New Jersey’s second-largest museum awaits visitors. Showcasing exhibits on innovation, dinosaurs, Native American history, trains, and more, the Morris Museum, located at 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown, has something for everyone. This accessible venue features free parking, kid-friendly spaces, military discounts, and a gift shop. Read on to learn about the Morris Museum, how to visit for free, and what to see while there.
How it Started
The Morris Museum began in 1913 as the Morris Children’s Museum, led by Nettie Pierson, and housed at the Neighborhood House School in Morristown. Nettie Pierson was born in 1868 as Marie Antoinette Shugg to Richard and Marie Shugg. Her father Richard, born in England, was one of Rutherford’s earliest settlers and one of the founders of the community’s original Baptist church. In 1896, Nettie married Aldus Pierson, whose family included the Pierson’s and other early European settlers of North Jersey. Nettie and Aldus had at least two children: Albert and Helen.
In 1922, the space expanded, and in 1938 it moved to Maple Avenue School. The collection included stuffed birds, toys, and fossils amongst others. In 1943, the museum was officially incorporated and began loaning out exhibits to local schools and libraries. In 1956, the first director, Chester H. Newkirk was hired and the following year the museum moved to 141 Madison Avenue. Finally, in 1963 the museum purchased the Twin Oaks Mansion, the current site of the museum today.
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The Twin Oaks Mansion was built between 1910 and 1913 and was owned by the Frelinghuysen family. The museum opened to the public in 1965 and added several galleries in 1969. This expansion also led to a name change and the “Morris Museum of Arts and Sciences” came to be. In 1972, the museum was officially accredited by the American Association of Museums, and in 1985 the museum took on its current name of “Morris Museum.” Another expansion took place in 1989, wrapping up in 1990.
Nettie Pierson would be shocked today to know that her efforts have grown to steward the second-largest museum in the Garden State. This 75,524-square-foot facility is ADA accessible, full of local and national history, and features a variety of temporary and permanent exhibits. It is open from 11AM to 5PM from Wednesday through Sunday.
The Morris Museum is staffed by experts with degrees from institutions like New York University, Drew University, Seton Hall University, University of Florida, George Washington University, and Bucknell University. The team fulfills roles in Development, Education, Guest Services, Marketing, Exhibitions/Collections, and more. Together the workers ensure that the museum’s collections, exhibits, educational programming, and resources are cared for, shared, supported, and protected. Those interested in supporting the museum can click here to donate or click here to learn about the membership levels and benefits.
Current Exhibitions
Currently, there are six exhibits showcased at the Morris Museum. Two ongoing exhibits are Oceania Arts and Views and Vistas. Oceania Arts, sourced from the permanent collection includes woven, braided, carved, and painted works from Papua New Guinea and various other South Pacific Ocean communities.
Views and Vistas showcases Edwin Megargee’s Twin Oaks Farm Mural and a multitude of work he did for members of the American Jersey Cattle Club during the 1920s and 1930s. Former Twin Oak Mansion resident Peter Hood Ballantine Frelinghuysen commissioned a mural of his 150-acre Twin Oaks dairy farm to decorate his bedroom. Views and Vistas was curated by Anne Ricculli, Ph.D., Director of Exhibits and Collections, with the support of two Curatorial Interns Maura Ferrigno and Joey Patire. The exhibit was installed by Sara O’Connor, Preparator.
Ongoing installations and permanent exhibits include: the Mega Train Model Gallery, Native American Gallery, Earth Science Gallery, Earth + Memory: Contemporary Native American Pottery, Guinness Collection: Mechanical Museum + Automata, and the Dodge Room.
For the Kids
The Morris Museum is home to a variety of exhibits and spaces that can appeal to kids. Spark!Lab open from 12PM to 4PM Wednesday through Sunday is geared for an audience between five and 12. This is a flagship educational initiative of the Smithsonian Institution, where kids and their families learn and engage with history and invitation. Morris Museum is unique in its stewardship of a Spark!Lab. As the only Smithsonian Affiliate in the Garden State, the Morris Museum has a special partnership with the Smithsonian Institution allowing it to partake in certain programs and initiatives. For example, the Morris Museum is one of only 10 sites within the United States with a Spark!Lab.
