NJ's 10 Most Endangered Historic Places In 2023: See The List

NEW JERSEY — Pieces of New Jersey's cultural and architectural history across nine counties could be lost, said preservation experts in their annual list of the Top 10 Most Endangered Historic Places.

This list "spotlights irreplaceable historic, architectural, cultural, and archeological resources in New Jersey that are in imminent danger of being lost," according to Preservation New Jersey (PNJ). The list, unveiled Sunday, includes historic homes, farms, churches, and other sites.

Selections are based on three criteria: historic significance and architectural integrity,  the critical nature of the threat identified, and the likelihood that inclusion on the list will have a positive impact on efforts to protect the site.

PNJ curates the list from nominations by the public, and says these places are "in immediate danger of being lost." By bringing attention to these sites, preservation groups hope to attract fresh ideas and perspectives in how to preserve them.

"The act of listing these resources acknowledges their importance to the heritage of New Jersey and draws attention to the predicaments that endanger their survival and the survival of historic resources statewide," PNJ continued.

Here are the top 10 most endangered sites in New Jersey for 2023:

• Grace Episcopal Church, Plainfield, Union County
• Joseph Murray Farmhouse and Barn, Middletown, Monmouth County
• Samuel P. Paul House and Native American Encampment, Paulsboro, Gloucester County
• The Washington Theatre, Washington, Warren County
• The Eagle Tavern, Trenton, Mercer County
• The Community of St. John Baptist – Convent & Retreat House, Mendham, Morris County
• Old Fire House, Sayreville, Middlesex County
• George V. Hecker Carriage House, West Orange, Essex County
• Taylor’s Mill, Readington, Hunterdon County
• Raritan River Railroad Freight Station in Milltown, Middlesex County

Related articles —

• 10 Most Endangered Historical Sites In NJ In 2022: Where They Are
• 2021 Most Endangered Historical Sites In NJ: Here's Where They Are

"Several challenges face properties on this year’s endangered sites list, including neglect and deferred maintenance, threats incurred by redevelopment and new construction, difficulties raising adequate historic preservation funding, and the need for creative adaptive reuse proposals," PNJ said.

"Although PNJ’s 10 Most Endangered Places list is published once per year, the fight for the preservation of our historic and cultural resources is daily. Our educational programming and advocacy efforts continue year-round. Many properties previously listed among the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places have once again become assets to New Jersey’s communities. Others continue to need more attention, resources, and care."