(PRINCETON, NJ) -- Morven Museum & Garden has been awarded $647,300 from The New Jersey Historic Trust, an affiliate of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund to save and promote historic sites throughout the state. Morven was a part of seventy-one preservation planning, municipal, county, and regional planning, heritage tourism, and capital projects included in this year’s list of recommendations.

Morven was awarded $75,000, the highest amount given, from the Heritage Tourism Grant, going towards marketing efforts. Looking ahead to the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026, Morven intends to use the funds to overhaul its website, update marketing materials, create and disseminate cross-promotional collateral with partner organizations, and expand its print and digital advertising outreach. This anniversary in 2026 is particularly important and impactful to Morven as the former home of Richard Stockton, one of the New Jersey signers of the Declaration of Independence.

From Mayor of Princeton Mark Freda, “I am excited to see that Morven [Museum and Garden] has been awarded a grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust.  Morven is a jewel within our community that deserves to be properly cared for and preserved. And having the support of the New Jersey Historic Trust is significant towards that goal.”

Morven was also awarded $72,300 from the Capital I Grant program and $500,000 from the Capital II Grant program to modernize the elevator inside the museum, and for outdoor site improvements, respectively. A properly functioning elevator will ensure that our guests with mobility challenges can easily access the exhibition galleries and restrooms. With a reliable elevator, Morven will not only fulfill its obligation to be ADA compliant, but also convey to visitors that this museum is open and welcoming to everyone.

The funds from the Capital II Grant program will go towards refurbishing Morven’s driveway and parking lot, as well as the addition of exterior lighting, to ensure that visitors can safely move through our grounds. From Morven Interim Director, Beth Allan, "Our regular visitors know that Morven's driveway is a constant issue with recurring potholes each season. A rehabilitated driveway and parking lot will provide a smoother and safer surface for entering and exiting the grounds on foot, bike, or vehicle."

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.

From Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer, “I congratulate Morven Museum and Garden on this New Jersey Historic Trust Capital Improvement Grant. This investment in the preservation and sustainability of New Jersey's Historic buildings will help improve education opportunities and visitor experiences in the years to come.”

Morven thanks the New Jersey Historic Trust for their generosity, and look forward to implementing the funds for these various projects beginning in 2024 through 2026. From Morven Interim Director, Beth Allan, “This generous funding will be transformative for Morven and our guests, and we are so grateful.  As we enter our twentieth year as a museum, we look forward to getting to work on these improvements which will ensure that Morven is ready for the semiquincentennial in 2026.” 

Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street in Princeton, New Jersey. A National Historic Landmark, Morven is situated on five pristine acres in the heart of Princeton, New Jersey. This former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Garden State through regular exhibitions, educational programs and special events. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.