Fosterfields Living Historical Farm | Morristown

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is a remarkable open-air museum located in Morris Township, New Jersey, encompassing 213 acres of preserved farmland and historical buildings. It offers visitors an immersive, hands-on experience of rural life in the early 20th century, focusing on the period from the 1880s through the 1930s. As New Jersey’s first living historical farm, Fosterfields preserves and interprets the agricultural heritage of the region, demonstrating the evolution of farming technology, family life, and rural culture over nearly a century.

Historical Background and Origins

The property that is now Fosterfields has been used as farmland since the 1760s, making it a site with deep agricultural roots in New Jersey. In 1854, General Joseph Warren Revere, a grandson of the famed American patriot Paul Revere, purchased the land and built The Willows, a striking Gothic Revival mansion on the estate. General Revere was a naval officer and an artist, and his influence is evident in the architectural details and the trompe-l'œil murals decorating the mansion’s interior, reflecting mid-19th-century style and aesthetics.

In 1881, the farm was acquired by Charles Grant Foster, who transformed the estate into a working dairy farm. Foster was progressive for his time, adopting modern farming practices such as the use of steam-powered machinery and new techniques like ensilage (the process of preserving fodder by fermentation). His daughter, Caroline Rose Foster, became the farm’s caretaker and manager, dedicating her life to maintaining its operation and legacy. Caroline lived on the farm for nearly 98 years, overseeing its activities well into the 20th century.

When Caroline Foster passed away in 1979, she bequeathed the property to the Morris County Park Commission with the goal of preserving it as a living historical farm. Since then, the farm has been operated as an educational site where visitors can learn about agricultural history through direct experience and interpretation.

The Willows Mansion

Central to the farm’s historical appeal is The Willows, the 1854 Gothic Revival mansion built by General Revere. This three-story home is notable for its intricate woodwork, pointed arches, steep gables, and elaborate decorative details characteristic of Gothic Revival architecture. Inside, visitors can explore period furnishings, family artifacts, and the trompe-l'œil murals painted by Revere himself, which add a unique artistic element to the historic home.

Guided tours of The Willows provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Revere and Foster families, as well as the domestic staff who worked on the estate. The mansion offers insights into the social and cultural aspects of rural life during the 19th and early 20th centuries, bridging the gap between agricultural labor and genteel family life.

Farm Life and Agricultural Practices

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is designed to replicate and preserve the day-to-day workings of a farm from the early 1900s. It serves as a living museum where heritage livestock breeds and traditional farming methods are demonstrated and preserved.

The farm is home to several heritage breeds, including Jersey cattle, Shropshire sheep, Buff Orpington chickens, and Oberhasli goats. These animals are cared for using farming techniques that would have been familiar to farmers of the era. Visitors have opportunities to observe and sometimes participate in traditional farm tasks such as milking cows by hand, gathering eggs, grinding corn, and other seasonal chores that showcase the rhythms and labor of farm life.

This hands-on approach helps visitors of all ages—children, adults, and history enthusiasts—gain an authentic understanding of the challenges and rewards of rural farm life before modern industrialization dramatically changed agriculture.

Educational Programs and Special Events

Throughout its open season, Fosterfields offers a wide range of programs and events designed to educate and engage the public. These include:

Dairy Day: An annual highlight event where visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional dairy processes such as hand-milking, cream separation, cheesemaking, and butter churning. This event celebrates the farm’s dairy heritage and allows visitors to interact directly with the animals and farm staff.

Civil War Weekend: A historical reenactment event that features military drills, civilian life demonstrations, and period costumes, connecting visitors with the mid-19th-century American experience.

Model T Ford Day: A celebration of early automotive history, showcasing vintage vehicles and demonstrating how they were operated, reflecting the transition from horse-drawn to motorized transport on rural farms.

Seasonal and Holiday Programs: These often include harvest festivals, maple sugaring events, and educational workshops that highlight various aspects of farming, food production, and rural traditions.

These programs serve to deepen visitors’ understanding of farm life across different time periods and foster appreciation for agricultural history and heritage.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is open seasonally, typically from April through October. The farm hours vary with the season but generally fall between mid-morning and late afternoon. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during most of its operating season.

The farm welcomes visitors of all ages and offers admission fees that support the maintenance and educational mission of the site. Special rates are available for seniors, children, and families, making it accessible for educational groups, tourists, and local visitors alike.

Besides self-guided visits, the farm offers guided tours, school field trips, and family-friendly activities that encourage interaction and learning. The staff and volunteers provide interpretation, answer questions, and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests to explore history in an engaging way.

Significance and Legacy

Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is an invaluable resource for preserving the agricultural history of New Jersey and the northeastern United States. It serves as a living classroom, bridging past and present through experiential education. By maintaining the land, livestock, historic buildings, and traditional practices, Fosterfields allows visitors to connect deeply with the rural heritage that shaped the region’s culture and economy.

The farm also honors the legacy of Caroline Foster, whose dedication ensured that this glimpse into early 20th-century farm life would be preserved for future generations. The ongoing programs, preservation efforts, and community engagement make Fosterfields a vibrant cultural landmark and an essential destination for anyone interested in history, farming, or family-oriented educational experiences.

In summary, Fosterfields Living Historical Farm is much more than a museum—it is a dynamic, living environment where history is actively preserved and shared. It offers an authentic window into the life, work, and spirit of a bygone era, enriching visitors with knowledge, hands-on experience, and a strong sense of connection to America’s rural past.