Livingston Historical Society

Regular Meetings

7:30 p.m.
4th Monday of the month (September through April) COVID-19 permitting
Senior / Community Center
204 Hillside Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039

Headquarters

The Society is headquartered at Force Homestead at 366 South Livingston Avenue.

Our Purpose

The Livingston Historical Society, founded in 1963, aims to foster a wide appreciation of the development of our community from its earliest days. We strive to discover, collect, preserve, publish and exhibit materials illustrating the history of the area. Our monthly meetings frequently include addresses by specialists on topics of local interest and are open to the enjoyment of members and their guests. The Society has restored and maintains the Force Homestead, around which the programs of the Society are centered. We are also the trustee of the Ely Cemetery.

Force Homestead Museum

The Force Homestead Museum, 366 South Livingston Avenue, is usually open to the public the second Sunday of each month for tours conducted by members of the Livingston Historical Society. In addition, private tours may be arranged by calling Arlene Newcomb of the Historical Society at 973-716-9818.

Built in 1745 by the Force family, early settlers in Livingston, the original home consisted of one large room and a loft area. The house was expanded in 1800. The home contains a fireplace in nearly every room and is furnished with period pieces and articles including grandfather clocks and spinning wheels donated by Livingston residents. The Homestead was purchased by the Township in 1962. Members of the Historical Society conduct free monthly “Open House” tours.

Ely Cemetery

Members of the Society are also trustees of the Ely Cemetery and open it for tours twice a year, on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day. The cemetery was established by Captain William Ely around 1777. In 1864, Ambrose Ely enlarged the graveyard to twice its original size and constructed a stone wall around it.