To mark the 50th anniversary of the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) and emphasize the significant work of history organizations and programs across the state, we asked our FY2017 and FY2018 grant recipients to submit a short narrative and photos describing the impact of NJHC funding. Each week until the end of our fiscal year in June, we will post a spotlight featuring the responses of our grant recipients. Whether NJHC support contributed to general operating, a brand new exhibit, an engaging education program or the restoration of a historic object, it’s truly amazing to see what New Jersey’s history organizations, libraries, and individuals have to offer.
This week we spotlight Macculloch Hall Historical Museum in Morristown, NJ and hear about Dig it! Plant it! Eat it! and merit badges for local Boy Scouts:
Students and teachers from the Banyan School making art during Dig it! Plant it! Eat it! Photo credit: Stan Freeny
Dig it! Plant it! Eat it! at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown. This summer Dig it! Plant it! Eat it! engaged children of all ages with Macculloch Hall Historical Museum’s historic house and garden. Working with five community partner groups and local families, children tended plants selected for the kitchen garden using George Macculloch’s 1829 garden ledger and for the War/Victory garden in connection with the exhibition Women Warriors on the Home Front: Dorothea Miller Post and the Woman’s Land Army. This exhibition celebrating Morristown’s role in WWI told the story of Morris County women’s agricultural support for the war led by Dorothea Miller Post (1878-1947), the last family member to live at Macculloch Hall. Dolly, as she was known, was captain of the Morris County unit of the Woman’s Land Army. Participants ranging in age from preschool to teenagers harvested vegetables and herbs; learned about pickling techniques and tasted pickles they made; learned how MHHM’s gardens supported the family that lived at Macculloch Hall during the 19th century and the greater Morris community during the Great War; and participated in nature scavenger hunts and art activities with New Jersey artist and storyteller, Linda Howe. Children, teens, and adults helped to harvest over forty pounds of fresh vegetables and herbs that were donated to the Community Soup Kitchen in Morristown. MHHM would like to thank the NJHC for their support and the greater Morristown community for bringing life to our gardens!
Boy Scout Troop #276 from Byram and Troop #86 working on merit badges at Macculloch Hall. Photo credit: Stan Freeny.
Merit Badges earned at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown. Since 2014 Macculloch Hall has been a resource for Boy Scouts interested in earning their merit badge in Architecture. Architecture Past and Present includes thoughtful discussion about repurposing buildings and preservation and a walking tour of Morristown’s original historic district, Macculloch Hall’s home. In spring 2017 MHHM debuted its newest Boy Scout program, We the People, which meets the requirements for the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge, a requirement for reaching the status of Eagle Scout. Activities include a review of national documents and their impact on individuals, discussion of several inspiring speeches by Abraham Lincoln and learning the role National Monuments and the National Historic Landmark systems have in preserving our country’s history. Scouts engage in these activities in the home of former United States Senator, Jacob Miller (1800-1862), son-in-law to George Macculloch (1775-1858), allowing scouts to actively study national history where it happened locally. MHHM’s Curator of Education and Community Engagement Cynthia Winslow, an approved merit badge counselor, signed blue cards at the completion of the program. MHHM would like to thank NJHC and the Patriots’ Path Council of the Boy Scouts of America for their support of these programs.
For questions about NJHC Grantee Spotlights, please contact Greer Luce, Communications Officer, at 609-633-0776 or greer.luce@sos.nj.gov.
About the New Jersey Historical Commission
The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey history. Established by law in 1967, its work is founded on the fundamental belief that an understanding of our shared heritage is essential to sustaining a cohesive and robust democracy.
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