Preserving Local history
The Union County Historical Society of New Jersey was incorporated by an Act of the 93rd Legislature of the State of New Jersey on April 1, 1869. The objective of this Society is the collection and preservation of all matter of historical relics, books, records, documents, and manuscripts, to stimulate and encourage historical research and the study of history pertaining to the territory originally embraced by Elizabethtown and the present Union County.
The Society exists through the help and generosity of its members. Membership is comprised of citizens who have a common interest in preserving the past. There is no paid staff. The Executive Board and Members perform all Society functions.
In Memoriam
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UCHS Archives
Issue 133 covers the Hanson House picnic, the “missing sounds” of earlier decades, and the Irvington Avenue Reservoir’s surprising history.
Issue 132 highlights rare newspaper treasures, Elizabeth’s pioneering submarine, Revolutionary-era history, and an 1880 bird’s-eye view of the waterfront.
Issue 131 features UCHS student awards, a Snyder Academy preservation talk, and a Bicentennial log-beacon reenactment tied to the Battle of Springfield.
Issue 130 covers the anniversary dinner, a deep dive into Union County bandits, Washington-era leadership lessons, and Elizabeth’s 1938 “Own Your Home” house.
Issue 178 highlights the restored Caldwell Obelisk, hands-on gravestone cleaning, and Union County Historic County Cards featuring NJ suffrage leaders.
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From Washington’s precedents to Ursino Lake’s lost “reservoir,” Issue 129 blends UCHS updates with Union County stories.
UCHS Photo Gallery
UCHS Student Awards 2022
Photo from the 2022 UCHS Student Awards honoring seniors from Rahway, Union County Magnet, and Mother Seton.
Dean Poulsen Presents Music from World War I
Dean Poulsen’s WWI music program, plus guest speaker Rich Rosenthal and a special award to Louise Engstrom.
2018 December Holiday Meeting – Holiday Cards & Reflections
The December 2018 UCHS meeting highlighted holiday cards and reflections on seasonal history. Featured in Issue #146.
Union County Medal of Honor Monument Dedication (2013)
Union County dedicated a granite monument at the courthouse in Elizabeth to honor ten Medal of Honor recipients on October 23, 2013.
History Lives at the Elizabeth Public Library – UCHS Presentation
Aimee Fernandez-Puente’s 2019 presentation explored rare archives and preservation efforts at the Elizabeth Public Library.
William “Bill” Frolich Jr. Way Dedication
Photos from the 2021 street dedication ceremony honoring historian William “Bill” Frolich Jr.
Our longtime friend and Society Treasurer, Bill Frolich, sadly passed away on September 30th 2021. He was 101 years old, a 45-year member of UCHS, and the writer/editor of our Newsletter. Bill and his extraordinary knowledge of Union County history will be greatly missed.