Elizabeth, NJ

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Oct

Guided Tour

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth Heritage Tours

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, 42 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ

The historic First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, one of the oldest congregations in New Jersey (founded 1664), offers heritage tours and occasional special programs highlighting its central role in the American Revolution. The church was a hotbed of patriot activity and was connected to prominent revolutionary figures including Reverend James Caldwell, the 'Fighting Parson.' The churchyard contains graves of notable Revolutionary War-era figures including Alexander Hamilton's connections to the town.

FreeTours and heritage programs are offered periodically, often during local history month in October or by appointment. Contact the church office to confirm availability.

Oct

Festival

Union County Four Centuries Weekend at Liberty Hall

Liberty Hall Museum and multiple Union County historic sites

As part of Union County's annual Four Centuries in a Weekend heritage festival, Liberty Hall Museum and other historic sites in the Elizabeth area open their doors for special tours, colonial-era demonstrations, and family-friendly programming interpreting the region's history from the colonial and Revolutionary War periods through the present day. Multiple historic sites participate across Union County.

FreeTypically held on a weekend in mid-to-late October. Contact Union County Division of Cultural and Heritage Affairs or Liberty Hall Museum for exact dates each year.More info →

Earlier This Year

Jul

Guided TourFeatured

Liberty Hall Museum Special Events and Living History Programs

Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ (adjacent to Elizabeth)

Liberty Hall Museum, the historic Kean family estate in Elizabeth, hosts seasonal living history programs, colonial-era demonstrations, and special tours throughout the year. The museum interprets the home's Revolutionary War history, including its connection to William Livingston, New Jersey's first elected governor, and the period when British raids from Staten Island threatened the household.

Varies; general tours typically $10–$12 adultsLiberty Hall hosts various programs year-round; July 4th programming is typical. Check libertyhalllmuseum.org for current schedule.More info →

Apr

Guided Tour

Boxwood Hall Historic Site Tours and Anniversary Programs

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site, 1073 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ

Boxwood Hall, the elegant Georgian mansion once home to Elias Boudinot (President of the Continental Congress) and later Jonathan Dayton (youngest signer of the Constitution), offers guided tours and occasional commemorative programs. The site notably marks George Washington's stop here on April 23, 1789, en route to his first inauguration in New York City. Anniversary programs and open houses are held periodically.

FreeBoxwood Hall is a state historic site with limited hours; special programming around Washington's April 1789 visit is periodically offered. Contact the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry to confirm dates.More info →

Jun

Ceremony

Battle of Connecticut Farms Commemoration

Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church area, Union Township, NJ (adjacent to Elizabeth)

Local historical organizations in the Union Township and Elizabeth area hold periodic commemorative ceremonies and educational programs marking the June 1780 Battle of Connecticut Farms, during which British forces advanced from Elizabethtown Point and the Reverend James Caldwell's wife Hannah was killed by a British musket ball. Programs may include wreath-laying ceremonies, historical talks, and guided walks of the battlefield area near Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church.

FreeCommemorations typically occur in early-to-mid June near the anniversary of the June 7, 1780 battle. Contact the Union Township Historical Society or Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church to confirm specific dates and programming.