You are invited to visit more than a dozen historic sites and museums throughout Morris County free of charge on “Be Our Guest” Day, scheduled for Sunday, May 17, from noon to 5 pm! In celebration of National Tourism Week, the sites are opening their doors and waiving their usual admission fees, although guests are encouraged to contribute a non-perishable food item for the Interfaith Food Pantry in lieu of the normal admission fee.
Free shuttles will run between Craftsman Farms and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Free shuttles will also run between the following Morristown-area sites: Acorn Hall, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm , Historic Speedwell, Macculloch Hall, the Morris Museum, Schuyler-Hamilton House, and Washington’s Headquarters.
Other participating sites include the Denville Historical Society and Museum; the Ford-Faesch Ironmasters House in Rockaway Township; the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum; the Montville Township Museum; and the Washington Township Historical Society Museum.
“Morris County is so rich in historical places, and yet residents may not take the time to visit the resources in their own backyards. This program gives a compelling reason to visit a museum you’ve always wondered about,” says Leslie Bensley, Executive Director of the Morris County Tourism Bureau. “And this year’s cooperative effort with the Interfaith Food Pantry underscores that our historic sites are an important and contributing part of the local economy.”
Founded in 1994, the Interfaith Food Pantry distributes supplemental and/or emergency food to eligible Morris County residents in need, provides hands-on opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors, and educates the public about local hunger issues. Their warehouse and office are located at 540A West Hanover Avenue in Morristown.
“Be Our Guest” is sponsored by the Morris County Tourism Bureau and Morris County Alliance for Tourism. This is the third year it has been held, and the first year it is being held in conjunction with National Tourism Week. To ensure the site you want to visit is open, or to learn if additional sites join the program closer to the actual event day, please contact the Morris County Tourism Bureau at 973-631-5151.
Craftsman Farms will be suspending regular tours on May 17th for “Be Our Guest” day. Instead, our docents will be stationed around the historical house to answer any questions on your self-guided museum tour. We hope you enjoy this special event!
