Historical Society Welcomes Residents to Mackenzie Museum

The Howell Historical Society recently held its annual open house at the MacKenzie Museum, giving area residents a chance to get a glimpse at some of the town's history while enjoying stories of its past and sampling some homemade baked goods.

From the outside, the building on Lakewood Farmingdale Road shows signs of its age. However, on the inside guests can feel like they are guests in the miller's home from centuries ago and see artifacts from Howell's past.

Elaine Taylor, the president of the historical society, said the museum and the old Ardena School House are important to what makes Howell special. The old school is just a few miles away from the museum, located at the corner of Old Tavern and Preventorium Rds. near . "It's a landmark and it's a museum for our township," she said of Mackenzie. "I think it's very important that we have this."

From the furniture, to the display cases to the walls there is history throughout every inch of the museum. Taylor said the society is always looking for more items they can display throughout the year. "We would like to preserve more things in Howell and we're always looking for donations of things and information from people that have knowledge about historical things."

The house itself is in two phases. The first Taylor said dates back to the 1750's, which was expanded a century later. Taylor said both parts of the house provide valuable lessons for guests. "I think that the public can learn a lot just by coming here and seeing the artifacts," she said. 

For more information on the Howell Historical Society or taking tours of the two buildings call 732-938-2212 or go to the society's website.