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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Thanksgiving 2022: We have plenty to be thankful for.
Feeding Time on "The Corner. "
Veterans Day 2022: Thank you for your service.
Thank you for watching our 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Forum! Remember that you can rewatch...
You are welcome to visit Belcher-Ogden Mansion as a Four Centuries in a Weekend site!...
Please download Our new HSENJ Android App for more information about our organization and activities...
Doors will be open for you to visit the Belcher-Ogden Mansion this weekend, October 15-16...
Patriots Day 2022: We Remember.
Green Infrastructure
We Remember Maureen Ogden
Summer Bloom
Independence Day 2022. Celebrate Liberty!
Juneteenth 2022
Memorial Day 2022 To those who served and sacrificed and their families: We Remember.
One Blue Jay- Two Blue Jays- Hanging out on "The Corner. "
Welcome Spring 2022!
Posted @withregram • @futurecityinc Welcome Emma! Lighting up 2022, this beautiful photo was shared by...
Spring Is Coming!
Remembering David R. Pierce, Esq.
January 28 on "The Corner:" Last "Fill Up" Before the Snow
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...
Green Infrastructure At Work: A full pile of leaves composting now will make natural mulch...
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...
Don’t forget to visit Bonnell House and Belcher-Ogden this weekend during Union County’s Four Centuries...
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...
We want to invite you to visit our properties, Bonnell House and Belcher-Ogden Mansion, on...
The folks at "The Corner That History Made " welcome your family and friends to...
9/11: Remembering
We were honored to have Fred Belcher Senior and Junior, descendants of Jonathan Belcher, and...
Kenneth and Margaret Ward Elm tree.
Kenneth G. Ward A man who saw history as living. He taught all who encountered...
“The Corner That History Made” at the 2021 @cityofelizabeth National Night Out.