs and by appointment. 
(year round, Sat. and Sun. 11-4; April 1-Nov. 16th, Sat. and Sun. 11-4, Wed.-Fri. 12-3; Grounds open year round dawn to dusk) 
2352 Route 10 West at Manor Lane, Morris Plains 
973-540-1165
stickleymuseum.org

Whippany Railway Museum, containsexhibits related to railroad memorabilia and features full-size historical railroad equipment and rolling stock. 
(April-Oct.,Sun. 12-4 some holiday programming) 
Route 10 West at Whippany Road, Whippany 
973-887-8177
whippanyrailwaymuseum.net