Iron Mining and Iron Making in the New Jersey Highlands

Morris County Historical Society and the Morris County Heritage Commission will present a free lecture on iron mining and iron making Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave. in Whippany. Advance registration is required because space is limited. A Zoom option is also available.

Joe Macasek, president of the Canal Society of New Jersey, will discuss the industry’s influence on the region’s landscape and residents. The program examines the relationship among mines, furnaces, transportation networks and the growth of communities such as Dover and Rockaway. It also considers the Morris Canal’s role in supporting industrial activity.

The event is part of the organizations’ 2026 Revolutionary Lecture Series, which explores local history through monthly presentations. Register through the link on the Historical Society’s event page, selecting the appropriate attendance option. This calendar entry is for the in-person presentation at the county library in Whippany.