Furnishing Plan for the Ford Mansion (1779 - 1780), Morristown National Historical Park

Craig, Vera; Lewis, Ralph

Part A - Definition of Interpretive Objettives The 1974 Interpretive Prospectus for Morristown National Historical Park establishes four main historical themes. Numbers two and three are as follows: 2. The role of George Washington as commander-in-chief during these winters of 1777 and 1779-80; the personal qualities that made him a great leader; his abilities in coping with a host of military, political, and diplomatic problems; his contribution to the cause of American Independence. 3. Life in Morristown as a typical village caught up in the Revolutionits way of life, and its relationship to the Army encamped on its doorstep. In a larger sense, insights will be given about the total role of New Jersey, lithe Cockpit State," to the war. The story of military outposts and related military events will also be included here. The Prospectus defines the interpretive function of the Ford Mansion as the enrichment and further development of Objective 2, already introduced in the museum's motion picture, and appropriate elements of Objective 3. A general interpretive purpose for the total Park is defined by the Prospectus as follows: A primary interpretive objective of the Headquarters and Jockey Hollow areas is to create in the visitor's mind an awareness of the atmosphere and environment of Morristown, 1779-80. To this end Park development will encourage to the greatest extent possible, a setting that is assigned to give the visitor a stronger feeling of a living vibrant atmosphere. Historic houses, museum exhibits, wayside exhibits, living hlstory, all will be designed to give this sense of life and the presence of dynamic people caught up in momentous times. The furnishing plan for the Ford Mansion, Washington's 1779-80 headquarters, should be in support of these objectives and functions. The Ford Mansion will provide a setting for interpreting the role it played as Washington's headquarters from December 1, 1779 until June 1780. During these months George Washington, Mrs. Washington, his staff of officers and their servants literally took over the house. The focus will be on the early months of the winter before the outside office and second kitchen were probably built. We can be sure their functions were then being carried on in the main house. The interpretation will center on George Washington. Throughout the tour visitors should sense the presence of this man. As with his contemporaries, he should command their respect, and even leave them a little awe-struck. Upon entering the house, visitors should become immediately aware that this is the Commander-in-Chief's headquarters the central comnand post during one of the most difficult winters of the Revolutionary War. Visitors should be struck by a sense of activity. Orders, messages and letters were constantly being dispatched and received. A feeling of orderliness should also prevail. The army was no longer unorganized.