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1810 Tartan Day Is Coming!
In recognition of Macculloch Hall’s construction in 1810 by George P. Macculloch, please join us on October 24, 2010 as we celebrate 200 years of local history. Scottish accents will rule the day, in a nod to the family’s Scottish heritage.
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About Macculloch Hall Historical Museum
The "Old House" today
Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is in the heart of Morristown’s National Historic District. George Macculloch, a Scotsman born in Bombay, immigrated to America from London with his wife and two children in 1806. Settling in Morristown in 1810, Macculloch began building his Federal-style brick mansion on his new 26-acre gentleman’s farm. A businessman, scholar, and visionary, Macculloch is best known as the “Father” of the Morris Canal, an international engineering marvel.
The “Old House,” as it was known to five generations of Macculloch’s descendants, was acquired by Morristown philanthropist W. Parsons Todd in 1949.
Mr. Todd began the restoration of Macculloch Hall to house his collection of 18th and early 19th century American and English fine and decorative arts, sharing it with the Morris area community. His efforts honored the Macculloch-Miller family’s distinguished public service and created a monument to Morristown’s heritage.
The Museum is renowned for its major collection of works by America’s leading 19th century political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, who lived across the avenue from Macculloch Hall. Nast is known for popularizing the Republican Elephant, Democratic Donkey, and America’s image of Santa Claus.
The Garden Club of Morristown worked with W. Parsons Todd to restore the gardens of Macculloch Hall to their 19th century splendor. Incorporating original plantings and landscape features, the garden displays seasonal blooms including numerous varieties of heirloom roses. Today, Macculloch Hall boasts the oldest garden in Morris County.
We invite visitors to imagine the house as it was used by each generation of the Macculloch family. The Maccullochs influenced education, economics, politics and cultural events of their day. Three exhibit galleries complement Macculloch Hall’s ten period rooms. Each year the Museum offers a diverse schedule of changing exhibits and educational programs attended by thousands of visitors from throughout the United States.
