Three-Day Celebration Brings Revolutionary History to Life in Morristown

Step back in time and experience Morris County’s Revolutionary history where it happened during Living History Weekend, Sept. 25 through Sept. 27, in Morristown.

The three-day event held as part of Morris County’s ongoing celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary will bring Revolutionary-era reenactors and historic figures to the Morristown Green, open the doors of historic sites for special programs and tours, challenge visitors with Revolutionary history trivia and conclude with a special History Corridor at the annual Morristown Festival on the Green. A fireworks display sponsored by Sanofi also will highlight Saturday evening.

“Living History Weekend gives people an opportunity to experience our history in the places where it actually happened. We are proud to help connect a new generation with the stories that helped shape our county and our nation during this historic year,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw.

“Our goal was to create a weekend where people can choose from a variety of historic experiences happening throughout Morristown. We want families, residents and visitors to experience Morris County’s incredible history in a way that is fun, engaging and accessible,” Sarah Neibart, executive director of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee.

 

The three-day schedule includes:

Friday, Sept. 25: Revolutionary History Trivia Night

Living History Weekend kicks off with Revolutionary History Trivia Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Glenbrook Brewery. Participants can test their knowledge of the American Revolution and Morris County history while enjoying an evening in downtown Morristown.

Saturday, Sept. 26: Living History Comes to Morristown

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Morristown Green will become a Revolutionary-era gathering place featuring reenactors, historic figures and demonstrations. Activities will include a militia, 18th-century medical and weaponry exhibits and a silhouette artist.

At the same time, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., historic organizations throughout Morristown will offer special programs, exhibits, talks and tours.

Participating sites and programs include:

• Macculloch Hall Historical Museum: Explore the historic museum and its nationally significant collection, including the nation’s largest single collection of original works by political cartoonist Thomas Nast.
• Sansay House: The American Friends of Lafayette will share the story and legacy of the Marquis de Lafayette.
• Presbyterian Church in Morristown: The Morris County Historical Society will present talks about local history and the people and events that shaped the community.

Additional historic sites and programs will be announced as the weekend approaches.

Saturday Evening: Fireworks in Morristown

A special fireworks display sponsored by Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company with flagship offices based in Morristown, will cap Saturday’s activities in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary. The display is being coordinated by Sanofi, the Town of Morristown, Morristown Fire Department and the Morris County 250th Anniversary Steering Committee. Additional information about timing and viewing locations will be announced.

“Sanofi is proud to be part of the Morris County community as we come together to create a memorable evening for residents, families and visitors to share this historic milestone,” said George Coutros, director of State Government Relations at Sanofi.

Sunday, Sept. 27: History Corridor at Festival on the Green

Living History Weekend concludes Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. during the Morristown Partnership’s annual Festival on the Green.

A special History Corridor will feature Morris County historic sites and organizations, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the people, places and events that shaped Morris County and the nation.

“The idea for Living History Weekend grew out of the opportunity we saw to bring together Morris County’s incredible history, our vibrant downtown and the many organizations working to tell our community’s story,” said Meghan Hunscher, president & CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Morris County Economic Development Corporation.

“So much of the history we are celebrating happened right here in Morristown, and this weekend gives residents and visitors an opportunity to experience it while enjoying everything our town has to offer today. We look forward to welcoming people to the Green, our historic sites and downtown Morristown for what I know will be a very special weekend,” said Morristown Mayor Timothy P. Dougherty.

“Living History Weekend is a wonderful example of how heritage tourism can connect visitors with both Morris County’s past and everything our communities have to offer today,” said Samantha Rutledge, director of Tourism & Strategic Partnerships for the Morris County Tourism Bureau.

“The F. M. Kirby Foundation is proud to support Living History Weekend and Morris County’s celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary,” said Gina Beviglia, Program Officer of the F. M. Kirby Foundation. “The Kirby Foundation has a long legacy of supporting the preservation of the historic places and institutions that help tell the story of our community. Living History Weekend builds on that tradition by not only preserving our history, but bringing it to life and creating new opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages to experience the people, places and stories that shaped Morris County and our nation. We are proud to help ensure those stories continue to be shared for generations to come.”

Living History Weekend is presented by the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee, Morris County Board of County Commissioners, Morris County Tourism Bureau and F. M. Kirby Foundation, in partnership with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Morris County Economic Development Corporation, the Town of Morristown, Morristown Partnership, Trustees of the Morristown Green, Sanofi, Morristown Fire Department, participating historic sites and organizations, and other community partners.

Visitors also can explore Morristown and Morris County’s restaurants, breweries, shops, museums, parks and other attractions throughout the weekend. A special hotel room block is available at the Hyatt Regency Morristown for Living History Weekend attendees.

For more information and the latest schedule, visit: morriscounty250.morristourism.org/living-history/.