Our preservation history
After the land was purchased in 1758, the new Meeting House and Cemetery were cared for by the Friends until the Meeting was laid down (ended) in 1865. After 1865, the descendants living in the area looked after the site until two descendants formed the Association that today preserves and cares for the site.
The Association focused initially on routine care and basic maintenance. This changed in the late 1970s when it was discovered that a slate roof installed in the later 19th century was collapsing the Meeting House. The slate roof was removed in 1978 and shortly thereafter, architect Richard Dodd prepared the Association's first Preservation Plan (1983).
We are currently nearing the completion of our second Preservation Plan developed by Connolly Hickey, AAI in 2019. Our goal is to complete all of the work suggested by the end of 2027, thanks to the generous support of the New Jersey Historic Trust, the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund and other public and private funders.
2019 Preservation Plan
2020: Work on the new Preservation Plan began with removing and replacing the aging roof with new 36" cedar singles, new copper gutters and roof bracing.
2021: In preparation for the installation of parking and new path, a Ground Penetrating Radar survey was conducted, followed by an archaeological investigation of areas where excavation was planned
2023: Began site upgrades that have included: adding parking area, installing accessible paths, restoring the stone wall, painting the iron fence, removing trees and improving drainage.
2023 Interior work began with the removal of early 20th century bookcases. The interior plaster was then repaired and painted, new lighting installed on the first and second floor, and the interior wood, included the floors oiled to prevent the wood from drying out.
Added in 1964, the Annex needs to be moved and upgraded
2026 Annex move and reburbish
The Annex was brought to the site in 1964 to provide room to meet and socialize and to house public facilities. To protect the Meeting House from water damage and to restore its original isolated appearance, we are planning to move it 7 feet east, update the facilities and add a small addition.
This is our last and most costly part of our current preservation plan. Donations to help with the move are welcomed.
Tentative placement of the kiosk
Under construction in Vermont workshop
2026 Visitor Kiosk
To mark the 250th anniversary of the US, the Association is installing a long-needed visitors kiosk on the site, following the construction style of the Meeting House. The basic structure will be erected in March and the full kiosk dedicated on June 6, 4:00 pm.
Donations to help pay for the kiosk are still welcome.
Tentative placement of the kiosk
Map showing the area set out for the meadow
2025 Quaker Meadow
In 2022, Randolph Township's Salem Oak seedling was planted in the southwest corner of the Meeting House site. Now that the seedling is getting larger, we are experimenting with different ways to manage our grounds by letting this area grow naturally into a meadow.
If you have gardening skills and would like to volunteer to help, drop us a note.
