Morven Museum & Garden — Attraction in Princeton

PRINCETON: Morven Museum & Garden is a must-visit historic site, once home to Richard Stockton, a prominent New Jersey figure who donated land for Princeton University, became the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, and practiced law. Being a prominent figure in American history, Stockton University bears his name. Morven also served as the New Jersey’s first Governor’s Mansion and is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

The beautifully preserved grounds welcome leashed and friendly dogs (note: dogs are not permitted inside any buildings). Visitors can stroll through vibrant gardens and admire historic buildings, with seasonal blooms and plantings throughout. Events like the Spring Garden Party, plant sales, Fourth of July Festival, and other seasonal celebrations make this space come alive year-round. The path leading up to the monument is lined with cherry blossoms, truly a sight to see, and even more special during the blooming season.

Just next door is the Princeton Battle Monument, a striking memorial featuring a relief of George Washington and his troops during the American Revolutionary War. The grounds also include other notable pieces like the Princeton Bell, which served aboard six Navy ships, and a replica of the sculpture The Little Vintner of Colmar. A perfect place to soak in nature, history, and beauty...

It was a lovely Autumn day so we decided to finally visit Morven, the original home of some of New Jersey's earlier Governors. Overall, it was an interesting place to see and walk through, but it could be so much better. We had the unfortunate luck of arriving on a day when there weren't any volunteer docents, so we had to walk through without the benefit of any knowledgeable guidance. Which caused me to wonder why, in this day and age, there weren't any 'self-guided audio tours' offered; Morven literally calls out for such tours! The exhibits were basically well-laid out and the 'special exhibit' currently being shown is a display of Grandfather Clocks from 1730-1830. They were beautiful and some of them were still working! The gardens were peaceful and reflective. There is ample parking. Morven is worth a visit but I can't help but think of what...

Beautiful historic mansion built by one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Richard Stockton (1730-1781). His wife and published poet Annis Boudinot Stockton (1736-1801) named Morven after a mythical Gaelic kingdom in Ireland. Interesting exhibits including the early history of enslaved people at Morven. The house served as the mansion of the Governor of New Jersey from 1954 to 1982. Don't miss the beautiful Festival of Trees until January 5. In the house right next door at 65 Stockton Street, the famous German writer and winner of the Nobel prize for literature Thomas Mann (1875-1955) lived from 1938 to 1941 before moving to California. Note the plaque on the wall...