🏛️ Preserving Washington Wells Farm: A Call to Action The Washington Wells Farm in #SkillmanNJ was named to Preservation New Jersey’s 2025 #10Most Endangered Historic Places, highlighting its urgent need for preservation. Established in 1750 by Joost Duryee, the farm is historically significant for its ties to the American Revolution and its role in the lives of enslaved African Americans. The main house, dating back to 1753, features original elements such as wide-plank hardwood floors, hewn beams, and eight fireplaces. Additional structures on the property include a barn, an English-style carriage house, an out-kitchen, and a historic well across the street. In 2021, Hurricane Ida's Rock Brook floodwaters damaged a 1750 Dutch farmhouse on the farm, leading to the discovery of a small one-story cottage believed to have served as the dwelling for enslaved African Americans working on the farm. This cottage was carefully disassembled and relocated to the Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum grounds in January 2025. Despite its deep historic importance—including ties to George Washington and Revolutionary War events—the buildings and grounds were largely neglected. Critical structures such as the 1753 main farmhouse, outbuildings, and the iconic well suffered from weather exposure, lack of routine upkeep, and, in some areas, structural compromise. Immediate intervention is needed to stabilize and restore the site. Without prompt preservation measures, Washington Well Farm risks irreversible loss, along with its rare and valuable connection to colonial, Revolutionary, and African American history in New Jersey. #PreserveHistory #WashingtonWellsFarm #HistoricPreservation #NewJerseyHistory #10MostEndangered #PreservationNewJersey #SkillmanNJ #SomersetCounty #AfricanAmericanHistory #RevolutionaryWarHistory (fb)

PNJ members, the Paterson Historic Preservation Commission is hosting a guided walking tour of Downtown Paterson's historic architecture, led by expert Richard Polton. Explore early 20th-century buildings designed by local architect Fred Wesley Wentworth. 📍 Meeting Point: Hamilton Club, 32 Church Street, Paterson, NJ 📅 Date: Saturday, May 31st 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM 💰 Cost: Free (Registration required) 📞 RSVP: Call 973-321-1220 ext 2263 Don't miss this chance to uncover the stories behind Paterson's iconic structures. #PatersonArchitecture #HistoricPaterson #PreservationFair #FredWesleyWentworth #ExploreNJ #ArchitecturalTour #PatersonNJ #HistoricPreservation #DowntownPaterson #NJHistory (fb)