Bloomfield Celebrates Oakeside Mansion Reopening: Open House Tour

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Township of Bloomfield is excited to announce the grand reopening and open house tour of Oakeside Mansion on Saturday, June 25 from 2 to 6 p.m.

The township assumed management of the cultural asset a year ago and had been diligently working on facility maintenance as well as the framework to make this beautiful space more accessible and available to our residents.

“I’m looking forward to seeing my friends and neighbors come out to support this local historical asset,” Mayor Michael Venezia saidof the reopening event. “Please bring your family and a picnic, and join me as we explore Oakeside Mansion and its grounds.”

Oakeside Mansion was built in the colonial revival style in 1895 by the Oakes Family, who were prominent New Jersey cloth manufacturers that operated a textile mill in Bloomfield from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century. In 1979, Jean Oakes donated the house to Bloomfield Township, as stewards for its preservation and for the enjoyment of the people of Bloomfield.

In the spirit of continuing the Oakes family’s legacy, the township is embarking on several programming goals for the public to enjoy. There will be monthly cornerstone events held for the public, historical tours of the property, art exhibits, use of the great lawn for outdoor fitness, expansion of access to the Community Gardens and collaboration with the Historic Preservation Society for public talks. The community will also be able to rent this beautiful space for small ceremonies or receptions, photography shoots and more.

“Ensuring Oakeside Mansion is maintained properly has been of our utmost concerns since the town took over management of the property,” said Councilwoman Jenny Mundell, council liaison to the Cultural Preservation Advisory Committee. “I am pleased to now be working alongside the Mayor, fellow Council members, Advisory committee, and Director of Cultural Preservation to ensure the public has access to this important cultural asset of the township. I look forward to the robust schedule of community-focused programming and rental opportunities that will be made available soon. It’s important that our community never forget the collective history of our township.”

We invite our residents, neighbors and friends to join us on June 25 to celebrate a new chapter in the township’s mission to focus on cultural preservation. The afternoon will include remarks from the mayor and other elected officials, a tour of the mansion and grounds, refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with your community.

For any questions or additional information about this event, contact the Department of Cultural Preservation at oakeside@bloomfieldtwpnj.com.

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