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Experience life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution and dawn of a new era in communications. This 7.5-acre National Historic Landmark site preserves the restored estate of Stephen Vail, proprietor of the Speedwell Iron Works from the early to mid-1800's. Experience life during the mid 19th century through guided tours, special events, programs, and exhibits.

Begin your visit at the newly restored L'Hommedieu House Visitors Center. Here you will be treated to the new exhibit – The Fabrics of Our Lives: Textiles in the 19th Century. The exhibit will be open from April 10-November 7, 2010. The exhibit explores the rich history of textile making in New Jersey in the 19th century. With “Silk City” (Paterson) nearby, it is no wonder Morris County was an area full of textile mills and fabric making. Stephen Vail, Ironmaster of the Speedwell Ironworks, once tried to create a cotton mill in the Factory Building at Historic Speedwell. This new exhibit focuses on textile traditions and how they were influenced by the Industrial Revolution.

The most significant building at Historic Speedwell is the Factory, a National Historic Landmark where Stephen Vail's son, Alfred, worked with Samuel F.B. Morse to perfect the telegraph. It was here on January 11, 1838 where the electromagnetic telegraph was first publicly demonstrated - making Historic Speedwell the "Birthplace of the Telegraph." The Factory Building includes a new, hands-on exhibit about the history of the telegraph at Speedwell. A variety of interactive displays take visitors through the fascinating story of the development of the telegraph and why it all happened at Speedwell! Don’t miss it!

Attached to the Factory is the Wheelhouse. Witness the operational 24-foot overshot waterwheel, which once powered a grist mill and other activities inside the Factory.

The Vail House offers a peek into the lives of the Vail family during the 1844-64 period. Fully renovated by Stephen Vail in 1844, the home boasts original furnishings, period antiques, and portraits of Stephen and his first wife Bethiah, painted by Samuel F.B. Morse in 1837.

Additional original structures include the Granary that now houses an exhibit on early farm machines and implements, the Homestead Carriage House, which contains an exhibit dedicated to the Speedwell Iron Works, and the 1849 Carriage House, home to a variety of hands-on workshops, school programs, and special activities. 		  Enjoy a full calendar of weekend special events and programs that are exciting and educational for children and adults. Guided tours and exhibits create an experience you will never forget.

GENERAL INFORMATION
  • Season: April through October
  • Hours of Operation:
    • April-June: Wednesday through Saturday 10am-5pm, Closed Sundays
    • July-October: Wednesday through Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday Noon-5pm
  • Last tour begins at 3:30pm
  • Guided tours are available of the Vail Home, Factory Building and Wheelhouse.
Click on the Event Calendar link on your left to get more information on the Carriage House Craft Series, Evening Adult Craft Series, upcoming lectures, and the wonderful Holiday event scheduled for December.

Do you need directions?
 
333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 285-6550
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