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
It is with great sadness that the Union County Historical Society announces the passing of its president, Joanne H. Rajoppi. Joanne devoted nearly five decades to public service, education, and the preservation of New Jersey history. A trailblazer for women in government, she became the first woman elected mayor of Springfield in 1977 and later
William F. “Bill” Frolich Jr., a longtime treasurer and devoted member of the Union County Historical Society, passed away on September 30, 2021, at the age of 101. For 45 years, Bill contributed his knowledge, energy, and friendship to UCHS. In addition to serving as Society Treasurer, he wrote and edited the UCHS Newsletter, helping
UCHS Archives
Issue 185 covers Annis Boudinot Stockton, Roselle Park’s 125th anniversary, Marconi Wireless, and WDY radio history.
Issue 184 highlights patriot women of the Revolution, a 2026 HEART Grant, Liberty Hall programming, and the updated UCHS website.
UCHS leaders receive the DAR American 250! Commendation and share the 2026 events calendar and December holiday party details.
Speaker Rick Geffken headlines Oct. 5 at Hanson House; UCHS honors scholarship students and shares highlights from the annual picnic.
Issue 181 recaps the Caldwell Memorial Rededication in Elizabeth, NJ, including restoration, remarks, wreath laying, and upcoming picnic details.
Issue 180 covers RevolutionNJ planning, the Caldwell Obelisk rededication in Elizabeth, Union County’s 250 kickoff, and upcoming UCHS scholarships.
UCHS Photo Gallery
UCHS Trading Cards – Union County Across the Centuries
Gallery of UCHS’s “Union County Across the Centuries” trading cards, as seen in Newsletter Issue #176.
William “Bill” Frolich Jr. Way Dedication
Photos from the 2021 street dedication ceremony honoring historian William “Bill” Frolich Jr.
UCHS 2015 Annual Picnic
Classic cookout and antique Model T Fords made the 2015 UCHS Annual Picnic a memorable event at the Hanson House.
Joe Renna Presents The Peterstown Book
Joe Renna shared The Peterstown Book—a century of Italian-American history in Elizabeth—at a 2014 UCHS event.
UCHS 2016 Annual Picnic
Grilled food, antique cars, and community highlights from the 2016 UCHS Annual Picnic at Hanson House.
Elizabeth Resolutes 1866 Baseball Presentation
Paul Salomone brings the story of the 1866 Elizabeth Resolutes to life in this historical baseball presentation at UCHS.
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.