The museum occupies the house called Morven, the former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion and 18th century home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Its restoration and conversion to a museum were completed in 2004.
Morven’s historic garden includes a formal, grand lawn dotted with majestic trees, beds of heirloom annuals from the 18th and 19th centuries, and a re-creation of the Colonial Revival style garden that was planted at Morven in the early 20th century. Spring bulbs appear in April, followed by peonies and iris in May. The phlox burst forth in June and continue through August, concluding with a late summer display of dahlias and other annual flowers
Located on two floors of the restored mansion, the museum’s elegant galleries feature permanent and temporary exhibitions that explore the history and culture of New Jersey with a special focus on Morven. The Boudinot Collection, on loan from the Princeton University Art Museum, features 18th and early 19th century portraits, porcelain, silver, and furniture that descended in the Boudinot family, members of which had intermarried with the Stocktons. Stockton family portraits on exhibit include works by Thomas Sully, Charles Lawrence, Christian Gullagher, and others. Temporary exhibitions have included New Jersey furniture from the New Jersey State Museum, Rookwood pottery at Greenwood Gardens, the history of flower pots, artist Virginia Snedeker and the American Scene movement, and a pop culture perspective on Benjamin Franklin. .
Experience the Spirit of Volunteerism at Morven! Morven's volunteer corps is an integral part of Morven's day-to-day operations. Our volunteers collectively contribute hundreds of service hours annually. It is a great way to learn more about Morven and the history of New Jersey, meet new people and feel a part of the stewardship of a National Historic Landmark.
The mission of Historic Morven, Inc. is to preserve and operate the National Historic Landmark known as Morven as a museum and public garden showcasing the cultural heritage of New Jersey.
Access: Students, Scholars
Appointment required: True
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