By Donald Gilpin

Morven Museum & Garden, Dorothea’s House, and the Princeton Battlefield are slated to receive a total of approximately $1.198 million from the New Jersey Historic Trust for projects intended to save and promote historic sites.

There are 71 projects throughout the state that are on this year’s list of grant award recommendations.  The New Jersey Historic Trust, an affiliate of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), recently approved a total of more than $14 million in grant recommendations from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund.

Morven, former home of Richard Stockton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was awarded funds for three different projects, as it gears up for the United States Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary celebration) in 2026.

The historic 18th century house, museum, and garden will receive $500,000 for outdoor site improvements, in particular for refurbishing Morven’s driveway and parking lot, and for the addition of exterior lighting so that visitors can move safely through the grounds.

“Our regular visitors know that Morven’s driveway is a constant issue with recurring potholes each season,” said Morven Interim Director Beth Allan as quoted in a Morven press release. “A rehabilitated driveway and parking lot will provide a smoother and safer surface for entering and exiting the grounds on foot, bike, or vehicle.”

The press release added, “As we anticipate heavy visitorship in 2026, Morven requires better lighting in the parking lot, in the rear of the property, and throughout our main walking paths. Adding lighting to the historic structures will also enhance our street view while providing increased safety to visitors after dark. The upgrade will be appropriate for the historic nature of the site and energy efficient, adding additional power drops and sitewide Wi-Fi connectivity so we can more effectively and efficiently hold outdoor events and programs.”

To support marketing efforts, Morven was awarded a $75,000 Heritage Tourism Grant from the Historic Trust, which it will use to overhaul its website, update marketing materials, create and

disseminate promotional material in collaboration with partner organizations, and expand its print and digital advertising outreach.

Morven was also awarded $72,300 to modernize the elevator inside the museum. “A properly functioning elevator will ensure that our guests with mobility challenges can easily access the exhibition galleries and restrooms … and also convey to visitors that this museum is open and welcoming to everyone,” the Morven press release stated.

Princeton Mayor Mark Freda described Morven as “a jewel within our community that deserves to be properly cared for and preserved.” He continued, “And having the support of the New Jersey Historic Trust is significant towards that goal.”

Dorothea’s House, an Italian American cultural institution on John Street since 1913, has been awarded $475,718 by the Historic Trust, mainly for work on the exterior of the building in accord with its 2021 Preservation Plan, according to Ed Truscelli, a member of the Dorothea’s House Board of Trustees. 

“This is great milestone for us, for the building, and for the neighborhood,” said Truscelli. The funds will be used for repairs and restoration of the masonry and stucco exterior, as well as restoration of the stairs on the John Street side of the building. 

Windows and doors at the historic building will be restored with prevention of water infiltration a priority, Truscelli added, and the parking lot behind the building will also be repaired.

Also receiving funding from the New Jersey Historic Trust through the American Battlefield Trust was the Princeton Battlefield, which is lined up to receive $74,925.

DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suarez commented on the importance of the New Jersey Historic Trust and its role in preserving the state’s history. “As the state’s leading voice for historic preservation, the Trust has consistently advanced historic guardianship in New Jersey for the benefit of future generations through education, stewardship, and financial investment programs that protect our traditions and strengthen our communities. This investment in historic resources will help to preserve New Jersey’s history for generations to come.”