Come tour Skylands Manor

Ringwood - Guided tours of the ground floor of historic Skylands Manor at the New Jersey State Botanical Garden will be available on Sunday, July 10, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the NJBG/Skylands Association, the non-profit member support organization working with the State to preserve the gardens, the 45-minute guided tours of Skylands history and architecture are conducted by NJBG voluneer tour guides, or docents. Manor tours will also be available on Sunday, Aug. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Skylands Manor, a Tudor Revival mansion, was constructed in the early 20 century for Clarence McKenzie Lewis by renowned architect John Russell Pope. Pope also designed many outstanding private buildings, including the Jefferson Memorial and National Gallery of Art, both in Washington, D.C. Among Skylands Manor’s many attractions are a remarkable collection of antique stained glass medallions set in leaded windows, including pieces from 16th century German, Bavarian and Swiss sites. The lanterns, electrical fixtures, lamps, spiral staircase rail and gate were fashioned by Samuel Yellin, who led the American revival of the use of iron as decorative art. The suggested donations for Manor House tours are: adults $7; seniors and students aged 13-18, $5; children aged 6-12, $3; and children under age 6, free. NJBG/Skylands is located off Morris Road in Ringwood, New Jersey. For an event schedule, membership brochure, directions or more information, call 973-962-9534 or visit www.njbg.org.