On View at Morven
Five Independent Souls:
The Signers from New Jersey
On view through January 17, 2027
In June 1776, the provincial congress of New Jersey sent five new delegates to Philadelphia with instructions to vote for independence from Great Britain. These five men were all landowners of varying backgrounds, and included farmers, lawyers, a surveyor, and a Presbyterian minister. Each was married with a large family -- among them, they fathered fifty children! They would have understood that their vote amounted to treason against the King. Five Independent Souls explores the lives of these lesser known founding fathers, examining who they were before, during, and after the signing.
This exhibit also confronts one of the most confounding actualities around the signers of the Declaration of Independence: these five men, who put their lives on the line for liberty, freedom, and equality, simultaneously denied these very same rights to the people they enslaved. Visitors can learn about the lives of these subjugated men, women, and children who would have witnessed conversations on freedom and equality while being held in bondage in the homes of these patriots.
Northern Family,
Southern Ties
On view through 2028
Colerain Plantation, Georgia,
1845-47.
Unknown artist. Oil on canvas. The Miller Collection.
Northern Family, Southern Ties is the first exhibit examining the overlooked connections between families straddling the Mason-Dixon Line. It focuses on the marriage between a son of Princeton’s most powerful family and a wealthy planter’s daughter from Charleston. The effects of the resulting influx of capital are still visible in the Princeton landscape today: from Trinity Church, to Prospect House, and even the Delaware & Raritan Canal.
This special exhibition explores why New Jersey aligned more closely with southern states than its northern neighbors on practices and ideologies regarding slavery.
It aims to show how the Stocktons’ influence changed the landscape of New Jersey, while examining the lives of those whose freedom was on the line as the debate over slavery unfolded on the national political stage.
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.
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.
