New Jersey Historical Society, Newark

51±¬ÁÏÍø

New Jersey Historical Society, Newark

New Jersey Historical Society, Newark

The New Jersey Historical Society, located in the former Essex Club headquarters, is a vital institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the state's rich history. The Society's building, a Georgian-style structure designed by Guilbert & Betelle and built in 1926, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features two floors of exhibition space, a gift shop, and a lecture hall, providing a comprehensive cultural and educational experience.

The New Jersey Historical Society houses exhibitions on the second and third floors, showcasing various aspects of the state's history and heritage. The library reading room, located on the fifth floor, was formerly the Essex Club's squash courts and provides a unique setting for research and study. The library is open to the public, although patrons are encouraged to make appointments. While members enjoy free admission, non-members are required to pay a fee to access the Society's resources and exhibitions.

Founded in 1845 in Trenton by intellectual and business leaders such as Joseph C. Hornblower, Peter D. Vroom, and William Whitehead, the Society has a long and storied history. Its original Newark headquarters were on Market Street, but in 1931, it moved to a colonial-style building funded in part by philanthropist Louis Bamberger, located on Broadway. This move marked a significant expansion of the Society's capacity to house and display its growing collection of historical artifacts and documents.

In 1997, the Historical Society made a significant return to downtown Newark, relocating to 52 Park Place on Military Park. This move to the historic Essex Club building greatly increased the Society's visibility and accessibility, resulting in a nearly fivefold increase in visits within the first year. Today, the New Jersey Historical Society continues to serve as a crucial repository of the state's history, offering educational programs, exhibitions, and resources that enrich the understanding of New Jersey's past and its ongoing impact on the present.

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New Jersey Historical Society on Map

Sight Name: New Jersey Historical Society
Sight Location: Newark, USA (See walking tours in Newark)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Newark, New Jersey

Create Your Own Walk in Newark

Create Your Own Walk in Newark

Creating your own self-guided walk in Newark is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Newark Introduction Walking Tour

Newark Introduction Walking Tour

Newark, the most populous city of New Jersey, is also one of the oldest cities in the United States, established in 1666. Settled by Puritans from New Haven Colony, Newark was initially a theocratic community, which diversified as new settlers introduced different ideas.

Named likely after Newark-on-Trent in England, the city's moniker reveals its colonial roots. Alternative theories...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Newark's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Newark's Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Founded in 1666, Newark has no shortage of historic locations: districts, buildings, parks, cemeteries, and other venues. Much of its old-time architecture are notable sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

One such is the Essex County Courthouse, a striking example of Renaissance architecture, built in 1904. This grand building, with its impressive marble columns, ornate...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles