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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Feeding Time on The Corner
Message from the Historical Society of Elizabeth New Jersey.
HSENJ and Future City Board members and invited guests enjoyed a special breakfast at Nano's Restaurant, Elizabeth following attending a special Mass at St. Genevieve's Church to celebrate the lives of those who have passed away. Special appreciation is given to Fr. Amand Mantia, St. Genevieve's rector and to Maria and her restaurant staff for making this day very special.
Green Infrastructure At Work:
A full pile of leaves composting now will make natural mulch for Spring.
Holiday Lights on "The Corner That History Made "
Last Outdoor Grill of the Season.
Autumn Leaves at Belcher Ogden November 2021
VETERANS DAY 2021:
Thank You for your Service
Last Sunflowers of the Season
HSENJ wants to congratulate the Elizabeth Public Library @eplnj on the opening of their new Elizabethtown Reading Room
Queremos felicitar a la Biblioteca Pública de Elizabeth NJ por la inauguración del nuevo Cuarto de Lectura de Elizabethtown
Don’t forget to visit Bonnell House and Belcher-Ogden this weekend during Union County’s Four Centuries in a Weekend.
No se les olvide visitar la Casa Bonnell y la Mansion Belcher-Ogden este fin de semana durante Cuatro Siglos en un Fin de Semana del Condado de Union.
We hope to see you this weekend!
¡Los esperamos este fin de semana!
Come visit the Bonnell House and Belcher-Ogden Mansion, on October 16 and 17 from 12 to 5pm during Four Centuries in a Weekend.
Visiten la Casa Bonnell y la Mansión Belcher-Ogden, en Octubre 16 y 17 de 12 a 5pm durante Cuatro Siglos en un Fin de Semana.
We want to invite you to visit our properties, Bonnell House and Belcher-Ogden Mansion, on October 16 and 17 during Four Centuries in a Weekend.
Queremos invitarlos a visitar nuestras propiedades, la Casa Bonnell y la Mansión Belcher-Ogden, en Octubre 16 y 17 durante Cuatro siglos en un Fin de semana.
The folks at "The Corner That History Made " welcome your family and friends to History Weekend.
Las personas de “La Esquina que la Historia Creó” les da la bienvenida a a usted, su familia y amigos al Fin de Semana Histórico.
9/11: Remembering
We were honored to have Fred Belcher Senior and Junior, descendants of Jonathan Belcher, and their wives, visit and tour our Corner.
Kenneth and Margaret Ward Elm tree.
Kenneth G. Ward
A man who saw history as living. He taught all who encountered him how our past shapes our present and defines our future. Thank you Ken!
Un hombre que veía la historia como algo vivo. Les enseñó a todos los que lo encontraron como nuestro pasado da forma a nuestro presente y define nuestro futuro. ¡Gracias Ken!
“The Corner That History Made” at the 2021 @cityofelizabeth National Night Out.
First Harvest of the year from our Colonial Garden
Independence Day on "The Corner."
We stand with the County of Union and the City of Elizabeth in celebrating this holiday! #juneteenth #ElizabethNJ #CityOfElizabeth
FLAG DAY 2021
The Elizabeth City Council honors Elizabeth-born Linda Caldwell Epps recognizing her honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Princeton University.