Parker Homestead Moves Closer to Restoration

Parker Homestead took a big step towards becoming a working museum with its recent listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The designation is significant in that it opens the Rumson Road site, which the borough hopes to restore and become a working museum, to federal grant programs and private donations, according to Mayor Robert C. Neff.

"It opens up the door for more grant opportunities," said Jen Pardee, who serves as secretary of the Homestead Board of Directors. Other than the national recognition, she said the funding opportunities are what makes navigating "lots of hoops" over 18 months to apply worth it for Little Silver.

The next step for the board, which is charged with overseeing the , is to apply for non-profit status, according to Pardee.

This would allow the board of directors to assist the borough in restoring the buildings -- -- and work towards creating an "up and running historic site," said Pardee.

The Homestead was given to the borough in 1995 by Julia G. Parker, the last descendant of the Parker family who homesteaded the site in 1665, on the condition that it only be used as a historic site.

In addition to the mayor and Pardee, other board members include: Councilman Jon Bitman, Monte Edwards, Chet Apy, Julie Dickerson, Joan Cichalski, Liz Hanson, John Measley, Keith Wells, Bob Sickles, Jr., Phil Ryser, Marjorie Heller, Dave Griffiths, Dale Leach, Susan Quick, Rosemary Brewer, Shirley Neff and Marie Martello.

The Homestead Board of Directors meets at borough hall on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Its next meeting is March 8 and anyone interested in the property's preservation is encouraged to attend.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article inaccurately attributed Jen Pardee's position on the board. She serves as secretary for the Homestead Board of Directors.