Morven Museum & Garden Announces New Board & Summer Highlights including 4th of July Partnership Plan

PRINCETON, N.J. - June 1, 2021 - PRLog -- "Morven is entering an exciting era as we begin implementing our new strategic plan heralding civic awareness and anticipate two important anniversaries led by a talented and engaged Board, and meaningful partnerships" Executive Director Jill Barry said recently.  Morven's new Board of Trustees was recently elected, ushering in new summer programs  including a dynamic 4th of July celebration with community collaborations.

New Board and Mission Statement

Morven's newly installed Board of Trustees include: Ellen (Liza) Morehouse of Hopewell, NJ, Chair, Julia Penick Garry of Princeton, NJ, Yvette Lanneaux of Princeton, NJ, and Robert O'Neil of New Hope, PA, Vice Chairs, Rachel Herr of Princeton, NJ, Treasurer, and John Healey of Princeton, NJ, Secretary.   Trustees are Ronica Bregenzer of Lambertville NJ, Holly Pyne Connor of Oldwick, NJ, Mary Robinson Cohen of Princeton, NJ, Brian Formento of Princeton, NJ, J. Richard Pierce of Whitehouse Station, NJ, Christopher Rice of Princeton, NJ, Lisa Ullmann of Princeton, NJ, Jay Vawter of Newtown, PA, Robert N. Wilson of Hopewell, NJ, and Marcia Zweig of Maplewood, NJ.  Honorary Trustees are Sheila Johnson Brutsch of Vero Beach, FL, Georgia T. Schley of Whitehouse, NJ and Stephen K. West of Bernardsville, NJ.

"We are preparing to celebrate 20 years operating as a Museum in 2024 followed by  the 250th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. These milestones provide a unique opportunity for increased community engagement and relevance to a broader conversation about history, civic duty and the people, both past and present, who make us who we are today," Morehouse shared recently.  "Our Board is completely committed to broadening Morven's reach and inviting diverse voices into this conversation.  The silver lining we have seen from this past year is that our virtual programming has grown our audience and we intend to maintain a strong virtual presence to continually captivate them and invite new participants."

Summer Program Highlights & 4th of July Commemorative Coin

"We have always known the merit of partnerships, but as we all endured the pandemic restrictions, we appreciate even more that together we are stronger," Barry noted.

On June 8 at noon Morven collaborates for the first time with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology for "Gardening for New Jersey Birds", a special free "Jersey Birds" webinar just for Morven registrants,  as part of its programming related to its latest exhibition, In Nature's Realm: The Art of Gerard Rutgers Hardenbergh.

Princeton educator and historian, John Baxter, returns to Morven with a virtual program on the Stocktons and the Civil War Amendments on Thursday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. with live Q&A.  Recording available to all participants.

An enduring alliance between Morven and the Arts Council of Princeton continues this year with Morven's Summer Teen Arts camp.  Summertime Twilight Tours, Plein Air Painting, and Garden Tours and Box Lunches round out some returning popular summertime features.

The Spirit of Partnership

This year's 4th of July Jubilee will be celebrated as a week-long, self-guided Revolutionary-era scavenger hunt, with both virtual and live features, designed with three of Morven's community allies: Historical Society of Princeton, Princeton Battlefield Society, and Rockingham State Historic Park.  "This year's 4th of July Jubilee will be different from years past and last for more than a week!" Barry added, "Everyone can enjoy the Hunt at their own pace and experience Princeton through a 1776 lens."

The Revolutionary-era Scavenger Hunt, a fun learning experience, launches on June 30 and ends on July 8 with the first 300 families/groups submitting an accurately completed form at Morven's Museum Shop during operating hours, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., receiving a limited edition, collectible Commemorative Coin.

The official announcement of the 4th of July Scavenger Hunt takes place on Monday, June 28 at noon, as part of  'Morven Moments' free virtual programming.  The link to register for Morven Moments is www.morven.org/morven-moments

For additional program details, email Curator of Education and Public Programs Debra Lampert-Rudman at dlampertrudman@morven.org

ABOUT MORVEN MUSEUM & GARDEN:

Most historic sites celebrate one notable resident, Morven is unique in that it was home to many remarkable people. Built in the 1750s and home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Stockton, Morven is New Jersey's first Governor's Mansion and home to five New Jersey governors, their families and staff; witnessing nearly 300 years of history.  Morven is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ and is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The gardens are open daily until dusk.

Follow Morven on social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/morven.museum.garden

Instagram: @morvenmuseum

Twitter: @MorvenMuseum