Speaker Programs

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. Please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org and ask to be added to the Waitlist for the Breakfast Briefing. Get ready for a fascinating opportunity to explore the natural and human-influenced evolution of our local wonder, the Great Swamp. Our Breakfast Briefings are back! Join us for a continental breakfast and a fascinating journey back in time through the Great Swamp. Presenter, Pat Wells, will trace the region’s transformation from a volcanic landscape to a swamp, farmland, and finally, a protected refuge. We will we explore the Great Swamp's historical and ecological insights and the rich context about the land’s past. Come enjoy the ride! Pat Wells is a historian, an educator, and a storyteller, and has been leading the Chatham Township Historical Society since 2015. She is an active volunteer with the Friends of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Pat is surrounded by history and resides at the historic Noe-Miller Farmstead, a 250-year-old property overlooking the Great Swamp. This is a fantastic event for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone curious about how the Great Swamp became the ecological treasure it is today. Registration is limited and needed to get an accurate headcount for the breakfast. Please […]

Step back in time and discover the fascinating world of colonial-era gardening. Join us for a special Breakfast Briefing as members of the Northern New Jersey Unit of The Herb Society of America (NNJU-HSA) reveal the history and uses of herbs and vegetables cultivated at the Wick House Garden in Jockey Hollow. Learn how Mary Wick and her daughter, Tempe, may have relied on these plants to endure the brutal winter of 1779-1780, and explore the ongoing efforts to preserve and interpret this historic garden. Painstakingly researched and maintained by the NNJU-HSA in partnership with Morristown National Historical Park, the 18th-century herb and vegetable garden reflect the agricultural heritage of its time. Efforts have also been made to restore the colonial atmosphere of the entire farm, including the nearby barnyard, orchard, and open fields. Today, the Herb Society continues to steward the Wick House Garden at Jockey Hollow, ensuring its legacy remains intact. Whether you’re a history buff, an avid gardener, or simply curious, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past — while enjoying a light breakfast. Space is limited, and registration is required to ensure an accurate headcount. About the Presenters: Tish Cassa – […]

This event is sold out. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, or if you need to cancel, please email ifilippini@greatswamp.org  What does Jockey Hollow have in common with your morning coffee? Water, of course! Join us for the April Breakfast Briefing as Eric Olsen explores how water has shaped Jockey Hollow’s history—from the resourceful Lenape people and Revolutionary War soldiers to early industries and modern conservation efforts. Water is the lifeblood of any landscape, and Jockey Hollow’s streams and rivers have influenced human activity for generations. Without it, history might have looked a lot drier—literally. Enjoy a light breakfast as we dive into how water has woven together history, ecology, and preservation in Jockey Hollow. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or conservation advocate, this engaging talk will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the past—and a renewed commitment to protecting its future. Don’t let this opportunity trickle away—space is limited, and registration is required! About the Presenter: Eric P. Olsen has been with Morristown National Historical Park as a park ranger and historian since 1989. His historical research and interpretation have included Jockey Hollow, Stark’s Brigade, Cross Estate, Ford Mansion, and more. Known […]

Start your morning with purpose at our next Breakfast Briefing, featuring Jim Muchmore—Honey Bee Ambassador, beekeeper, and steward of Muchy's Bee Farm. As an active member of the Morris and Somerset County Beekeepers Association (mscbees.org), Jim is deeply committed to reversing the alarming decline of honey bee populations and, in particular, preventing the spread of harmful pathogens to our vital native bee species. Honey bees are under stress. From pests and pathogens to pesticides and, increasingly poor nutrition, multiple threats are weakening colonies and putting essential pollination services at risk. In this engaging presentation, Jim will take us behind the scenes of modern beekeeping, highlighting how dedicated beekeepers help sustain healthy hives—and how those efforts ripple across entire ecosystems. Enjoy a light breakfast prior to the start of the presentation. Get tickets below: GSWA Members: Free | Non-members: $10 (Adult), $5 (Child). About the Presenter: More than ten years ago, Dr. James Muchmore turned a lifelong interest into action, beginning his beekeeping journey with just two hives. Facing the challenges of overwintering bees, he gradually grew his apiary and, after several seasons of success, now plans to manage ten hives. Before focusing on bees, Dr. Muchmore worked in cancer research, […]