The Pequannock Township Historical Society welcomes you! Our group of volunteers is devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and presentation of history in the Township, and to maintain the Martin Berry House as a historic site for this and future generations. Be sure to visit our website devoted to the Martin Berry House. On Facebook, we host the Historical Society page as well as the group Friends of Pequannock History. You can find a lot of useful historic info there.
You’re invited to a very special event.
Step back in time and experience history come alive! Join us for a special celebration of American freedom as we recreate a pivotal moment from our nation’s past.
On Sunday, July 12, we’ll gather at the historic Martin Berry House, where our day begins with a fascinating presentation by Dr. Lucia McMahon, esteemed history professor from WPU, who will share insights into this remarkable period of our nation’s story.
Following Dr. McMahon’s presentation, Mayor Kyle Russell, Damian Jiosi, and Albert Fenske-Williams will bring history to life with a powerful reading of the Declaration of Independence in its entirety – just as America’s ancestors first heard those revolutionary words in 1776!
To complete our patriotic celebration, the Bloomingdale Cornet Band – founded in 1884 – will fill the air with stirring musical selections that have inspired generations of Americans.
The main event begins at 1:30, but we will throw open the doors at noon – come early to explore Pequannock’s oldest home and soak in its colonial charm. Admission is free, just as America was on that historic day in 1776! While there’s no cost to attend, we welcome donations and memberships that help preserve our community’s precious historical treasures for future generations.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and let’s celebrate the enduring spirit of American independence together!
Now back to our story: In 2017, we worked with the Council to secure grants and other funding to enable Pequannock Township to purchase the Martin Berry House. We are currently entering Phase 3 of an in-depth plan to rehab the 1720 building and bring it up to code, which will enable us to open the building to the public and operate it as a community learning center and living-history museum. (The longer telling is on our About page.)
To achieve our goal, we need enthusiastic members. We cordially invite you to step right up and join us (PDF form) for as little as $25 per year. If you can’t wait another minute, follow this link to join the Society online!
If you’re not ready to join yet, but you’d like to be kept informed of our activities, meetings, and events, we’d be glad to add you to our mailing list. (Questions and such? Email us directly.)
This website is a work in progress, and our Facebook page is where we devote much of our time. Going forward, the plan for this site is to showcase the rich history of Pequannock and Pompton Plains here, a little as a time. Take a look around, and — if you’d like to contribute or comment — we’d love to have you.
The Pequannock Twp. Historical Society is basically a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. (Technically we’re a 509(a)(2) society.) All are welcome at our meetings. Donations are always gratefully accepted. New members are always welcome.