National Public Gardens Day at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum and Gardens

On Friday, May 9th Macculloch Hall Historical Museum will be participating, for the first time in National Public Gardens Day.  First celebrated in 2010 National Public Gardens Day was established by the nonprofit American Public Gardens Association (AGPA) and the Rain Bird Corporation, a manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, based in California.  The purpose of the day is to promote environmental stewardship, plant and water conservation, green spaces, and environmental education in communities throughout the United States.  Special family activities are planned in the garden from 2 to 5 pm.  Families can work together on a flower scavenger hunt through the garden and investigate seeds in all their forms through hands-on activities.  The Museum will also have a vermicomposting bin available to show families how they can compost household vegetable waste at home and help the environment at the same time by using earthworms.  For a more intensive study of plant life, families can borrow a “Garden Study Kit” from the Museum’s classroom and follow the activities to explore the garden around the Museum.  The kit will include copies from Mr. Macculloch’s 1830s planting records and pages from the Farmers’ Almanac, which was first published in Morristown, New Jersey in 1818. This well-known Almanac was published in New Jersey until 1955 when its headquarters moved to Maine. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, another well-known publication, began in 1792 in Boston.  Families must pre-register for this event but activities are free. Please call (973) 538-2404 ext. 16 or email cwinslow@maccullochhall.org.Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. The Museum is open for house and exhibit tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tour leaves at 3pm. Adults $8; Seniors & Students $6; Children 6 – 12 $4. Members and children under 5 are free. The gardens at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum are open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and Sundays 1pm - 4pm unless posted otherwise. Please check our website for any holiday closings. Call (973) 538-2404 ext. 10, visit our website www.maccullochhall.org or find us on Facebook.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.     Macculloch Hall Historical Museum received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State.  Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is a nonprofit educational affiliate of the W. Parsons Todd Foundation.Image: MHHM National Garden Day_2014