Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla (center) presents a ceremonial check for historic preservation at the Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park to Washington Township officials. Also pictured are Mayor George Willan (second from the left), Deputy Mayor Ralph Fiore (far left), Chairman of the Washington Township Historical Preservation Commission Brian Wilcox (center right), Director of Land Preservation Corey Tierney (far right), and volunteers of the Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park.

Funding Supports Restoration of Five Significant Historic Sites across the County

WHITE TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Warren County Board of County Commissioners traveled throughout the county on Saturday, March 28 to present ceremonial checks to the recipients of this year’s Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund grants.

Five historic building restoration projects received grant funding that totaled $445,450. Funding for these projects was approved by the Commissioners, acting on the recommendations of the 12-member Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund Committee. The grants are financed through the County’s Open Space Trust, which is funded by a voter-approved dedicated tax.

Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla and Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski visited the five locations to present the checks, meet with the local officials and stakeholders, and tour the sites.

Grant Awards and Project Details

Allamuchy Township – Freight House Restoration
A grant of $18,750 will support the repair and replacement of floorboards, decking, and exterior woodwork, along with exterior painting of the historic Freight House. The Freight House is a tangible link to the region’s transportation and industrial history, reflecting the importance of rail and freight movement in Warren County’s development.

Hardwick Township – Vass Farmstead Restoration
Hardwick Township will receive $53,700 to restore windows, paint the barn and wooden sections of the farmhouse, install outdoor lighting, and remove hazardous trees threatening the buildings. The Vass Farmstead is a cornerstone of the county’s agricultural heritage. Its preservation helps illustrate historic farming practices and rural life in northwest New Jersey.

Harmony Township – Van Nest Hoff Vannatta Farmstead Barn Restoration
A grant of $75,000 will fund barn restoration work, including siding repair and replacement, framing and trim work, door reconstruction, and limited painting. The farmstead remains a prominent and iconic agricultural structure, contributing to the historic landscape and reinforcing the importance of preserving working farm complexes.

Mansfield Township – Mount Bethel Community Center Cemetery Wall Restoration
Mansfield Township will receive $165,000 to restore the historic stone border wall surrounding the Mount Bethel Community Center cemetery. This project is anticipated to be the final phase of a long-term effort supported by prior grants. The cemetery and its stone wall are vital cultural resources, preserving the memory of early residents and serving as a place of reflection and community identity.

Washington Township – Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park Renovation
A grant of $133,000 will support roof and window replacement, ADA-compliant access improvements, air conditioning installation, and repairs to the site’s smokehouse. The Heritage Museum at Meadow Breeze Park plays a key role in interpreting local history and making it accessible to the public, ensuring that future generations can engage with Warren County’s past in an inclusive and meaningful way.

The MCCT program continues to serve as a critical funding source for preserving Warren County’s historic, cultural, and natural resources. By requiring a 25 percent local match, the program ensures strong partnerships and shared commitment between the County and its municipalities and nonprofit organizations. Historic preservation not only safeguards architectural and cultural assets but also strengthens community character, supports heritage tourism, and contributes to economic vitality.

The Warren County Department of Land Preservation announced that applications for the 2026 Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund grants will be released on April 13, 2026. Eligible municipalities and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to support open space, farmland, recreation, and historic preservation initiatives.