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Community Corner

Book signings in conjunction with the 350th New Jersey Anniversary – Summit Historic Homes – Cynthia B. Martin

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) is celebrating the 350th anniversary of New Jersey with book signings by authors whose work explores aspects of the state’s history. On Sunday March 30th we welcome Cynthia B. Martin who will be available to sign and sell books to museum visitors during touring hours 1pm – 4pm. Ms. Martin is the author of “Summit Historic Homes” which includes more than 200 vintage images of the magnificent homes of Summit, New Jersey. 
Originally sought out by city dwellers as a refuge from the tribulations of urban life, Summit developed from a bucolic rural spot in 1836 to a fully established suburb by 1940. The town’s growth was intrinsically tied to the development of the railroad and the convenience of the commute it offered to nearby New York City. The houses constructed during these years reflected their owner’s wealth, social standing and aesthetic sensibilities, and exemplified the trends of their times. Some of these houses served as summer residences; others as primary dwellings. Some were designed by well-known architects; others by local talent. Many of these residences are still standing, although some have been altered or even demolished to suit modern lifestyles. The book contains rarely seen before images of residences designed by local architects.  
A New Jersey native, Cynthia B. Martin grew up in Madison. Since 1988, Martin, her husband and their three children have lived in one of Summit’s historic houses.  Martin’s enthusiasm for Summit is reflected in her active participation in the life of the community.  She was elected to three terms on Summit’s Common Council from 1997-2006 and has served on the boards of many local organizations. Currently she is a volunteer and trustee of the Summit Historical Society and serves as Chair of the Summit Area YMCA Board of Trustees. An art history major at Smith College, Martin has a longtime interest in American decorative arts and architecture.  She followed up on this interest by receiving a Certificate in Historic Preservation from Drew University in 2010.  The author’s profits from sales of the book are being donated to the Summit Historical Society.
Book signings with other New Jersey authors will continue throughout the spring, please visit maccullochhall.org for dates. Admission includes meeting with authors, house tours, and gallery visits between 1pm and 4pm. In addition to book signings the Museum is also presenting a speaker series to celebrate the 350th anniversary taking place at 4:30pm on the second Sunday of each month through June. Tickets for Sunday programs go on sale from 1pm on the day of the program, no advance sales. House tours (regular admission applies) take place throughout the afternoon, the last tour ticket is sold at 3pm. Visitors may also wish to visit the second floor gallery exhibit “Made in New Jersey: A Celebration of Decorative and Fine Arts” which stars the Museum’s collection of New Jersey stoneware, silver, and artists such as Thomas Nast, A.B. Frost and Edward Kranich. Also open is the upstairs gallery exhibit “Thomas Nast Brings Down Boss Tweed,” featuring the political cartoons Thomas Nast created attacking Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall, prior to the speaker programs. Also on display, “Controversies” presents challenging subject matter on New Jersey history topics and events which had national significance: medical experimentation, immigration, and the right to die. A second series of programs, related to the “Controversies” exhibit takes place on the first Sunday of each month through June. Visit maccullochhall.org for more details.
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The gardens at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum are open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and Sundays 1pm - 4pm unless posted otherwise. Please check our website for any holiday closings. Call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit our website www.maccullochhall.org find us on Facebook. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.

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