Preserving the Past is our Gift to the Future
About Us
Organizational History & Mission
The Friends of Wallisch Homestead (FOWH) is a volunteer group formalized in 2013 by a retired business executive and an avid local historian, Kerry O'Brien, to act as stewards of the Homestead. FOWH is a registered nonprofit charitable organization and a recognized Friends group by the Township of West Milford.
The Friends of the Wallisch Homestead's mission is to support West Milford Township, the Board of Education, and other community groups in the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Wallisch Homestead as a living record of the community's cultural and economic heritage.
As the structures are being preserved, we continue to work with the community and our valued supporters to determine the optimal reuse of the buildings and maintain its unique environment, scenic and historic setting.
Follow the Friends of Wallisch Homestead on our website and Facebook for upcoming events and developments.
Environment
The homestead also has a three-acre environmental trail, established by Ramapo College as part of a wetlands remediation project. The property borders Belcher's Creek, which flows into Greenwood Lake, and boasts a scenic vista of Bearfort Mountain rising in the western background. This is the same bucolic view you would have had over 200 years ago. As a designated Highlands Preservation Area, the site offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about ecology and environmental science. The property features farmland acreage and wetlands where hiking, astronomy and community gardens are featured.
Our site
Our site provides a gateway to understanding North Jersey's agricultural past. We were designated a 2012 ‘10 Most Endangered Historic Place’ by Preservation NJ but have since made immense progress and now offer events like Music festivals, Art shows, Yoga, Barn Sales and more, as well as supporting local groups such as the Scouts and Sustainable West Milford's community gardens. Situated on these 99 picturesque acres in the heart of the NJ Highlands, the Wallisch Homestead offers a unique, accessible setting for participants to enjoy art, music and other activities throughout the year, while experiencing a walk back in time and learning about local history.
Potential
We envision the preservation and restoration of the Wallisch Homestead to its ideal potential as a fully sustainable cultural, recreational and educational gathering place which is a model of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to advocate for all citizens of the township, as well as visitors, to have full access to all that the Homestead offers. We also foresee a significant contribution to our community's economic well-being by improving the visibility of what this region has to offer.
The FOWH mission is to act as stewards in the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Wallisch Homestead buildings and property as a living record of the community's cultural and economic heritage.
Property
The property was bequeathed to the Township by the Wallisch brothers, John and Lou, who were lifelong members of the community serving in many official and unofficial capacities. Their service to the Township and Board of Ed lasted many years and they were instrumental in starting or supporting many social and civic organizations in West Milford. Numerous testimonial plaques and service awards will one day be restored and on permanent display.
FOWH Intention
The intent of The Friends of Wallisch is not to just save another old house. The Friends believe the Wallisch Homestead offers a variety of historic, cultural, educational and recreational uses for both residents and visitors of all ages and walks of life.
We do this by:
- Increasing awareness of the homestead's historic and cultural value
- Providing community connection and advocacy for the homestead
- Raising funds for preserving and reusing the homestead buildings and land
- Supporting various community entities in their efforts by providing resources for events, recreation, meeting spaces, service hours, garden spaces, etc.
- Preserving the vision of the Wallisch brothers in maintaining the property and using the Homestead facilities to support educational and recreational purposes
