Politics & Government

Vail House Among Honored Historic Preservation Projects

Projects recognized for Historic Preservation Month.

The Vail House in in Morristown is among the projects honored by the state in recognition of Historic Preservation Month.

The Department of Environmental Protection's Historic Preservation Office and the New Jersey Historic Sites Council on Tuesday, May 24, honored projects and groups that are working to preserve the state's history.

Stephen Vail, proprietor of the Speedwell Iron Works, purchased the 18th century Kinney family house in 1830. His son, Alfred, later lived in it as he worked with Samuel Morse on the development of the telegraph at nearby Speedwell Village. The Morris County Parks Commission restored the house to its appearance in the middle 19th century. The home boasts original furnishings, period antiques and portraits of Stephen and his first wife Bethiah, painted by Morse in 1837.

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Other projects being recognized included a restored Depression-era movie theater in Vineland, a preserved 19th century Middletown farmstead, the rehabilitated Calhoun Street Bridge in Trenton, a preserved entrance to the Jewish Community Center pool in Ewing and a rehabilitated and preserved section of Ellis Island.

"The people who have worked to preserve these pieces of our past prove that the spirit of preservation is alive and well in New Jersey," DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said. "Because of their efforts, important snapshots of our heritage and our architectural past have been preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy. I commend all who worked on these projects for their dedication and vision."

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The awards program, held at the Trenton Masonic Temple, increases public awareness of historic preservation, recognizes volunteer contributions to preserve historic resources, acknowledges projects of excellent quality and recognizes the contributions by individuals, organizations, and agencies to preserve and advocate for historic preservation. The theme of this year's ceremonies is "Celebrating America's Treasures."


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