By Cathy Miller

People know Shippen Manor as the magnificent mansion on the hill in Oxford center. Those who have visited know of its 265-year history as a wealthy 18th century iron master’s residence and its ties to the Oxford Furnace (which produced cannonballs for George Washington’s army during the Revolutionary War). Inside the Manor’s two-foot thick stone walls is a well-curated, -restored and -preserved museum.

Gina Rosseland is the Assistant Administrator of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, her primary duty being Warren County Director of Museum Operations. She came on board at Shippen Manor in May 2019. Prior to that, she was an adjunct history professor at Warren County Community College and County College of Morris for over a decade. At the Manor, she intends to offer young visitors more options than just a guided tour of the iconic estate. On Nov. 3, children from pre-kindergarten to elementary school were invited to join Gina and her assistant Johanna Deming, a WCCC graduate and volunteer for county events, for the First Annual Harvest Crafts with Kids at Shippen Manor, which convened on the Manor’s big front porch, to create a harvest-themed craft, perfect for Thanksgiving decorating.

Three different age-appropriate crafts were devised for ages 3 to 12 years: coloring a handprint turkey and a big pumpkin; assembling colorful paper leaf wreaths; and a candle wreath assembled with bits of nature found on the grounds of Shippen Manor. Oh, and plenty of glue to hold everything together!

Coming up on Sunday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 8, visitors are invited to experience a Victorian Christmas at Shippen Manor between 1 and 4 p.m., with hourly guided tours at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. (please, no walk-ins). Admire the Manor decorated for the holiday season and enjoy seasonal music performed live on a hammered dulcimer.

Shippen Manor closes for the winter after Dec. 8 and re-opens in April, when the museum will host guided tours 1-4 p.m. on the first and second Sundays through December, excluding holidays. Tours of the Manor include colonial and Victorian rooms, the two working kitchens, as well as information about past inhabitants, changes the house and grounds have undergone, the local industries and people of the time.

Shippen Manor relies on volunteers, ages 16 and up, to keep its history alive. Gina explained, “People volunteer in many different capacities – as docents, reading, prepping, greeting visitors, exterior and landscaping.” Other tasks might include tours and events, interior upkeep, research and archiving, creation and implementation of hands-on activities, and more. If interested, email Gina at grosseland@co.warren.nj.us, call the office, or download the volunteer application from the website.

The museum and its programs are sponsored by the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders, The Warren County Division of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, The New Jersey Historical Commission, and The New Jersey Historic Trust.

Shippen Manor is located near the Route 31/Wall Street intersection in the center of Oxford at 8 Belvidere Avenue. Parking is available in the rear of the Manor, with handicap-accessible parking on the side nearest Belvidere Avenue. Because onsite parking is limited, visitors are encouraged to park on nearby Washington Avenue. There is no admission fee to the museum, but donations are always welcome.

For further information, please call (908) 453-4381 or visit the website, warrenparks.com/wcchc/

If you would like to suggest someone to be the next person of the week, please reach out to Cathy at info@insidewarren.com