Published on June 29, 2026

Self-guided Tour Features 19 Historic Locations Across Morris County

Morris County Historical Society (MCHS) is extremely pleased to announce the launch of another self-guided driving tour, this one highlighting African American history across Morris County in recognition of Juneteenth.

The driving tour, announced on MCHS’s website earlier this month as part of the “Revolution to Revolutionary” driving tour series, stops at a variety of different sites that hold significance to generations of African American community members. The African American History Driving Tour was funded by a recent grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and is part of MCHS’s effort to complete Morris County’s first-ever countywide survey of African American history and historic sites.

“The driving tour is just the first of many initiatives that will showcase research findings related to the survey and creatively engage people in learning more about the vast African American history that’s found all across Morris County,” said Amy Curry, MCHS Executive Director.

The tour features 19 locations across Morris County that highlight stories of Black joy, resilience, struggle and achievement. Designed as a living project, the tour will continue to expand as additional research uncovers new stories, historic sites and community contributions.

“It’s not simply about visiting historic sites; it is about recognizing the people, places, and communities that shaped Morris County and ensuring that their stories remain visible. We see this as a living project and invite community members to help expand the tour by sharing additional sites, histories, and memories that deserve to be preserved and remembered,” said Dr. Denise Rompilla, project historian for the countywide survey.

The downloadable tour map is available on Morris County Historical Society’s website. It is the third driving tour released in the “Revolution to Revolutionary” series, with additional tours planned. Developed in partnership with local historians and historical organizations, the series encourages residents and visitors to explore Morris County’s vast history while recognizing the people and organizations dedicated to preserving it.

MCHS introduced the countywide African American history survey in 2021 in response to the limited representation of African American material culture within its 27,000-object collection. The initiative has since grown through partnerships with the New Jersey Historical Commission, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation, Morris County Park Commission, Morris County Heritage Commission, F.M. Kirby Foundation and the Sankofa Heritage Collective of Morris County.

The Morris County Historical Society is an independent, member-supported 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Morris County history since 1946. Located at Acorn Hall since 1971, MCHS stewards an extensive collection and archive related to Morris County’s rich and diverse history. Acorn Hall museum is located at 68 Morris Ave. in Morristown.

For more information, visit MorrisCountyHistory.org.

For information about Morris County’s 250^th Anniversary celebration, visit MorrisCounty250.com.

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Photo: Picatinny Arsenal employed thousands of Black workers during World War II. Many were fighting for what was described in the Black press as a “Double Victory:” equal opportunity at home and peace abroad.