New jersey historical society

The New Jersey Historical Society (NJHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of New Jersey. The society was founded in 1845 and is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States.

The NJHS is headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, and has a museum and library that are open to the public. The museum features exhibits on various aspects of New Jersey's history, including its colonial past, the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the state's role in the Civil War. The library contains a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other materials related to New Jersey's history.

The NJHS also offers a range of programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and reenactments. The society publishes a quarterly journal, the New Jersey History, which features articles and reviews on various topics related to New Jersey's history.

Some of the key areas of focus for the NJHS include:

  1. Colonial and Revolutionary Era: The NJHS has a strong focus on the colonial and Revolutionary era, with exhibits and programs that explore the state's role in the American Revolution and the early years of the United States.
  2. Industrial and Urban History: The society also has a strong focus on the Industrial and Urban History of New Jersey, with exhibits and programs that explore the state's role in the Industrial Revolution and its growth into a major urban center.
  3. Civil War and Reconstruction: The NJHS has a significant collection of materials related to the Civil War and Reconstruction, including artifacts, documents, and photographs.
  4. African American History: The society has a strong commitment to preserving and promoting the history of African Americans in New Jersey, with exhibits and programs that explore their experiences and contributions to the state's history.
  5. Women's History: The NJHS also has a focus on women's history, with exhibits and programs that explore the roles and experiences of women in New Jersey's history.

Some of the notable collections and exhibits at the NJHS include:

  1. The John Fenimore Cooper Collection: This collection includes manuscripts, letters, and other materials related to the life and work of John Fenimore Cooper, a prominent New Jersey writer and historian.
  2. The Abraham Clark Papers: This collection includes letters, documents, and other materials related to the life and work of Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a prominent figure in New Jersey's colonial history.
  3. The New Jersey Civil War Collection: This collection includes artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the Civil War and Reconstruction in New Jersey.
  4. The African American Collection: This collection includes artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the experiences and contributions of African Americans in New Jersey.
  5. The Women's History Collection: This collection includes artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the roles and experiences of women in New Jersey's history.

Overall, the New Jersey Historical Society is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of New Jersey, with a wide range of exhibits, programs, and collections that explore the state's rich and diverse past.