on display
Historic Morven: A Window Into America’s Past
Permanently available on the museum's first floor
As home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and five New Jersey governors, Morven has played a role in the history of New Jersey and the nation for more than 200 years.
A museum since 2004, Morven has, until recently, focused on the better-known patriarchs who led on the national scene. This exhibition expands these stories while adding the voices of the many people who lived and worked at Morven, including women, children, generations of enslaved men and women, immigrant servants, and later, employees.
This exhibition is self-guided but Morven is happy to offer docent-led tours on the hour. Please note that during Festival of Trees in December, no formal tours are given, but docents are available to answer questions.
Northern Family, Southern Ties
On display through 2028
Curators are researching the complex connections between northern and southern families, and the interstate movement of enslaved people unveiling a story stretching from the late eighteenth century through the Civil War. The exhibit demonstrates how regional differences were not always as cleanly drawn as they may have been portrayed.
Colerain Plantation, Georgia,
1845-47.
Unknown artist. Oil on canvas. The Miller Collection.
Irish-born John Potter was a wealthy merchant in Charleston, South Carolina, responsible for importing both sundry goods as well as human cargo. His marriage to Catherine Fuller of that city proved a successful step to consolidating generational wealth. Their only daughter married Robert Field Stockton of Princeton, a seafaring Naval Lieutenant Commandant. How did their 1823 marriage impact the social, economic, political and physical landscape of New Jersey?
Interested in viewing these exhibitions?
The purchase of admission to Morven includes access to all exhibitions currently on display. If you're interested in exploring these exhibits, click below to learn how to make the most out of your visit.
