Sussex County Historical Society (New Jersey) facts for kids
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Hill Memorial
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The Hill Memorial in 2021
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 Location in Sussex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 82 Main Street, Newton, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1916 |
| Built by | Thomas Farrel |
| Architect | Henry T. Stephens |
| Architectural style | Renaissance revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001565 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| 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 started in 1904 and is a non-profit organization. This means it works for a good cause, not to make money. The society is located in Newton, New Jersey, and its main goal is to share the county's rich past with everyone.
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Hill Memorial Museum: A Historic Home
The Hill Memorial Museum is the special home of the Sussex County Historical Society. You can find it at 82 Main Street in Newton. This beautiful building was finished in 1916. It has been the society's home ever since.
Building the Museum
The museum was designed by Henry T. Stephens, an architect from Paterson, New Jersey. A local builder named Thomas Farrel constructed it. The building has a style called Renaissance revival. This means it looks like buildings from the Renaissance period in Europe. The museum was officially opened on June 8, 1917. It was named after three family members of Joshua Hill, who was the main donor.
A Special Place in History
The Hill Memorial Museum is very important. It is the oldest building in New Jersey that has always been a museum. Because of its special history, it was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places on July 18, 1985. It was recognized for its amazing architecture, its role in education, and its social history.
Inside the Museum
When you step inside, you'll see a grand staircase. It is made from strong, beautiful oak wood. The outside walls are built with two different shades of brick. These bricks came from special kilns in Pennsylvania. The fancy decorations at the entrance were made by a company in New York. On the ground floor, there is a fireplace from 1922. It was made by George Sharp using local stones. These stones have their own interesting stories.
What You Can See Upstairs
The second floor of the museum holds many cool collections. You can see old quilts and other fabrics. There are also farming tools and different kinds of baskets. You might find other household items from the past. For history buffs, there are items from the Civil War. One of the most exciting things is part of a Mastodon skeleton. This huge ancient animal's bones were found nearby!
More to Explore
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Sussex County, New Jersey
- List of historical societies in New Jersey
- List of museums in New Jersey
