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.

        Follow Us

        Nathan Dodge McBean 
Servant Leader
        On October 2nd, Brad Bunnell of Mesa AZ, a 10th Generation descendant of Nathaniel Bonnell, visited our Corner with his wife. We were honored to provide them with a tour and hospitality during their visit.
        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. Genevieve's Church family for allowing us to join them in worship this morning for our annual Memorial Mass.
        November Roses
        We invite you to watch our 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Forum.

Los invitamos a ver nuestro 2023 Foro del Mes de la Herencia Hispana.

This history program is made possible in part by a 2023 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
        Remembering and Thankful:
Lieutenant Governor Shelia Oliver
        Everybody gets a bite, even our animal friends.
Todo el mundo recibe un bocado, incluso nuestros amigos animales.
        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 historical Nathaniel Bonnell House and Belcher-Ogden Mansion.

¡DÍA DE LA MADRE 2023! 
Celebramos a nuestras Madres Elizabeth con estas hermosas flores de primavera en la histĂłrica Casa Nathaniel Bonnell y la MansiĂłn Belcher-Ogden.
        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 lots of green and beautiful roses. 
~~~
¡Damos la bienvenida a la primavera!
Disfruta de la primera floraciĂłn de la temporada y llena tu 2023 de mucho verde y hermosas rosas.

#springinelizabethnj #welcomingspring #roses
        Early Arrivals On "The Corner. "
        HSENJ President Anastasia Ceil Mantia. 
"We live today learning truth from our past and present while shaping our future. "
        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.
        Thank you for watching our 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Forum! Remember that you can rewatch it anytime on our YouTube channel.

Gracias por ver nuestro Forum del Mes de la Herencia Hispana 2022! Recuerde que lo puede volver a ver en nuestro canal de Youtube. #TheCornerThatHistoryMade
        You are welcome to visit Belcher-Ogden Mansion as a Four Centuries in a Weekend site!

Estan bienvenidos a visitar la MansiĂłn Belcher-Ogden como un sitio de Cuatro Siglos en un Fin de Semana!
#FourCenturiesInAWeekend
        Please download Our new HSENJ Android App for more information about our organization and activities

Por favor descargue nuestra nueva aplicaciĂłn para android, para que tengan nueva informaciĂłn acerca de nuestra organizaciĂłn y actividades. #TheCornerThatHistoryMade
        Doors will be open for you to visit the Belcher-Ogden Mansion this weekend, October 15-16 from 12 to 5 PM as a site for Four Centuries in a Weekend.

Las puertas estaran abiertas para que viste la MansiĂłn Belcher-Ogden este fin de semana, Octubre 15-16 de 12 a 5PM, como un sitio de Cuatro Siglos en un fin de semana. #fourcenturiesinaweekend #unioncountynj
        Patriots Day 2022:
We Remember.
        Green Infrastructure