Historical Hike at Schiff Nature Preserve

Mendham, NJ – Join local historian, author, lecturer, and member of Schiff Natural Lands Trusts Board of Trustees, W. Barry Thomson for a narrated hike showcasing the rich and complex history of what is now the Schiff Nature Preserve in Mendham. The co-author with the late John K. (“Jack”) Turpin of the two-volume work, New Jersey Country Houses: The Somerset Hills, Barry has also written a number of articles on various aspects of local history that have appeared in The Black River Journal and other publications. In addition to his research and writing, he is a frequent lecturer on various aspects of architectural and local history.
Barry has volunteered his services as history consultant for several of the Mansion in May fund-raising projects sponsored by the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, including the one coming up in September 2020 at Tyvan Hill in New Vernon, and past ones at Alnwick Hall / The Abbey in 2017, Blairsden in 2014, Glynallyn in 2012, and Froh-Heim in 2008.
Prior to joining Schiff’s Board, Barry had previously offered his expertise for Schiff’s 2018 Gala featuring a twenty minute guided tour of the Gala venue; the Brookrace Manor House, formerly the Boy Scouts of America National Training Center.
Barry picks up the storied past of Schiff beginning with the history of the rural Morris County industrial district that developed along the North Branch of the Raritan River and McVicker’s Brook in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thomson's hike and talk -- enhanced by the use of archival photographs, rare maps, and stops at a number of sites on the preserve -- will then cover the early 20th century development of the 600-acre "Brookrace" estate by Richard and Julia Williams, including a visit to the family's stone manor house. In 1932, following Richard Williams' death, the "Brookrace" estate was transformed into the Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation, which, for the next 47 years, served as the National Training Center for the Boy Scouts of America.
This special event will be held on Sunday, September 20 from 2-4 pm. This is an all weather event with the exception of extreme summer weather such as thunderstorms or heavy rain warnings. In the event of extreme summer weather warnings, the rain date of September 27th will be used and guests will receive a rain date notification email within 24 hours of the program start time. Parking directions will be sent to ticket holders the day prior to the event based on attendance numbers. Carpooling is strongly recommended when feasible. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, weather appropriate clothes, and expect that the walking portions of the Historical Hike range in time from 7-15 minute spurts and will involve some incline. Access to the Nature Center presents accessibility limitations. Advance registration is required 24 hours in advance. Member fee is $35. Member family/four fee is $120. Non- member fee is $40. Non- member family/four fee is $140. Space is limited for this event. Social distancing and face coverings are required. If you have questions, please call 973- 543-6004.
Schiff Natural Lands Trust has preserved 780 acres of land for open space, passive recreation, and to protect
and provide natural habitats for native plant and animal species in our region of New Jersey. Schiff Nature
Preserve serves as a model of environmental stewardship and invites volunteers, school, and scout groups to
help work on the preserve through our Volunteer Stewardship Days. The annual environmental film festival,
Music in the Woods, paws for the Preserve, and Summer Nature Program for Kids are just a few of their most
popular programs. Schiff is a nonprofit organization that depends on annual memberships to support its
operations. Find more information at www.schiffnaturepreserve.org.