Built in 1796, the Israel Crane House is significant as an excellent example of a Federal style residence with Greek Revival details. Located on the same parcel are the Nathaniel Crane House (1818) and the Queen Anne-style Clark House (1894). 

From 1920 to 1965, the Israel Crane House served as headquarters to the YWCA of Montclair-North Essex offices, including dormitory space for young women migrating to the area, and a social and educational center. When the YWCA outgrew the facility, a group of concerned citizens mobilized to save the house and later incorporated as the Montclair Historical Society. The house now serves as a historic house museum housing a collection of decorative arts reflecting a period of significance from 1796 to 1845. 

The 2022 Trust grant will help fund barrier-free improvements to the Montclair History Center campus, including sitework and an ADA bathroom.

The 2020 Trust grant will help fund an ADA Accessibility Plan for the Montclair History Center campus. 

The 2012 Trust grant helped fund the preparation of a preservation plan and conceptual site planning for the Israel Crane site. The 2005 Trust grant helped fund the preparation of a 10-year master plan that addresses the preservation, use and linking of all of the Society’s historic properties. A 2000 Trust grant helped fund a marketing and feasibility study for a capital campaign to support the preservation and restoration of the three sites.

For more information, visit: http://www.montclairhistorical.org/