GEORGE P. MACCULLOCH

presented by
JANE ODENWELLER, ARCHIVIST
MACCULLOCH HALL HISTORICAL MUSEUM

In the early 1820s, George P. Macculloch, president of the Morris
County Agricultural Society, saw that it might be possible to combine
interest in Pennsylvania’s burgeoning anthracite coal trade with
the needs of New Jersey’s flagging iron industry. A canal built across New
Jersey would provide a direct route from coal fields to markets and provide
the Morris County iron masters with the transportation system they
needed to compete in a world market. We all know of George Macculloch
as the tireless promoter who conceived of the Morris Canal but
who was the man behind the dream?In this program Jane Odenweller, archivist at Morristown’s Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, will use personal letters, maps and documents from the museum’s collection to delve into Macculloch’s personal life and tell us about the man behind the dream.

Jane Odenweller is a trustee and past president of the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum. She has been the archivist since 1979. Passionate about history, she had previously served as the interpretation chairman for the model ship, Deliverance at St. George’s in Bermuda. She is archivist for a local church and for an elementary school on Long Island, and has organized private papers.
A graduate of Smith Collage, she is a poet and author of the epic novel in verse, The Penelopeia (David R. Godine, 2003.) She has held readings in cities across the country.

Directions to the Morris County Cultural Center

From the Morristown Green, turn right onto Washington St (County Route 510, formerly NJ Route 24). Travel 3.5 miles west toward Chester. Pass the roads to the Delbarton School and Lewis Morris County Park on the left. After the curve and long white picket fence, look for a sign for the MUA on the right, pointing toward the driveway, which is marked by a street light and lighted directional sign. Make a sharp left turn and drive uphill to a Spanish-style stucco building at the top. Parking is in the lot to the left at the top of the hill. Once inside the main entrance hall of the Cultural Center, the auditorium is to the left. Restrooms are upstairs, with elevator access.

From Route 287 South, take Exit 35, Madison Ave. Turn right at the top of the ramp onto Madison Ave (Route 124). Bear right at the next light onto South Street, continue straight through a series of traffic lights and around the Morristown Green. Turn right onto Washington St. (County Route 510, formerly Route 24). Continue as described above.

From Route 287 North, take Exit 35, South Street/Madison Ave. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto South St, continue straight through several lights and travel around the Morristown Green. Turn right onto Washington St, (County Route 510, formerly Route 24). Continue as described above.