History

The KMS Farmstead consists of an 18th century dwelling, a circa 1800 wagon house, a mid-to late 18th century barn, and a number of 19th century outbuildings. The farmhouse, wagon house, and English barn are significant as early examples of English and modified Dutch framing techniques, as well as for their association with the Reverend Samuel Kennedy, a distinguished local minister and educator; and Colonel Ephraim Martin, a Revolutionary War hero and New Jersey Legislator.
The Farmstead sits along the Passaic River.  

Kennedy Farmstead Task Force

 

In 1999 Bernards Township purchased a 36acre tract by using funds raised by municipal open space taxes.  The Township Committee designated four acres as the Kennedy-Martin-Stelle Farmstead.

 

The Township Committee appointed a Kennedy Farmstead Task Force in January, 2002 to develop a vision for adaptive uses and a plan to provide the financial means for preserving the Farmstead.  This group worked with the Township Engineer to write and submit a grant application to Somerset County.  As a result, the Township received a grant of $75,000 to fund the development of a preservation plan and stabilize the English Barn.

 

The preservation Plan was completed by Michael Califati of Historic Building Architects ,LLC, and Dennis Bertland, a historic preservation consultant, in December of 2002.  This document provided for the success in the listing of the Farmstead on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.  It also formed the basis for all past and present funding requests and preservation planning.

 

The Task Force vision was that the Farmstead was best suited for cultural arts pursuits.  They consulted with Township residents, as well as local artists and organizations involved in cultural fine arts. 

 

Based on this input the Task Force visualized the use of the English Barn for the following pursuits:

  • Art Exhibits, workshops, lectures and classes
  • Small theatrical performances and workshops involving minimal scenery
  • Small group musical performances (moderate or low volume to spare neighbors)
  • Spoken word events, writer/author lectures and workshops
  • Barn dancing

The Task Force also believed that an unobstructed view of the interior of the English Barn should always be retained and the middle section should be easily re-configurable, multi-purpose space with moveable seating, lighting & audio equipment, temporary wall partitions and stage equipment.

 

These two aspects of the vision became the basis for subsequent grant requests.

 

The Task Force ended it duties in June 2004.  Subsequently, The Friends of the Kennedy-Martin-Stell Farmstead, Inc. was formed.

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.