New Providence Historical Society

Name: New Providence Historical Society
Address: 377 Elkwood Avenue, New Providence, NJ, 07974, US
Telephone: (908) 665-1034

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New Providence Historical Society

The New Providence Historical Society was formed in 1966. "The Saltbox Museum" is located at 1350 Sp Archive Rm.

contains archival photos, documents, maps, oral interviews, and works or art; dealing with New Providence.

09/01/2026

HISTORICAL SOCIETY 60th ANNIVERSARY!

This August marks the 60th Anniversary of the New Providence Historical Society, formed August 15, 1966.
We take a look back at the society's 50th Anniversary Celebration, August 14 & 15, 2016.

The 2-day event began with an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, with displays, speeches, and the Time Capsule on display, with the public invited.
On Monday, the burial of the Time Capsule took place, in the front lawn of the Salt Box Museum.
For weeks before, town residents were invited to fill out and submit printed forms to be placed inside the Time Capsule, along with various items of interest from 2016.
A large banner announcing the event was installed above Springfield Ave, near Academy St.

The events were well attended and the Time Capsule was sealed and buried, to be opened on the 100th Anniversary of the Society, August, 2066.

A few photos of the 50th Anniv. weekend are included.

08/19/2026

The New Providence Historical Society is in need of a Treasurer

The society’s current Treasurer will be retiring this fall and we are seeking to fill this office.

The treasurer records expenditures, donations and membership fees, writes checks, and produces monthly profit and loss reports at meetings, using Excel Spreadsheet.

The society's bank accounts are here in a New Providence Bank.

If you are interested in this position, know someone who might be, or have questions, please contact society [email protected]

08/09/2026

EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT !

The New Providence Hist. Soc. has a Large Collection of vintage New Providence-Berkeley Heights Press Newspapers, dating to the 1960s-70's; LOOKING for A Good Home!

These boxes of local newspapers have All been digitized, thanks to the New Prov. Mem. Library, and are available for reading/searching on the library website.

Since the digitizing is completed, We are seeking a new home for these papers, other than the recycling can!
Our thought is that SOMEONE might have a unique project to put these old local papers to a new life!

IF YOU have a use for these newspapers, please reach out to our society. [email protected] 908 665-1034 - Archive Room.

08/07/2026

ARCHIVE ROOM OPEN SATURDAY AUGUST 8

The N.P. Historical Society Mason Archive Room will be open to the public on Saturday, 8/8, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Come visit us and Cool Off on a Hot day!
Check out the thousands of archival photos, maps, oral interviews, and history of New Providence.
Pickup a copy of the Images of America, New Providence, photo book.(makes a nice gift !), or a copy of the History of N.P. Community Pool, by Bert Abbazia.

Archive Room located at the rear of the N.P. Mem. Library, via the center aisle.
908-665-1034
[email protected]

08/03/2026

ONLY UNION COUNTY NOTABLE TREE IN TOWN TO BE REMOVED !

The only old tree in New Providence, appearing on the Union County Notable Tree List, is scheduled to be removed, the week of August 3, 2026.

According to a member of the Union County Bureau of Shade Tree, the White Oak(Quercus alba ) tree, which was designated a Notable Union County Tree, in 1978, has become a hazard; with interior rotting near the base.
The New Providence Presbyterian Church, had reached out to the County, who contracted a tree expert to inspect the old, mature tree; and found a hollow interior, near the base of the tree; located at 64 Passaic St., at the curb of a home undergoing renovation.

This White Oak ranks high on the County Notable Tree List, with a circumference of 176 inches, a height of 90 ft. and a crown of 63.5 ft. With over 120 trees appearing on the County Notable Tree List, this tree is the only one in town on this list. The Union County sign, indicating this a notable tree, installed in the 1970's had been removed, over the past 5 years.(see photo).

WE are sad to see the demise of the old, notable tree, and understand the importance of Oak trees in our community, but certainly understand the safety issues, especially after the July 3 violent storm in town.
Photos, taken recently and in 2020 included.
Rick Anderson
New Providence Hist. Soc., [email protected] , 908-665-1034

07/30/2026

OPEN SALT BOX SUNDAY - August 2

Salt Box Museum will be open this Sunday 8/2 from 1-3pm.
Stop by and check out the museum, which you've probably driven past a million times. We are full of local history and a glimpse into an 1800’s family life.
Pick up a copy of the "Images of New Providence" photo book, or the "History of the New Providence Community Pool" book.

WE are always looking for volunteers!

Check out our Merchandise Shelves with a variety of Stickers & Postcards.
1350 Springfield Ave., NP.
908 665-1034.

07/29/2026

Passing of Roger Behre, Grew Up in New Providence

We share the passing of Roger Behre(1932 - 2026), who grew up in New Providence, his Family home was at 129 Passaic St., at corner of Walton. His family was one of a number in town who ran a greenhouse business, with the greenhouses located behind house, on what is now Walton Ave. Photo of Behre Greenhouses included.

Roger had paid a visit to the N.P. Hist. Soc. Archive Room, in September, 2021(see photos), where he enjoyed looking at archival photos of town, from years ago; and sharing memories of growing up here.
Roger, along with sister, Patricia and brother Charles, appear on Veteran Banners, here in town, when they are hung.
Included is a link to Roger's obituary.
May Roger Rest in Peace.

https://www.bolesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Roger-E-Behre?obId=49083352

Society Archive Room located at 377 Elkwood Ave., at rear of Library. 908 665-1034. [email protected]

07/10/2026

OPEN SALT BOX SUNDAY -

Salt Box Museum will be open this Sunday 7/12 from 1-3pm.
Due to the July 4th weekend, the house is open this Sunday.

Stop by and check out the museum, which you've driven past a million times. We are full of local history and a glimpse into an 1800’s family life.
Pick up a copy of the "Images of New Providence" photo book, or the "History of the New Providence Community Pool" book.
Check out our Merchandise Shelves with a variety of Stickers & Postcards.

Looks like the House had survived the July 3rd Violent Wind Event, with no damage!
1350 Springfield Ave., NP.

908 665-1034.

07/09/2026

ARCHIVE ROOM OPEN SATURDAY JULY 11

The N.P. Historical Society Mason Archive Room will be open to the public on Saturday, 7/11, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Come visit us and Cool Off on a Hot day! Check out the thousands of archival photos, maps, oral interviews, and history of New Providence.

Pickup a copy of the Images of America, New Providence, photo book.(makes a nice gift !), or a copy of the History of N.P. Community Pool, by Bert Abbazia.
Archive Room located at the rear of the N.P. Mem. Library, via the center aisle.
908-665-1034

Address

377 Elkwood Avenue
New Providence, NJ
07974

Opening Hours

9am - 12pm

Telephone

(908) 665-1034

Website

http://www.newprovidencehistorical.com/

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