Experiences
Built by the National Park Service in the 1930s, the Washington's Headquarters Museum contains numerous artifacts about the American Revolution. There are three galleries, an auditorium, a theater, and the Discover History Center. The museum often hosts special exhibits and programs. Situated just behind the historic Ford Mansion that served as Washington's headquarters for six months, guided tours of the home begin in the museum as well.
This one story brick and glass structure came to the park during the preparations for the Bicentennial. Inside, visitors will find an information desk, bookstore, a painted mural depicting Jockey Hollow during the 1779 encampment, and a full scale replica of the log huts Continental Soldiers lived in. Guided tours of the nearby Wick Farm House usually begin here. The restrooms can be accessed from the exterior doors, and remain open after the visitor center closes.
Outdoor Activities
Programming
Morristown National Historical Park will celebrate our Declaration of Independence with July Fourth activities beginning at noon on the park's Washington’s Headquarters grounds, 30 Washington Place, with a "Warm-Up for the Declaration" followed by the reading of the Declaration. The "Warm-Up" will feature a park ranger in period clothing entertaining the crowd and giving a "kids level" explanation of the Declaration. Eighteenth-century stories, jokes and riddles are all part of the fun.
At 1 pm the "Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence" will commence. Attendees will be encouraged to cheer along with park rangers and re-enactors as they denounce tyranny and praise liberty. At the conclusion of the reading, attendees are welcome to participate in a mock salute called a feu de joie (musket salute).
Following the reading of the Declaration, the Ford Mansion will be open for self-guided tours with re-enactors in period dress bringing life to the mansion once again.
Visitors are asked to bring water to drink and a chair or a blanket to sit on the ground and are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather including wearing a hat and sunscreen. It is a rain- or-shine event. Due to limited parking, guests are encouraged to carpool or walk to the event. All activities will take place at the Washington’s Headquarters area and are free of charge.
The Jockey Hollow Visitor Center and Wick House will be closed on July Fourth, but Jockey Hollow’s grounds and trails will be open.
The first celebrations of American Independence took place as news of the Declaration of Independence spread from town to town. It was Congress’ wish that public readings of the Declaration be held “in such a mode, as that the people may be universally informed of it.” Public gatherings included various forms of celebration such as firing muskets or cannon, as well as toasts and salutes to American Independence. General Washington had the Declaration of Independence read to his troops in 1776. Although there is no evidence of any celebration of the day, the army was in Morristown for the first anniversary of Independence during a brief visit in July 1777.
On Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, re-enactors from across the northeast will arrive at Jockey Hollow for Morristown National Historical Park's Spring Encampment. The special event focuses on the lives of soldiers and civilians during the Revolutionary War. It's an event full of activities for the whole family. Highlights for the weekend include demonstrations in camp of cooking, sewing, and other camp chores; military maneuvers and musket firing; and a special “children’s muster,” where children can learn to drill and march like Revolutionary soldiers.
Outdoor Activities
Experiences
Event Programming
