New Jersey Historical Society, Newark

The New Jersey Historical Society, located in the former Essex Club headquarters, is a vital institution dedicated to preserving and presenting the state's rich history. The Society's building, a Georgian-style structure designed by Guilbert & Betelle and built in 1926, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features two floors of exhibition space, a gift shop, and a lecture hall, providing a comprehensive cultural and educational experience.

The New Jersey Historical Society houses exhibitions on the second and third floors, showcasing various aspects of the state's history and heritage. The library reading room, located on the fifth floor, was formerly the Essex Club's squash courts and provides a unique setting for research and study. The library is open to the public, although patrons are encouraged to make appointments. While members enjoy free admission, non-members are required to pay a fee to access the Society's resources and exhibitions.

Founded in 1845 in Trenton by intellectual and business leaders such as Joseph C. Hornblower, Peter D. Vroom, and William Whitehead, the Society has a long and storied history. Its original Newark headquarters were on Market Street, but in 1931, it moved to a colonial-style building funded in part by philanthropist Louis Bamberger, located on Broadway. This move marked a significant expansion of the Society's capacity to house and display its growing collection of historical artifacts and documents.

In 1997, the Historical Society made a significant return to downtown Newark, relocating to 52 Park Place on Military Park. This move to the historic Essex Club building greatly increased the Society's visibility and accessibility, resulting in a nearly fivefold increase in visits within the first year. Today, the New Jersey Historical Society continues to serve as a crucial repository of the state's history, offering educational programs, exhibitions, and resources that enrich the understanding of New Jersey's past and its ongoing impact on the present.