Canal Society of NJ

06/18/2026

We're proud to share that the Canal Society of New Jersey is a sponsor of this year's New Jersey Historic Preservation Conference!

CSNJ President Joe Macasek, historical architect Margaret Hickey of Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects, and Ted Ritter of North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority will be presenting, The Morris Canal Greenway in the 21st Century. The session will explore ongoing efforts to preserve, interpret, and connect the historic Morris Canal corridor while expanding opportunities for recreation, education, and community engagement.

The Morris Canal remains one of New Jersey's most significant engineering and transportation achievements, and this presentation will highlight the partnerships and vision helping to shape its future.

06/01/2026

Tune in Tuesday, June 2, at 10:30 for the NJTPA's Spring Morris Canal Working Group meeting, and get the latest news about the ever-evolving Morris Canal Greenway.

🖥️ TOMORROW 🖥️ Join us at 10:30 for the virtual spring meeting of the Working Group, featuring updates on projects along the Greenway, federal programs, and a new website. DETAILS: https://www.morriscanalgreenway.org/events/morris-canal-working-group-meeting-cmok5hfny007dlrx1e1f0zcoh

05/16/2026

The weather is perfect and the Canal Society will be at Lk Hopatcong Block Party until 4:00

05/15/2026

Looks like the weather will be great at the Lake Hopatcong Block Party Saturday! Come visit this exciting event, and stop by our tent and say hi.

05/03/2026

Check out the new Morris Canal Greenway trail in Rockport!

05/02/2026

The locktender's view from his shanty to his lock, waiting for the sound of the conch shell. Lock 2 East at Hugh Force Park, Wharton.

04/29/2026

See the following Morris Canal sites this Saturday, during Morris County’s Pathways if History, 11-4.

Pathways of History returns May 2 and 3, 2026. This free, self-guided weekend tour invites visitors to explore 38 historical sites and museums across Morris County.

Before the railroad, the Morris Canal connected Morris County to the international ports of New York and Philadelphia. For more than a century, this waterway moved coal, iron and commerce across New Jersey.

This Saturday, three Blue Tour sites follow the waterway that shaped the region.

Lock 2 East in Wharton preserves actual canal infrastructure, offering a rare look at how boats were raised and lowered across the terrain of the New Jersey Highlands.

The King House and Store in Ledgewood is one of the most intact general stores that served Morris Canal boat crews. Built in the mid-1820s, it was in continuous operation for the full century of the canal's existence.

The 1700s Silas Riggs House in Ledgewood connects the threads. Silas Riggs himself was a documented contributor to the development of the Morris Canal in 1821.

All three landmarks are open this Saturday, May 2, as part of the Pathways of History Blue Tour. Rain or shine, the tours run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

For more information: https://ow.ly/Go7n50YQPaL

250th Anniversary of the Revolution: Morris County
Pathways of History Tour of Historic Places in Morris County

04/20/2026

The weekend of May 2-3 is Morris County Pathways of History, and on Saturday, the CSNJ will once again be at Lock 2 East in Wharton. See the only fully-restored lock on the Morris Canal Greenway, learn about the lock operation, and explore the interior of the tender's house and office, furnished as how it might have looked in the 19th century.

Lock 2 East is located at Hugh Force Park, 180 West Central Ave, Wharton. For more information on Pathways of History, visit their website: https://pathwaysofhistorynj.net/

04/13/2026

This Saturday, April 18th, the Canal Society of NJ will be at Montville Canal Day, offering tours of Morris Canal sites throughout the town.

The Montville Township Historical Society and Montville Township are bringing back Canal Day on Saturday, April 18, from 12 to 4pm along Macculloch Drive. The free community celebration is the first of its kind since the Morris Canal’s dedication ceremony in 1988. The event will transform the area along the historic canal into a pedestrian-friendly celebration featuring historical presentations, live period music, guided bus tours of canal sites throughout the township, interactive exhibits, a mobile museum, food trucks, and remarks from local, county, and state officials.
https://zurl.co/9nxsS

04/08/2026

This coming Sunday, The Stanhope United Methodist Church will holding their anniversary celebration, which was postponed two times. See old black and white films and hear talks on the history of Netcong, Lake Musconetcong, and the Morris Canal through Stanhope. Also, an optional walking tour through the Morris Canal's path through Stanhope will be offered.

Refreshments will be served, and admission is free!

Join us for a nostalgic look at Netcong Borough & Borough of Stanhope, NJ THIS Sunday, April 12, at 2 PM.

Step back into the 1920s and 1930s and explore the rich history of Netcong and Stanhope, NJ, through rare silent films capturing boat races, lively parades, and cherished community moments. Hear from local preservation experts as they share stories of the history and events that shaped our two towns. Then, join us in celebrating the 105th anniversary of Stanhope United Methodist Church, a steadfast presence through every chapter of this shared history.

Event Highlights:
• Historic silent films from Netcong & Stanhope

• Guest speakers on local preservation and history, including:
Marty Kane from https://www.facebook.com/LakeHopatcongFoundation
and Tim Roth from https://www.facebook.com/CanalSocietyNJ

• Organ music & light refreshments (free event, donations welcome)

✨Come for the history. Stay for the stories. Celebrate the journey.✨

For more information about this event, please contact [email protected], call 973-347-0247, or visit https://stanhopeumc.org/events/where-history-meets-hope/2026-04-12