Home » About UsAbout Us Van Vleck House & Gardens The Van Vleck House & Gardens originated as a 12-acre private estate more than 140 years ago when Joseph Van Vleck Sr. and his family moved to Montclair from Brooklyn in 1868. Like many successful businessmen of the era, Joseph Van Vleck Sr. came to the suburbs seeking a refuge from industrial living and brought to Montclair a grand vision of a country estate surrounded by acres of landscaped grounds. There have been several houses on the grounds over the years; however only the U-shaped Italianate villa, home to Howard Van Vleck and his family, remains. Learn more about the family and the history of the property. In 1993 the heirs of Howard Van Vleck gifted the house and grounds at 21 Van Vleck Street to The Montclair Foundation – a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to support nonprofits. The Foundation created the Van Vleck Board of Management to oversee the property. Our Mission The Montclair Foundation was established to support not-for-profit organizations that meet health, educational, cultural, social service and quality of life needs in the greater Montclair community. It offers concerned citizens a way to assure the continuing vitality of Montclair and serves as a permanent conduit for charitable giving. The Montclair Foundation Board of Trustees is responsible for the governance of the Foundation’s property (Van Vleck House & Gardens) and the management of its investment funds and its grants program. The Montclair Environs Fund is an ideal vehicle for those who care about Montclair to share in a lasting legacy of philanthropy. We welcome gifts to the Foundation—either directly or through trusts or bequests—and appreciate all those who support our tradition of giving. Serving as the liaison between Montclair charitable causes and the dollars that support those causes, the Foundation ensures that the gifts of caring, supportive donors are prudently managed and effectively used to better the community. The Foundation preserves and invests all dollars that are entrusted to it. The Foundation’s investment account, the Montclair Foundation Environs Endowment Fund, continues to increase as a result of gifts, bequests, and investment growth. After careful study, income from the Foundation’s investments is distributed semiannually by the Foundation Board to worthy organizations that have applied for support. Over two and a half decades of care. Under the guidance of The VVH&G Management Committee, the generous support and hard work of countless donors and volunteers have made it possible for the public to enjoy this beautiful, quiet green space in the heart of Montclair. These private gardens are open to the public, 365 days a year. The house is a center for nonprofit groups and is available to them for meetings, retreats, and fundraisers. Visitors are welcome to enjoy all the garden spaces and are encouraged to join us for classes, concerts, and special events. Not a Member? The Gardens do not receive any municipal, county or state operating funds. The care and maintenance of the house and grounds is funded through memberships, grants, and the generous support of people who give what they can. Please consider becoming a Member of Van Vleck to help us care for this most precious gift. View Membership Levels Donations are appreciated The Montclair Foundation/Van Vleck House & Gardens depend on the generosity of volunteers and donors. We are grateful for your support. Make An Impact
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