FROM MANSION TO MUSEUM: Morven Museum & Garden’s panel discussion on the journey from a mansion to a museum will take place on September 12. Key figures in the three-phase restoration project were, from left, Project Director Emily Croll; Policy Advisor Carol Cronheim; Director of the New Jersey State Museum Leah Sloshberg; and President of the Board of Trustees Georgie Schley. (Photo courtesy of Morven Archive).

Morven Museum & Garden will host a panel discussion on the journey from a governor’s mansion to opening as a museum in 2004. The in-person and online event will take place on Thursday, September 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the museum, 55 Stockton Street.

The panel will feature speakers representing both private and public spheres, who were essential to preserving Morven as an educational space. The panelists will share the ins and outs of navigating state politics, researching and restoring an over 200-year-old house, and the challenges of getting support to preserve one of New Jersey’s most historic sites.

Panelists include Georgie Schley, former president of Morven’s Board of Trustees for over 20 years; Carol Cronheim, former assistant secretary of state and policy advisor for the State of New Jersey; and Anne Gossen, museum, nonprofit, and arts consultant and former curator of exhibitions and academic and artistic director at Morven. Former Morven Executive Director Clare Smith will moderate the panel.

Event tickets, which range from $5 to $15, include access to Morven’s latest exhibition, “Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home,” from 5 to 6 p.m. before the program. Doors open for the in-person event at 6 p.m. in the Stockton Education Center, and the virtual waiting room opens on Zoom at 6:00 p.m.

Following registration, which is required, virtual ticket holders will receive a Zoom webinar link. After the program, a recording of the event will be provided. Visit morven.org/upcoming to register.