Macculloch Hall Historical Museum Information

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum preserves the history of the Macculloch-Miller families, the Morris area community, and the legacy of its founder W. Parsons Todd through its historic site, collections, exhibits, and educational and cultural programs. Located in the heart of Morristown’s National Historic District, Macculloch Hall Historical Museum is an 1810 house with period rooms, exhibit galleries and historic gardens, featuring a large collection of original artwork by 19th century caricaturist Thomas Nast. George Macculloch, a Scotsman born in Bombay, immigrated to America from London with his wife and two children in 1806. Settling in Morristown in 1810, Macculloch built a Federal-style brick mansion on a 26-acre gentleman’s farm. A businessman, scholar, and visionary, Macculloch is best known as the “father” of the Morris Canal, an international engineering marvel. Generations of the Macculloch family influenced education, economics, politics and cultural events of their day. The “Old House,” as it was known to Macculloch’s descendants, was acquired by Morristown philanthropist W. Parsons Todd in 1949 to house his collections. Today, the museum is renowned for its major collection of works by America’s leading 19th century political cartoonist, Thomas Nast, who lived across the avenue. Nast is known for popularizing the Republican Elephant, Democratic Donkey, and America’s image of Santa Claus. Macculloch Hall Historical Museum (MHHM) affirms that democracy is grounded in productive civic engagement by an informed, educated citizenry. By committing to practicing public history that is accessible to everyone, MHHM bases its research on professionally curated archival primary sources. We believe in fact-based, evidence-supported interpretation guided by professional standards set by the American Association for State and Local History and the American Alliance of Museums.