Public program Saturday at Smith-Baldwin house

History buffs can learn more about one of the most significant historic structures in Parsippany-Troy Hills Saturday when the township's Historical and Preservation Society presents "The Restoration of the Smith/Baldwin House, Part 1."

This circa 1830 home in the Troy Historic District was purchased by the township in 2013, using $676,671.85 in township Open Space funds. Another grant of $38,376 was obtained last year from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust to fund the completion of a preservation plan for the site.

That preservation plan will be discussed with the public during two presentations on Saturday, the first at 12:30 p.m. (doors open at noon) and the second at 2 p.m. The program will include a slide show and a tour of the first floor.

Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society President Randy Tortorello said as many as two additional presentations are being planned to discuss restoration plans, future needs and future uses of the site at 460 South Beverwyck Road.

According to the "Images of America" series book about Parsippany-Troy Hills, authored by the society, the Smith-Baldwin house is an example of the Federal/Greek Revival style of architecture, with additions made around 1850. The house was originally owned by Hiram Smith Jr., son of a colonel who served in the American Revolution and was a pallbearer at the funeral of George Washington.

"The house is in very good condition and needs very little structural work," Tortorello said. "But in time, to bring it back to its 19th century appearance, we'll be going through grant applications to take care of all that. Once the preservation plan is complete, we will be working on the plans and construction documents that will be drawn for the house so that next year, we can go for a grant to pay for what actually needs to be done."

Registration is mandatory and space is limited, especially for the 12:30 p.m. program, Tortorello said. To register, call 201-519-4412.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.