Elias Van Bunschooten Museum at a Glance

A Bit of Background

This house was built in 1787 as the home of the Reverend Elias Van Bunschooten, a Dutch Reformed Minister.  He was a farmer, mill operator, and large land owner. The farm was part of a 1000 acre plantation.  The Dutch Colonial house is post and beam construction. Out buildings include a Wagon House, Ice House and a Privy.  The home was given to the Chinkchewunska Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution by Mr & Mrs Clifford Ramsey in 1971. The house and out buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and Places in 1974.

History

NSDAR Chickchewunska Chapter

2019 -2022 Executive Board

Bottom Row Left to Right

Treasurer, Laura Franek  Recording Secretary, Sara Demarest  Corresponding Secretary, Lisaann Permunian  Librarian, Kathy Weakland  Curator, Jenise Sileo

Back Row Left to Right

Registrar, Janet Woudenberg  Historian, Allyn Perry  Regent, Ashley Zicarrdi  2nd Vice Regent & Asst. Treasurer, Betty Manzi  Chaplain, Kathy Cook  1st Vice Regent, Carol Gonzalez

On November 11, 1902, twelve women of Sussex County gathered in Newton, to plan the formation of what would become Chinkchewunska Chapter. A charter from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was granted, and on January 12, 1903, the chapter was organized. The chapter name originates from a Native American word meaning “hilltop town” or “town on the side of a hill.” The organizing regent was Miss Frances A. McMurtry. At early chapter meetings, members read papers that they wrote about American heroes and battle campaigns of the Revolutionary War, the American flag, and patriotism. Members expressed great interest in community, state, and national affairs. 
The crowning glory of Chinkchewunska Chapter is the museum we own. In 1971, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Ramsey presented us with the deed to a Dutch colonial farmhouse, built in 1787 for the Reverend Elias Van Bunschooten, for whom our museum is named. We also own six acres of land containing a large barn and three historical outbuildings, a wagon house, Greek Revival privy, and ice house. Remaining true to its origins, the only changes made to the house in all these years are the additions of electric, plumbing, and heat. The home is listed on both the New Jersey and the National Registers of Historic Sites and Places.