Sussex County Historical Society (New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Hill Memorial
|
|
The Hill Memorial in 2021
|
|
 Location in Sussex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 82 Main Street, Newton, New Jersey |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| Built | 1916 |
| Built by | Thomas Farrel |
| Architect | Stephens, Henry T. |
| Architectural style | Renaissance revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001565 |
| Added to NRHP | July 18, 1985 |
The Sussex County Historical Society is a group that helps people learn about the history of Sussex County, New Jersey. It's a non-profit organization, which means it doesn't try to make money. This society was officially started in 1904.
Its main goal is to share interesting facts and stories about the county's past. You can find their home in Newton, New Jersey, which is in Sussex County.
Contents
What is the Hill Memorial Museum?
The Hill Memorial Museum is located at 82 Main Street in Newton. This special building was built in 1916 just for the historical society. It has been their home ever since!
Who designed and built the museum?
The museum was designed in a style called renaissance revival. This style looks back to old European art and architecture. The architect who designed it was Henry T. Stephens from Paterson, New Jersey. A local builder named Thomas Farrel constructed the building.
When was the museum opened?
The Hill Memorial Museum was officially opened on June 8, 1917. It was named after three relatives of Joshua Hill, who was the main person who donated money for the building. It's amazing to know that this museum is the oldest building in New Jersey that has been used as a museum continuously!
Is the museum a historic place?
Yes, the Hill Memorial is considered a very important historic site. It was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places on July 18, 1985. This means it's recognized nationally for its historical value.
What can you see inside the museum?
When you enter the museum, you'll see a grand staircase. It's made from a special kind of wood called quartered oak. The outside walls of the building are made of bricks in two different colors. These bricks came from N.H. Sloan kilns in Pennsylvania.
The fancy decorations around the entrance were made by the Brick Terra Cotta & Tile Company. On the ground floor, there's a fireplace from 1922. It was made by George Sharp using stones that are important to the local area's history and geology.
Upstairs, on the second floor, you can explore many different collections. There are beautiful quilts and other fabric items. You'll also find old farming tools, baskets, and other household items from the past. For history buffs, there's a collection of items from the Civil War. One of the most exciting things is a partial skeleton of a Mastodon! This huge, ancient animal's remains were found nearby.
See also
