Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall
Listing Overview
Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall
Acorn Hall, the headquarters of Morris County Historical Society (MCHS), was built in 1853 but modified and enlarged by Augustus Crane in 1860. The home of four generations of Crane and Crane-Hone families, Acorn Hall was donated, fully furnished, to MCHS in 1971. Restored by MCHS and noted for its original 19th-century furniture, finishes, and fine and decorative arts, Acorn Hall is one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century cultural history in New Jersey.
MCHS maintains an extensive historic archive and collection, including one of the finest costume collections outside of NYC, one of the few publicly-held La Farge adjacent 19th-century stained glass windows, and a vast array of legal documents from Morris County's earliest days. Collections serve as the basis for rotating exhibits displayed throughout Acorn Hall and within its two gallery spaces.
The Gallery Gift Shop features books on Morris County and local history, reproductions of Morris County's earliest maps and atlas prints, and prints of local historic landmarks signed by Lucille Hobbie.
MCHS regularly hosts virtual and in-person programs and events that highlight the cultural and natural resources to be found in and around Acorn Hall and six-acres of gardens and grounds.
Of Special Note:
Acorn Hall and its carriage house now reflect their 1860-1880 exterior color scheme.
Visitors can enjoy the full restoration of Acorn Hall's carriage house. The building displays both original Crane Family and donated artifacts in a permanent exhibit.
Acorn Hall is on the New Jersey Women's Heritage Trail for the work of preservationist, and fourth generation family resident, Mary Crane Hone.