Home » Our HistoryOur HistoryGet a glimpse into the rich history of Van Vleck House & Gardens and The Montclair Foundation. 1868 Van Vleck House & Gardens originated as a 12-acre private estate when Joseph Van Vleck Sr. and his family moved to Montclair from Brooklyn seeking a refuge from city life. He brought to Montclair a grand vision of a country estate surrounded by acres of landscaped grounds. Three generations of the Van Vleck family lived on the current 5.8 acre property and developed the grounds throughout the past century. The garden’s evolution over the decades produced a strong representation of ericaceous plants, with rhododendrons and azaleas being particular favorites. 1916 The remaining main U-shaped Italianate villa was designed and built by Joseph Van Vleck, Jr. for his brother Will who lived there until his death in 1919. 1930 Howard, Joseph Jr.’s son, left his architecture career to pursue his interest in painting and gardening full time. Howard had followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a degree in architecture at Columbia University and a passion for the arts and horticulture. 1939 Howard took up residence in the home with his wife Harriet (Betty) Tomlinson. They raised their four children, Anne, Carolyn, Howard, and Roy here. A lasting piece of his legacy are the hybridized rhododendrons he created. A number of his hybrids survive as special elements in the garden and several have been registered and named in memory of Van Vleck family members. 1979 The Montclair Foundation was founded by George R. Harris, Esq., Katharine Russell Lyman and Amy Stearns and soon joined by Virginia Sawtelle. They supported worthy nonprofit organizations in the Montclair community and were joined by other concerned Montclairians to form a Board of Trustees. Serving as the liaison between Montclair charitable causes and the fund that supports those causes, the 501(c)(3) Foundation distributes Spring and Fall grants to community nonprofit organizations. Over the years, the Foundation has supported more than 100 unique nonprofits and has given over $2,700,000 in grants. 1982 The Montclair Foundation announces its first grant to the Montclair Fire Department for a “jaws of life” extricator. 1993 The heirs of Howard Van Vleck gifted the house and grounds at 21 Van Vleck Street to The Montclair Foundation with a mission to support nonprofits. “Van Vleck House” is now a center for nonprofits to meet and have events. 2020 The Montclair Foundation disburses $106K in emergency funds to 11 local nonprofits during the Covid-19 pandemic. Open to the public 365 days a year, visitors are welcome to enjoy all the garden spaces and are encouraged to join The Montclair Foundation/Van Vleck House & Gardens for classes, concerts, and special events. Browse Activities Our Funders Generous individuals and organizations. We rely on donations and fundraising in addition to support from The Montclair Foundation, to keep the gardens open to the public daily, as well as on generous organizations to maintain this unique property and continue to provide quality programming and educational opportunities to the community. We would like to thank the following organizations for their support. Albert Payson Terhune Foundation Bergen County Audubon Society Coastal Community Foundation Of South Carolina Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center The Hyde & Watson Foundation McMullen Family Foundation Montclair State University PNC Bank PSE&G Foundation Rao’s/Sovos Brands Schumann Fund For New Jersey Turrell Fund 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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