[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E95]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE MORRIS MUSEUM

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morris 
Museum in Morris County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 
Centennial in 2013.
  The Morris Museum began as a small exhibit in the Morristown 
Neighborhood House located on Flagler Street in Morristown. With the 
collections rapidly growing, by 1927 the exhibit had encompassed seven 
rooms. At this time the exhibit contained 19th century articles, 
European and Asian artifacts, along with rocks, minerals, and fossils. 
Looking to expand to a larger venue, the exhibit moved to the Maple 
Avenue School and stayed until 1956 where it was officially 
incorporated in 1946. This venue enabled the Morris Museum to create 
better programs for children and coordinate these programs with the 
curriculum being taught in surrounding schools. These programs included 
use of dioramas, panels, and an outreach program centered on Native 
American civilization.
  Having expanded out of its four prior locations, in 1964 the museum 
moved to its current location at the historic Twin Oaks Mansion, 
formally owned by the Frelinghuysen family. This gave the organization 
the opportunity to expand programs to all ages and add to its visual 
art exhibits. By 1970, the gallery was enlarged significantly through 
facility additions and the 312 seat Bickford Theatre was added. The 
museum received the prestigious honor, in 1973, of being the first New 
Jersey museum to be recognized by the American Association of Museums. 
Finally, by 1990 the name had been changed to the current title of the 
Morris Museum and had expanded to a total of 75,524 square feet.
  The Morris Museum mission has continuously been, ``to elevate the 
cultural consciousness, excite the mind and enhance the quality of life 
by advancing the understanding and enjoyment of the visual and 
performing arts, natural and physical sciences and humanities.'' It 
does this through state-of-the-art programs it provides to the public. 
Such programs include Tot Tours and ArtWALK, are designed to instill an 
early love for art in toddlers and their caregivers, as well as the 
``Museum Loan Program,'' which lends over 1,400 exhibit kits to 
schools, libraries, and district organizations. The Morris Museum also 
provides an excellent Transportation Program designed to transport 
children in underprivileged areas, such as Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey 
City, and Dover, to view the galleries and participate in hands-on 
activities. Adults can also benefit through the Adult Outreach 
Programs, which include Adult Tour Programs and Senior Fridays aimed at 
assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Services include 
exhibition tours, appealing discussions, and free refreshments.
  Today, the museum possesses an average attendance of 438,000 visitors 
per year and contains a diverse assembly of people from 15 counties and 
different socio-economic and ethnic groups. Permanent displays include 
geology, animals, model railroads, historical crafts, pottery, carving, 
basketry, and textiles of all cultural backgrounds. In addition to 
these displays is the exhibition of 150 pieces from the expansive and 
world renowned Murtogh D. Guinness collection of mechanical musical 
instruments and automata. The Museum also includes natural science, 
paleontology, and anthropology exhibits for those interested in 
expanding their scholastic knowledge.
  As of 2012, The Morris Museum has won numerous awards such as an 
award for Excellence in Tourism by the Department of Travel and 
Tourism, Outstanding Arts Organization by the Arts Council of the 
Morris Area, and has been recognized by the NJSCA as a Major Arts 
Institution for the past seven years in a row. Identified as a major 
influence on society, the museum has clearly exemplified the arts in a 
positive manner throughout its lifetime.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and your colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Morris Museum as it celebrates its Centennial.

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