Historical Society Co-Presidents Nida Thomas and Orlando Edreira inspect the deed for the Bonnell House on its porch, September 12, 2003.

C0-President Ceil Mantia

Anastasia C Mantia, is a lifelong resident of Elizabeth, a native of the Peterstown section. Ms. Mantia is a graduate of Douglas College and she earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University. She served as a professional social worker in the Elizabeth Public School system for many years as well as being a constructive voice in the city’s teacher’s union. Ms. Mantia is a member of the Elizabeth Rotary Club Board. 

Co-President Karla Sanchez

Karla Sanchez, an Elizabeth resident holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the City University of New York. Mrs. Sanchez has worked in the financial services industry since 2005, first for Ernest and Young, LLC, New York and currently for Conifer Financial Services of New York. Mrs. Sanchez brings her love of history and her specialized financial skills to the Board.

Co-Treasurer Michelle Doran-McBean

Michelle Doran-McBean, is a longtime resident of Elizabeth and a lifelong lover of History. Dr. Doran-McBean has pioneered and invested in several civic organizations/groups, including but not limited to, Future City Inc. (Founder and CEO), Elizabeth Rotary Club (Member), and Plainfield Friends Meeting. Dr. Doran-McBean received her M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Co-Treasurer Michael LoBrace

Michael LoBrace, born, raised, and educated in Elizabeth NJ.  Received a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University with majors in Economics and Italian Literature and a Master of Business Administration from St. John’s University.  Founded Michelino’s Pizzeria in 1993 and is most proud of leading the restoration of the Historic Central Jersey Railroad Station in Elizabeth and converting it into a functioning restaurant, while being mindful of its historic significance and stature.  Currently, the School Business Administrator and Board Secretary for Perth Amboy Public Schools.

Trustee Michael T. Simon Esq. 

Michael T. Simon Esq., an Elizabeth native, is a graduate of Fordham University (History) and a practicing attorney at Donald A. DiGioia Law Group. Mr. Simon’s supportive work on the 2010 Bayway project has prompted him to volunteer for a bolder initiative with the HSENJ’s 2013 research on “Jackson Park and Urban Spaces” and participation in the 2014 project, “Broad Street Commerce”.

Trustee Diana Vivanco

Diana Vivanco a graduate of NJIT (2015) majoring in Industrial Design, has worked on past HSENJ projects as Research Project Coordinator. Ms. Vivanco is a resident of Elizabeth and native of Ecuador, with notable computer skills. Ms. Vivanco is a 2014 NJ Governor’s Hispanic Fellow.

Trustee Kenneth G. Ward

James Guerra a noted Elizabeth architect, heads the firm of James Guerra Associates in Elizabeth. He is the architect of many distinguished projects like the Perth Amboy Waterfront, the Elizabeth Initiative (including marina and waterfront park) and the Newport Marina in Jersey City. Also in Elizabeth he redesigned the James Kirk Center in Peterstown and Woodruff Park among other projects.

Trustee James Gerra

James Guerra, a noted Elizabeth architect, leads the firm of James Guerra Associates in Elizabeth. Mr. Guerra is the architect of many distinguished projects, including the award-winning Perth Amboy Waterfront, the Elizabeth Initiative (including marina and waterfront parks) and the Newport Marina in Jersey City. In Elizabeth, Mr. Guerra designed the James Kirk Center in Peterstown and re-designed Woodruff Park among other projects.

Trustee Dr. Silvia Elias

Dr. Silvia Elias, a native of Cuba, holds a PsyD (Psychology) from Rutgers University. Dr. Elias served in various administrative positions in the school systems of Elizabeth, Jersey City and West Orange, NJ.

Trustee Dr. Linda C. Epps

Dr. Linda Epps an Elizabeth native, holds a PhD (History) from Drew University and served as CEO for the NJ Historical Society. Dr. Epps continues to provide HSENJ with a wealth of historical expertise, as well as considerable fund-raising skills.

Secretary Dr. Paul H. Mattingly

Dr. Paul H. Mattingly holds a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin and taught American history at the NY University for nearly forty years. Until 2006, Dr. Mattingly directed the NYU Program in Public History, which seeks to advance historical knowledge via engagement with institutions and groups often left out of textbook history.