The Guinness Collection: Mechanical Music + Automata and Morris Museum’s Digging Dinosaur Exhibition have interactive pieces that are great for kids. In January, the museum’s Education Department led a Digging Dinosaurs Family Tour which includes touching a real dinosaur egg and walking alongside dinosaur tracks.
Planning Your Visit
The price for admission to the Morris Museum varies. General admission for visitors is $12. Seniors, youth between 3 years old and 17, and students under 25 with an ID can access the Morris Museum for $8. There is also free admission for select groups. Children 2 and under as well as active military personnel visiting with up to five family members can visit the museum for free. Admission is also free for members of the Morris Museum who have special access to the museum on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 11AM to 2PM when it is typically closed.
Lastly, those living in communities like Kearny, Paterson, Montclair, Verona, and Westfield, where the public library has museum passes can visit the Morris Museum for free. Just ensure passes are reserved and picked up in accordance with library policy. Museum passes for the Morris Museum can also be found at libraries in Cliffside Park, Fanwood, Madison, Maplewood, Mendham, Mountain Lakes, Sparta, Teaneck, Tenafly, Wayne, West Caldwell, and numerous others across North Jersey. Just be sure to check.
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Accessibility
Morris Museum is a wheelchair-accessible museum with ample free parking, bathroom facilities, and a guest services desk. Each public space is accessible by elevators or ramps. Additionally, the museum has wheelchairs for visitors to use. If needed, visitors should ask for a wheelchair at the front desk. Service animals are allowed throughout the museum. Visitors attending performances and showings at the Bickford Theatre can request assistive listening devices from the front desk on the day of the performance.
The Best Irish Pubs to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Montclair + Beyond
March means two things: both spring and St. Patrick’s Day have finally arrived. Here in Essex County, we have no shortage of Irish pubs to help ring in the upcoming holiday. So we’ve compiled a list of 13 Irish pubs to set the scene for your 2025 St.Patrick’s Day celebrations. Read on for our list of the best Irish bars in the Montclair area.
Cloverleaf Tavern | 395 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
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Located on Essex County’s ever-bustling Bloomfield Avenue, Cloverleaf Tavern opened its doors 92 years ago when the original owner purchased the first liquor license in Caldwell post-prohibition. The Irish nature of this space is definitely in the name and logo. The tavern’s cozy, dark wood interior combined with low lighting really set the vibe of an Irish Pub. Try ordering the beer battered fish (three fresh cod fillets cut, beer battered and fried, tartar sauce + choice of potato) + wash it down with a Schlafly Irish Style Extra Stout (Irish Dry Stout) or a Toms River St. Johns Irish Red (Irish Red ale).
Danaher’s Irish Pub | 31 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield
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Danaher claims it is the closest New Jerseyans will get to an authentic Irish Pub. From the Celtic symbol in its logo to Irish food favorites, this place is worth stopping by. MG’s top menu items to try are shepherd’s pie, Guinness beef stew, + Irish potato skins (topped with mashed potatoes, cheese, + bacon served with sour cream).
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Dillon’s Tavern | 45 Freeman Street, West Orange
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Dillon’s Taverns sits on Freeman Street, between Cross Street + Valley Street. This dive-bar -meets-sports-bar is a place to sit back, grab a pint, and watch a game. Sports paraphernalia, a rustic wooden bar, and low lighting create an authentic pub feel. For something even more authentic, try ordering the corned beef.
Dowling’s Irish Pub + Restaurant | 117 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park
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Downling’s Irish Pub is a place where everyone will feel like a local. Patrons can enjoy breakfast lunch or dinner here. If stopping by early, try the Irish Man: traditional Irish breakfast with Irish sausage, two eggs over easy, bacon rashers, black + white puddings, Irish beans, + homemade wedges with toast. If popping in later during the day try the Irish nachos for sharing, and then order the corned beef sandwich. MG suggests finishing the meal with a Baily’s Irish Cream Pie. Take a look at the events calendar to see when to enjoy this Irish meal with some live music.
Egan + Sons | 116 Walnut Street, Montclair
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Egans + Sons’ origin story begins when a Dubliner + a Montclairian met and created a space with community, cocktails, good beer, + Irish cuisine. MG suggests starting the meal with Irish toasties (bacon, cheese, red onion, tomato, Thousand Island dressing), The move on to the cottage pie (slow braised angus beef pie with root vegetables, + golden mashed potato crust). Naturally, the best way to this meal down is with Ireland’s Harp Lager.
Kilkenny Alehouse | 27 Central Avenue, Newark
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Those from the Essex County area have probably passed by KilKenny’s Alehouse many times, as it is conveniently located near NJPAC. This Irish pub provides patrons with live music every Thursday and karaoke every Tuesday. Menu items to try are Irish chips (cheddar jack, bacon, sour cream), Kilkenny chicken (sauteed chicken breast, Jameson mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, spinach), + shepard’s pie.
McGoverns Tavern | 58060 New Street, Newark
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McGoverns sits near the corner of Washington Street + New Street and was a popular place to visit at a time when there weren’t many Irish establishments in the area. The tavern serves classics such as a pint of Guinness + Irish coffee, as well as including a more modern twist of favorites such as an Irish mimosa (Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, grapefruit juice), + an Irish mule (Jameson, ginger beer, lime juice. MG suggests ordering the Dublin Decker (corned beef, turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw + Russian dressing served on rye) for lunch.
Michael’s Roscommon House | 531 Joralemon Street, Belleville
Although Michael Roscommon House sits on one of Belleville’s busiest roads, when patrons step inside they will soon feel the vibe of stepping into a sports bar that feels like home. Those passing by can’t miss its green lettering, shamrock on the side of the building, + outdoor seating in front of the establishment. Some classic entrees available here include the corned beef + cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or fish + chips. A local favorite is also the French onion soup, which is a great start to any of these meals. Michael’s Roscommon House also has Guinness pints + Irish mules on the menu for beverages.
Obal’s Inn | 439 Broad Street, Bloomfield
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Obal’s Inn is located on Bloomfield’s Broad Street just south of Brookdale Park. This establishment screams Irish pub with its cozy stone exterior, green roof, + welcome message that reads “Good Food + Drink” on its sign outside. Inside, Obal’s Inn has a classic pub feel. The inn also has events like DJ nights, trivia, + live music.
Saint James’s Gate Publick House | 167 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
Located near the three-way intersection of Maplewood Avenue + Highland Place, Saint James’s Publick House considers itself the “Soul for an Irish pub.” The pub is open for lunch, dinner, + brunch on the weekends. MG likes to start a meal with Galway salmon (smoked salmon, toast points, capers, red onions + sour cream), and pub chips (hand-cut chips served with homemade Marie Rose sauce). Saint James’ menu suggests a pint of Guinness for a starter, and we’re here for it.
The Shannon Rose Irish Pub | 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton + 1200 New Jersey 17, Ramsey
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The Shannon Rose has two locations: Clifton in Passaic County + Ramsey in Bergen County. This family-owned + operated pub has the cozy Irish pub feel with paraphernalia, extensive beer options, whiskey flights, live music, + more. There is a section of the menu titled “Foods of Ireland” including shepherd’s pie croquettes (mashed potatoes, NY cheddar, horseradish gravy), bangers + mash (Irish sausage, mashed potatoes, garlic spinach, horseradish gravy), + Guinness beef stew (Guinness-braised beef, parsnip, potato, carrots, celery, beef jus, Irish soda bread).
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The Shillelagh Club | 648 Prospect Avenue, West Orange
This Irish/American cultural organization has a goal to preserve Irish traditions. The establishment opened its doors over 50 years ago and hosts events to help spread Irish traditions and welcoming vibes throughout the year. Some events include the Irish Sports Expo, Irish New Year, + more. For patrons in the area, one of the biggest events is the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Menu items to try are the Paddy melt (10-ounce ground beef, sauteed onions, and choice of cheese on toasted rye and served with fries), or Irish loaded fries.
Tierney’s Tavern | 136-138 Valley Road, Montclair
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Located near the corner of Valley Road + William Street, Tierney’s Taverns where friends to go meet, have a pint, + listen to good music. With options like blues, jazz, Indie, Rock, + more, there’s a tune for everyone. Menu options to try are the Corned beef, a burger, or a roast beef club.
