Five Centuries of New Jersey Architecture

Published on September 08, 2026

On Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00pm, Janet W. Foster, noted architectural historian, researcher, writer, and lecturer on New Jersey's historic buildings, will present "Five Centuries of New Jersey Architecture." The lecture will focus on buildings of New Jersey from the 17th through the 21st centuries in order to show the changes in style, building materials, and technologies that have shaped our built environment. From the varied vernacular houses reflecting the origins of the earliest European settlers -- Dutch, English, Swedish, and German -- to the adoption of skyscrapers and energy-efficient design in our own era, this is a fascinating "highlights" tour of buildings and the history they reveal.

No registration necessary, however seating is first-come, first-seated.

About Janet W. Foster: Ms. Foster has taught at Columbia University, Drew University, and for the Madison Library “Mini-Courses” series. Her publications include Building By the Book and The Queen Anne House: America’s Victorian Vernacular, along with numerous smaller pamphlets and articles. Trained in historic preservation at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, she has prepared numerous National Register nominations, Historic Structures Reports, and investigated hundreds of old buildings, focusing on vernacular architecture of New Jersey. She lives in Madison, and maintains an active pro bono involvement in historic preservation, including as a board member of the New Jersey Historic Trust and a member of the New Jersey State Review Board for Historic Sites.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the library either by phone at either (973) 285-6933 or (973) 285-6934, or by email at amizera@co.morris.nj.us