Grover Cleveland’s
birthplace was built in 1832 as the Manse, or pastor’s residence,
for the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell. Cleveland’s father,
the Reverend Richard Falley Cleveland, was the minister here from
1834-1841.
Originally, this frame house
had a two-story main section with a one-story kitchen to the east
and a one-story lean-to at the rear. It was enlarged several times
between 1848-1870 to meet the growing needs of the Presbyterian
clergy. The house is a good example of local vernacular
architecture.
The historical significance of
the Manse was first noted in 1881 when Cleveland was running for
Governor of New York. As his political star ascended, so did the
interest in preserving his birthplace as a museum. A group of
Cleveland’s friends and admirers began negotiations to purchase
the Manse in 1907. Their efforts culminated in the opening of the
house to the public on March 18, 1913.
Most of the first floor rooms
portray the Manse as it was in 1837, the year Grover Cleveland was
born. The decidedly middle-class character of the rooms reflect the
day to day life of Reverend Richard Cleveland and his family. Among
the artifacts on display from Cleveland’s early years are his
cradle and original family portraits.
Contrasting sharply with the
humble beginnings portrayed in these rooms, the exhibit gallery
features a striking display of artifacts that reflect the financial
and political success Cleveland achieved during the last quarter of
the 19th century. Here, the mud-slinging campaign of 1884, the
public’s intense interest in his wife and children, and
America’s political climate throughout his split terms of office
are explored.
The Grover Cleveland
Birthplace State Historic Site is the only house museum in the
country dedicated to the interpretation of President Cleveland’s
life. It is the nation’s leading repository of Cleveland artifacts
and political memorabilia. The Grover Cleveland Birthplace is listed
on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places.