Politics & Government

Major Grant for Barn Rehab at Fosterfields

An award of $659,400 will make interior and exterior renovation possible.

Governor Chris Christie today signed legislation that will result in $10 million going toward the preservation of 58 historic sites throughout the Garden State. Among them is our very own Fosterfields in Morris Township. Here's the information provided in the press release:

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm

Location: Morristown
Morris County Grantee: Morris County Parks Commission
Grant Award: $659,400
Work Proposed: Exterior and Interior Restoration

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The farm at Fosterfields dates back to Jonathon Ogden’s occupancy from 1768 to 1825. The property continued to be farmed and developed during the nineteenth century. In 1881, Charles Foster acquired the property and transformed the site into a modern agricultural business employing the latest farming technologies. After Charles Foster’s death in 1927 his daughter Caroline Foster continued to farm the land, but on a smaller scale. She left 174 acres with all the farm buildings and houses to the Morris County Park Commission when she died in 1979 with instructions to preserve the farm and its buildings. In 1976 Fosterfields became the state’s first living history museum. The barn includes nineteenth century alterations and it was somewhat restored and altered in 1983.

The Trust grant will help fund the restoration of the barn. The work is guided by a Historic Structure Report and is the fourth phase of work on the barnyard complex. The proposed project intends to restore the barn to its circa 1926 appearance and improve accessibility.

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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