Our Mission
The Historical Society of Elizabeth seeks to preserve and research Elizabeth, New Jersey’s rich history. We document the people, places and events that shape our past, exploring the social, political and economic life of Elizabeth through the 20th century and beyond. We work and share knowledge with city residents.
About Us
Timeline
People
Places
Elizabeth Through the Ages
1664
1664
Elizabethtown becomes a formal settlement, the first permanent English community in New Jersey. They had benefited from the transfer of power from Dutch to English with the British capture of New Amsterdam.
On October 28, a group of Englishmen—the Elizabethtown Associates—from eastern Long Island bought land from the Lenape sachem, Mattano.
1680
Elizabethans, John Ogden, father (1609-1682) and son (1638-1702), constructed the oldest portion of their home about 1680. Both had been born in Bradley Plain, Hampshire England, came to the colonies about 1641, first to Connecticut, then to Long Island, before becoming founding settlers of Elizabeth in 1664. Their house would be developed by several subsequent owners and eventually be known as the Belcher-Ogden mansion, a beautifully proportioned example of Georgian architecture and the brick style known as Flemish bond.
One subsequent resident was Jonathan Belcher ( born January 8, 1682- Cambridge Mass.). Belcher graduated Harvard in 1728 and also received additional education in London. He was Governor of Mass. and New Hampshire (fired because he was very unpopular). He was appointed by King George II (whom he had met while in Europe) to be Governor of New Jersey from 1747 to his death in 1757. Belcher was very popular and respected in New Jersey. While Royal Governor he resided in the mansion and became a benefactor of the college which would become Princeton University. Belcher granted the school a charter in 1748 while it operated in Elizabeth and donated 474 books, the beginning of its library.
Current Projects
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Let There Be Light... On "The Corner."
VETERANS DAY 2024 Thank you for your service.
Visit our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/I43GQCdp_fE?si=e0uKJ9L_vZfbTrxs
JOIN US ON "THE CORNER" THIS WEEKEND! The Historical Society Elizabeth NJ will be participating...
Nathan Dodge McBean Servant Leader
On October 2nd, Brad Bunnell of Mesa AZ, a 10th Generation descendant of Nathaniel Bonnell,...
September 11 2024: We Remember
Rev R. Lenton Buffalo-Servant Leader.
Independence Day 2024: BELIEVE
Juneteenth 2024: TRUTH
Happy 96th Birthday to our President Emerita Anastasia Mantia.
From Carole's Walk at "The Corner. "
HISTORY VIEWS HISTORY HSENJ President Anastasia Mantia views the Eclipse on April 8.
Daffodils Welcome Spring
Remembering Van Anastos. We thank Van for his quiet wisdom and consistent support.
Remembering Gennaro Nigro
The Historical Society Elizabeth NJ would like to thank Fr. Armand Mantia and the St....
November Roses
We invite you to watch our 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Forum. Los invitamos a ver...
Remembering and Thankful: Lieutenant Governor Shelia Oliver
Everybody gets a bite, even our animal friends. Todo el mundo recibe un bocado, incluso...
Independence Day 2023
Juneteenth 2023
Flag Day Dia de la Bandera
Memorial Day 2023: We Remember
Mary's Roses
MOTHER’S DAY 2023! We celebrate our Elizabeth Mothers with these beautiful Spring flowers at the...
May Day 2023: Our first rose of the Season
Sustaining our green infrastructure. #EarthDay2023 Mantenemos nuestra infraestructura verde. #EarthDay2023
We’re Welcoming Spring! Enjoy the first blooming of the season and fill your 2023 with...
Early Arrivals On "The Corner. "
HSENJ President Anastasia Ceil Mantia. "We live today learning truth from our past and present...
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..
Remembering Citizen Historian Michael Guarino
Thanksgiving 2022: We have plenty to be thankful for.
Feeding Time on "The Corner. "
Veterans Day 2022: Thank you for your service.