Historic Morristown Mansion Reopening Following Restoration Efforts

MORRISTOWN, NJ — A piece of Morristown history is set to reopen to the public.

After nearly a year of meticulous restoration, the historic Ford Mansion at Morristown National Historical Park will officially welcome visitors again this weekend.

Adjacent to Washington's Headquarters Museum in Morristown, the Ford Mansion is one of four sites within the historical park. Built in the early 1770s for Jacob Ford, Jr., an iron manufacturer, the mansion served as the Continental Army's headquarters for General George Washington during the "Hard Winter" of 1779-80.

"We are happy to be able to share the restored mansion with the visiting public after such an extensive restoration," Superintendent Jude Pfister said. "While there is work continuing on the Ford Mansion grounds, the mansion house itself is ready."

The restoration of the mansion includes a fresh exterior paint job, the refurbishment of its historic windows, and selective repointing of the foundation. Enhancements also feature ultraviolet protective film applied to each windowpane and the installation of new period-appropriate draperies.

A unique addition is the introduction of engaging silhouettes that serve as permanent "visitors," providing a fresh way to experience this historic site, officials said.

The project began at the end of January with the removal of the mansion windows for off-site repairs and continued into the spring.

In celebration of the grand opening this weekend, entry to the Ford Mansion will be on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing up to 20 people per ranger-guided tour throughout the day.

Tours lasting approximately 45 minutes will be offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Visitors can check in at Washington's Headquarters Museum and ask the ranger at the desk about joining a tour.

"The park expresses its gratitude to everyone involved for their hard work and patience over the past ten months. We are confident that the mansion is now well-prepared for the anniversaries in the upcoming years," a spokesperson for the Morristown National Historical Park said.

To get more information about hours and project updates, visit the park website.