Sparta's Van Kirk House May See Inmates' Help

The Sparta Historical Society is seeking the township’s help to convert the historic Van Kirk house into a museum, and a councilwoman has suggested county inmates help with repairs.

The school district had purchased the 95-acre site for the construction of the township’s middle school, and the historical society purchased the 1790s-era home and three acres on Route 517 from the Sparta school district last year. The site has been used in the past for Civil War re-enactments.

Historical society president Ed Fritche told the council Tuesday the society was seeking help to cover the costs of insurance on the site, especially liability insurance, the costs of legal and engineering services, and seeking a commitment of $5,000 from the township in support of the conversion efforts.

Township Manager David Troust said he would need to research whether the township could include the Van Kirk House, which is not township property, under its liability insurance policy.

Troust did say that he and Mayor Gilbert Gibbs are working on the 2013 budget now and would consider adding a $5,000 line to the spending plan for the historical society.

Fritche said the society covers its costs through fundraising and donations.

Councilwoman Christine Quinn asked if there was a list of work the society needs done at the house, and suggested the Sussex County sheriff’s inmate labor program could be tapped as a resource.

Gibbs asked Fritche to supply a list of the needed work and the township would speak with the sheriff to see “if he can help us out.”