Historic house tours in October

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Thanks to the Montclair Historical Society, the Crane House and Historic YWCA and The Shultz House museums will be open to the public on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tours of the Crane House & Historic YWCA are on the hour, with the last tour beginning at 3 p.m. Tours of the Shultz House are on the half hour, with the last tour beginning at 3:30 p.m. Admission is charged; members get in for free.

Visit the Crane House and Historic YWCA at 110 Orange Road and discover how the people who lived, worked and relaxed there tell the story of not only Montclair, but also New Jersey and the nation from its early years as a fledgling country to a country embroiled in civil rights issues. While there, meet the chickens and visit the new textile exhibit, general store exhibit and museum shop.

The Shultz House, also known as Evergreens, located at 30 North Mountain Ave., was built by renowned architect Michel LeBrun, and represents an intact example of architecture and life in the Edwardian age, when science, technology and world travel were becoming commonplace. The museum retains the family’s belongings, including a remarkable library where Molly Shultz’s grandfather, Charles, discovered the world through his books and science equipment. This gem-of-a-house — much of which is still in its original condition — is like an intact time capsule from the early 20th century that recalls the early days of Montclair’s transformation from a farming community to a commuter suburb.

The Montclair Historical Society is an independent not-for-profit organization that has been dedicated to preserving, sharing and educating others about Montclair’s history since 1965. For more information, visit www.montclairhistorical.org or contact 973-744-1796 or mail@montclairhistorical.org.