Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, representing the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, presented a historic preservation plaque to Morris Museum President and CEO Tom Loughman, commemorating the completion of the initial phase of a multi-phase restoration project on the nearly 112-year-old museum building, home to the institution since 1964.
Originally constructed as the Twin Oaks mansion, the property was designed in 1913 by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White for Peter and Adaline Frelinghuysen. Since 2003, Morris County has contributed over $530,000 in grants from the Historic Preservation Trust Fund to support the museum’s comprehensive restoration plan. Phase one, which focused on replacing the century-old slate roof, has now been successfully completed.
“The Morris Museum attracts visitors from across the region to experience its art exhibitions and performances. It’s remarkable that this Smithsonian Affiliate museum, with more than 45,000 pieces from around the globe, calls Morris County home,” said Shaw. “This restoration honors the dedication of so many individuals committed to preserving a treasured part of our county’s history.”
The museum, recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Normandy Park Historic District, is notable for its early use of cast-in-place concrete in upscale residential construction and for reflecting early 20th-century suburban and agricultural trends.
The first phase of the Twin Oaks Mansion Historic Preservation Plan involved replacing the original slate roof, repairing chimneys and dormers, and restoring the wood cornice along with other exterior details. Using historically accurate materials and techniques, the project preserved the 1913 neo-Georgian Revival brick-clad home while maintaining its fireproof structure. Funding came from nearly $1 million in state support through the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund, along with county funding approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Earlier Historic Preservation Trust Fund grants totaling $485,443, awarded in 2015, 2016, 2021, and 2022, helped cover construction documents, roof renovation, and other preservation efforts.
“Today we celebrate completing the first step in preparing the museum for the next century,” said Loughman. “Our long-term strategy ensures this cultural landmark will meet the expectations of future generations while remaining accessible and engaging for our community.”
To highlight the project, Loughman collaborated with student artists from the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in Dover, New Jersey, who created a comic-style depiction of the roof restoration. The artwork was featured on pages 14–15 of the Morris Museum’s 2024 annual report.
Ceremony attendees included Morris Township Mayor Donna Guariglia, Morris County Planning & Preservation Director Joseph Barilla, Morris County Historical Society Executive Director Amy Curry, Morris Museum Director of External Affairs Paul Muir, Morris Museum Board of Trustees Chair Edward von der Linde, as well as members of the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board and the Morris Township Historic Preservation Commission.
In 2024, the Board of County Commissioners allocated $3.6 million from the Historic Preservation Trust Fund to restore and preserve 21 historic sites across 16 municipalities. Since the program began in 2003, more than $54 million in grants have been awarded to support the preservation of 129 historic buildings and structures throughout Morris County.
To commemorate the fund’s 20th anniversary, Morris County launched a Historic Preservation Story Map in 2022, providing an interactive, multimedia view of all grant-supported sites. Many of these properties will be highlighted as part of the county’s 2026 celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Additionally, this spring the county’s Office of Planning & Preservation will debut an Open Space Preservation Story Map, featuring parks, trails, and preserved lands. Since 1994, the program has protected more than 18,300 acres of county land, offering residents a comprehensive look at Morris County’s commitment to historic and environmental conservation.
