Once again the Washington Township Historical Society will be awarding a scholarship to an eligible, graduating senior who resides in Washington Township, Morris County, and who plans to attend a two- or four-year college or university this fall.

The $500 scholarship is being offered to a student who plans to pursue a history related major and/or who has demonstrated an interest in history, preferably on the local or regional level, or who has done a project directly benefiting the Washington Township Historical Society.

West Morris Central High School Seniors should pick up the application from the school's guidance department. Students not attending West Morris should request an application from the Historical Society, Attn.: Mrs. Karen Muscat, PO Box 189, Long Valley, NJ 07853, or call the Society at 908-876-9696 to request an application and more information.

The deadline for applications from students outside of West Morris Central is May 1. The Society hopes the scholarship will serve as an incentive for more students to become involved with history in their lives.

Past recipients of the Washington Township Historical Society scholarship have attended institutions such as Bard, Seaton Hall, Rutgers, Boston College and Worcester Polytech.

Washington Township Historical Society membership is open to all people with an interest in local history and events. Meetings are the third Tuesday of the month. In addition to the annual scholarship the Society serves the community by providing evening programs, maintaining the Township Museum at 6 Fairview Avenue, providing tours and programs for all levels of Girl and Boy Scouts, participating in the annual Fall Festival, maintaining a genealogical library and providing programs for classrooms and various other community organizations.

Currently, the Stabilization Committee for the Old Union Church Ruins which are located on property adjoining the Township Museum has been active in obtaining grant money to provide for a conditions assessment of the ruins as well as a preservation plan and archaeological dig. Physical stabilization by local stonemason Vince Iacampo began in the fall and will continue this spring. The Committee is still collecting donations to be used as matching funds for the grants.

Donations may be sent to "The Stabilization Committee" at the address above.