{"id":12134,"date":"2025-11-19T16:02:24","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T21:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/?p=12134"},"modified":"2025-11-19T18:18:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T23:18:41","slug":"25_0052","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/newsrel\/25_0052\/","title":{"rendered":"National Park Service Awards DEP Nearly $1 Million in Grants for Wallace House Historic Site Rehabilitation (25\/P052)"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong>
\nNovember 19, 2025[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Contact:<\/strong> Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
\nVincent Grassi (609) 984-1795
\nCaryn Shinske (609) 984-1795<\/p>\n

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\nNATIONAL PARK SERVICE AWARDS DEP NEARLY $1 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR WALLACE HOUSE HISTORIC SITE REHABILITATION<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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(25\/P52) <\/strong>TRENTON<\/strong> \u2013 The National Park Service has awarded the Department of Environmental Protection a combined $950,000 in grants to implement an interior rehabilitation project, improve educational resources and support stream and riparian restoration at the Wallace House<\/a>, a Revolutionary War historic site in Somerville, Somerset County.<\/p>\n

\"\"The funding complements an ongoing exterior restoration project at the Wallace House, which served as General George Washington\u2019s headquarters when the Continental Army encamped at Middlebrook during the winter of 1778-1779.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew Jersey offers an unparalleled experience for residents and visitors seeking to retrace the steps of those who fought to secure our independence and learn about our state\u2019s unique role during the Revolutionary War,\u201d said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette.<\/strong> \u201cOur state played a central role during the Revolution, and we are committed to ensuring our historic sites across the state are ready for the nation\u2019s 250th<\/sup> anniversary.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wallace House interior rehabilitation project will include stabilizing the second floor, installing energy-efficient heat pumps, and recreating period-appropriate finishes on paneling, paint and plaster using sustainable materials. This work is funded by a $750,000 Semiquincentennial Grant from the National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund and is expected to be completed by 2028.<\/p>\n

Additionally, a $200,000 Preservation Planning Grant from the National Park Service\u2019s American Battlefield Protection Program will fund the creation of a report to guide historic interpretation upgrades and environmental rehabilitation at the site. The report will include a feasibility study to enhance storm resilience by daylighting a buried waterway that connects the Wallace House Historic Site to the neighboring Old Dutch Parsonage Historic Site.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomerset County is proud to celebrate this important investment in our shared history,\u201d said Somerset County Deputy Director Melonie Marano, liaison to the Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission<\/strong>. \u201cNew Jersey played a vital role during the American Revolution, and the Wallace House tells a unique story about the significance of Somerset County. The National Park Service\u2019s grant is essential in making this important community asset more visitor-ready for the nation\u2019s 250th<\/sup> anniversary and beyond. We\u2019re excited that both our residents and visitors will be able to experience this site\u2019s rich history for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe State Park Service is thrilled to receive continued support from the National Park Service for the Wallace House Historic Site, allowing New Jersey to rehabilitate this landmark in advance of the nation\u2019s semiquincentennial anniversary,\u201d said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites.<\/strong> \u201cThe Wallace House stands as a tangible link to New Jersey\u2019s role as the crossroads of the American Revolution.\u201d<\/p>\n

During the time that General Washington used the Wallace House as his headquarters, the Continental Army was encamped in strategic locations around the Watchung Mountains. These hills provided protection from attack and an elevated position to monitor the enemy\u2019s movements. Washington\u2019s decision to stay in this region played a crucial role in maintaining the Continental Amy\u2019s morale and wearing down British forces.<\/p>\n

Ongoing Wallace House Restoration Efforts<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The exterior of the historic site is undergoing restoration to repair the roof, chimneys, clapboard, framing, windows and foundation; improve drainage and ADA accessibility; and restore the structure\u2019s historic linseed oil paint finish. This work is funded by a previously awarded $500,000 National Park Service Semiquincentennial Grant with additional support from semiquincentennial funds made available by Governor Phil Murphy.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the Wallace House Historic Site received upgrades to its parking lot, on-site visitor center and interpretive signage using funds Governor Murphy made available through the American Rescue Plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Wallace House Historic Site is a must-see stop for anyone looking to connect with New Jersey\u2019s Revolutionary War history for the nation\u2019s anniversary celebrations,\u201d said Mark Texel, DEP\u2019s Administrator for State Historic Sites.<\/strong> \u201cThese projects ensure that the history of the Wallace House will remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

250th<\/sup> Anniversary Projects Statewide<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

The restoration of the Wallace House is part of a much larger initiative to rehabilitate and restore New Jersey\u2019s Revolutionary War historic sites in anticipation of the nation\u2019s 250th<\/sup> anniversary. In 2022, the Murphy Administration made a $25 million investment in restoration and visitor readiness upgrades to 10 Revolutionary War historic sites. Projects are underway at:<\/p>\n