Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society

05/30/2026

History stepped onto the world stage through many men during the American Revolution… but few shaped the future of the United States like Alexander Hamilton.

On Sunday, June 7th at 2:00 PM at East Jersey Old Town Village, the Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society welcomes historian Richard Moody for a special presentation on one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers: Alexander Hamilton.

Richard has presented this topic on several occasions, and each time audiences walk away with a deeper understanding of Hamilton’s role in shaping our nation during its earliest and most uncertain years.

From the Revolutionary War… to the founding of America’s financial system… to his lasting influence still felt today… this is a presentation you will not want to miss.

📅 Sunday, June 7, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 East Jersey Old Town Village
🎟️ RSVP: [email protected]
📱 Call/Text: 848-216-9547

Presented by the Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society
Dan Surman, President
Normande Browning, Vice President

05/27/2026

History becomes powerful when students can experience it — not just read about it.

Today, we had another productive conversation about bringing more local history, Revolutionary War stories, civic education, and hands-on presentations into Piscataway schools through the Piscataway Historical & Heritage Society.

We discussed opportunities surrounding:
📚 Local history education
🇺🇸 Revolutionary War presentations
⚖️ Civics and New Jersey history
🎭 Historical reenactors and guest speakers
🏫 Potential programs for Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6

From the Battle at Quibbletown to the Underground Railroad, from New Jersey’s role in the Revolution to stories that happened right here in Piscataway — there are so many opportunities to make history come alive for the next generation.

As President of the Piscataway Historical & Heritage Society, alongside Normande Browning, Vice President, I believe history should create curiosity, conversation, and community.

The work continues.

— Dan Surman
President, Piscataway Historical & Heritage Society
Normande Browning, Vice President

Send a message to learn more

05/27/2026

The Piscataway Cultural Arts Advisory Commission is inviting artists of all ages .....

See attached flyer.

Dan Surman
President, Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society

05/27/2026

I didn’t step into the leadership of the Piscataway Historical & Heritage Society to live in the past.

I stepped forward because communities without history eventually lose their identity.

History is not meant to be erased, softened, or forgotten because it makes people uncomfortable. It’s meant to be studied, discussed, preserved, and passed on honestly to the next generation.

That’s why I volunteered.
Not for recognition.
But because someone has to keep the stories, lessons, and roots of Piscataway alive before they disappear.

— Dan Surman
President, Piscataway Historical & Heritage Society

Send a message to learn more

05/25/2026

June 2026 — Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society Calendar of Events
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Alexander Hamilton Presentation with Richard Moody
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 East Jersey Old Town
RSVP to [email protected] or call/text 8482169547

Historian Richard Moody presents a fascinating look into the life, leadership, and legacy of Alexander Hamilton and his connection to Revolutionary-era New Jersey.

Thursday, June 11, 2026
Panera Bread Fundraiser
🕓 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Panera Bread
Support the Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society simply by dining at Panera during the fundraiser hours. A portion of proceeds will help support PHHS programs, presentations, and community outreach efforts.

Saturday, June 13, 2026
Piscataway Street Fair
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Piscataway Street Fair
Visit the PHHS table during the Street Fair to learn more about Piscataway history, upcoming programs, membership opportunities, and the Society’s efforts to preserve local heritage as we approach America’s 250th Anniversary.

Ongoing Community Initiative — June 2026
Bringing Local History Into Piscataway Schools
📍 Piscataway Township Schools
The Society is actively working to connect local students with engaging presentations on:
The Revolutionary War in New Jersey
The Battle at Quibbletown
Alexander Hamilton
Early Piscataway history and founding families
Presenters currently volunteer their time at no cost to schools.

For More Information or Membership:
Dan Surman, President
Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society
Normande Browning, Vice President

05/17/2026

History Day 2026 at East Jersey Old Town Village was a tremendous day for the Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society.

What stood out most?

The realization that Piscataway’s history is not just found in books or museums…

It lives in our neighborhoods.

Inspired by the “Old Neighborhood” concept from the Woodbridge Historical Association, PHHS is now exploring a future presentation series:

“A Stroll Through Piscataway: Neighborhoods That Built Our Town.”

Imagine preserving and sharing the stories of:
📍 New Market
📍 Arbor
📍 Wynnwood
📍 Lake Nelson
📍 Gramercy Park
📍 Brooklyn/New Brooklyn
📍 The Heights
📍 River Road
📍 Possumtown
📍 Randolphville

The memories, families, schools, businesses, traditions, and everyday life that shaped Piscataway deserve to be remembered and shared.

History Day also helped us strengthen relationships with neighboring historical societies, reenactors, descendant families, railroad historians, Garden Club volunteers, and Underground Railroad researchers throughout Central New Jersey.

Another important takeaway:
Local historical societies work better together than apart.

Ideas were exchanged.
Partnerships began.
Future speakers were identified.
And new opportunities are already taking shape.

We also added 8 new names to our growing email list — proof that people still care deeply about local history and community connection.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, shared stories, and supported the mission of preserving Piscataway’s history for future generations.

The next chapter for PHHS is beginning.

— Dan Surman
President, Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society
Normandie Browning
Vice President, Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society

05/16/2026

Step onto the grounds where history still whispers through the trees…

This Saturday, May 16th from 10AM–4PM, the Piscataway Historical and Heritage Society will be part of History Day at East Jersey Old Town Village.

We invite you to stop by our table, say hello, share a story, ask a question, or simply reconnect with the history that shaped Piscataway and our nation as America approaches its 250th Anniversary.

History is not only found in books and museums.
It lives in conversations.
It lives in community.
And it lives in the people who still care enough to preserve it.

Come meet:
Dan Surman, President
Normandie Browning, Vice President

Bring the family. Walk the village. Experience living history.

📍 East Jersey Old Town Village
📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

“Discover the History. Join the Legacy.”

05/14/2026

You can now find our events on the following link:

MiddlesexCountyCulture.com is the face of our county's cultural events, artists, organizations and emerging cultural groups in Middlesex County, NJ.

05/13/2026

History isn’t sitting on a shelf in Piscataway… it’s moving again.

The Piscataway Historical & Heritage Society is entering a new chapter—one built on growth, community, and a story that’s about to take center stage.

As we prepare for:
🇺🇸 The 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution
🎉 Our 50th Anniversary in 2027

We’re focusing on what truly moves us forward:

👉 Building a stronger team (we’re looking for new members and leaders)
👉 Launching a newsletter to share local history and events
👉 Expanding our role in telling Piscataway’s Revolutionary story

This is more than meetings…
This is about preserving where we came from—and shaping how it’s remembered.

If you’ve ever had an interest in history, community, or simply being part of something meaningful…

Now’s the time to step in.

📩 Message us to get involved
📍 Join us at an upcoming meeting
🤝 Or simply start the conversation

Because in a town like Piscataway…
history doesn’t just belong to the past.

It belongs to all of us.

— Dan Surman
President, Piscataway Historical & Heritage Society