NJ's 10 Most Endangered Historic Sites

Preservation NJ has revealed their 2009 list of the 10 most endangered historic sites in the Garden State. Particularly interesting is the inclusion of the landscape at Liberty Hall. These historic gardens provide a critical link between the well-preserved Kean family mansion and the Elizabeth River, but that nexus is threatened by encraochment from Kean University (the owner of the property).

The Star-Ledger points out that with NJ's Garden State Trust (another Endangered feature on the list) running low on funding, these endangered sites may need help from other sources. They pointed a finger at the Institute for Advanced Studies where they plan to build housing on 35 acres of the Princeton Battlefield, still aden with artifacts.

The Home News Tribune focused on Plainfield's Lampkin House which may have been built as early as 1690. But since the owner passed away last year, the property has become encumbered with more than $100,000 of debt.

"People don't realize how historic and how neat that house is, what an asset it is," Garrett said. "It's just so damn old and there's so much inside the house hidden amongst not just the junk, the furniture and old clothing that was left laying around, but inside remodeling that was done over the years. You can get down into the skeleton of that house and find that original building, and that's irreplaceable."

It seems likely that other local papers will also feature their favorite entries on this list in the coming days. Keep your eyes open, and visit these special places while you still can.