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 History and Heritage 
Essex County 

Click Here to Learn About the History and Heritage Section
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Routes to Roots Heritage Trail

Krueger-Scott Mansion

 
Located in Newark, NJ,  the Krueger-Scott Mansion was built in 1888 in the style of a German castle for Gottfried Krueger, a beer magnate. The mansion eventually became the residence of Louise Scott, who built a cosmetology empire that developed and marketed beauty products to African American women. Today, the mansion is being restored to serve as a cultural hub to the city of Newark.

Krueger-Scott Mansion
601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Newark, NJ
(973) 733-3748
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The New Jersey Historical Society

 
The New Jersey Historical Society is a state-wide, private, non profit historical museum, library, and archives dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the rich and intricate political, social, cultural and economic history of New Jersey to the broadest possible audiences. Founded in 1845, the Society is the oldest cultural institution in the state. Through exhibitions, publications, and programming, it examines who and what we are, what it means to live and work in New Jersey, what contributes to New Jersey's distinct identity, and what are the unique contributions New Jerseyans make to the region and the country.  Located in Newark's thriving downtown cultural district, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Library is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12:00 PM -5:00 PM.

The New Jersey Historical Society
52 Park Place
Newark, NJ 07102

(973) 596-8500 - Fax: (973) 596-6957
http://www.jerseyhistory.org

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The Crane House

 This federal-style mansion was home to Israel Crane, a successful merchant who constructed the turnpike that opened New Jersey's heartland to early trade.  Dating from 1796 and remodeled circa 1840 with Greek -Revival details, this landmark house was considered grand for its period. Purchased by the YWCA from Crane descendants in 1920, the house was used for about 45 years as offices, dormitories, and as a social center for African American women and girls.  Now restored, the home displays an outstanding collection of period furnishings and decorative arts.  Guided Tours are provided most Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Group Tours available anytime by appointment. Admission: $5.00 adults, $2.00 youth 10 and under, free for members.


The Crane House
c/o Montclair Historical Society
108 Orange Road
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 973-744-1796
www.montclairhistorical.org

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Kenney Memorial Hospital

 Kenney Memorial Hospital, (later the Community Hospital), was established by Dr. John Kenney, a prominent African American doctor, on September 1, 1927 in Newark, NJ.  This hospital, for many years, was the only hospital that African Americans in New Jersey had access to as physicians, interns, nurses and patients. Dr. Kenney was a pioneering medical professional who opened other medical facilities for African Americans in other states in addition to providing training and employment opportunities for African American nurses. Today, the building is now home to the New Salem Baptist Church and has been placed on the National Registrar of Historic Places.

For additional information about this historic landmark, please contact:
The Newark Preservation & Landmarks Committee
P.O. Box 1066, Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 622-4910
FAX: (973) 676-1123
dougeldridge@juno.com
http://newarklandmarks.org

New Salem Baptist Church, (former Kenney Memorial Hospital building)
132 West Kinney Street
Newark, NJ
 

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New Hope Baptist Church

 
The New Hope Baptist Church began as a "mission" in the home of Addie and Maggie Vine of Newark, New Jersey.  The mission expanded and subsequently organized as a church on June 2, 1903, incorporating later on May 1, 1918.  Today, the 100+ year-old church continues to flourish and has served as the church home of prominent New Jerseyans such as Cissy Houston, Dionne Warrick, Whitney Houston and Melba Moore.  

New Hope Baptist Church

106 Sussex Avenue
Newark, NJ 07103

(973) 622-4547
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Clinton Memorial African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church

 
Built in 1874 and designed by renowned architect William Appleton Potter, this church building initially housed the Belleville Avenue Congregational Church. In 1930 however, this national historic landmark became the church home of Clinton Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, the oldest A.M.E. Zion congregation of New Jersey.

Clinton
Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church
151 Broadway
Newark, NJ
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St. James AME Church

 
Originally organized as the Bethel AME Church, in 1842 and renamed, St. James AME Church shortly after temporarily disbanding, the church acquired its current historic edifice in 1945. Built in 1852,  the historic building had been the former home of the High Street Presbyterian Church.  Today, Bethel AME Church is one of the largest congregations in the city of Newark.  Their historic church facility has also  been placed on the National Registrar of Historic Places.

St. James AME Church
588
Martin Luther King Blvd
Newark, NJ 07102

(973) 622-1344
http://www.stjamesame.org 

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COUNTENANCE: Notable County Facts & Faces 

Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990)

 
Born in Newark, NJ, Sarah Vaughn was an American jazz singer, described as the " possessor of one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century."  A three time Grammy Award winner, Vaughan was the recipient of the NEA Jazz Masters Award in 1989 from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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County History and Resource Organizations

 

Essex County Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs

115 Clifton Avenue

Newark, NJ 07103

(973) 268-3500; (973) 481-5302 FAX
joedi@admin.essexcountynj.org

 

Livingston Historical Society
South Livingston Avenue
PO Box 220
Livingston, NJ 07039

 

East Orange, Historical Society
67 Sanford Place, 2nd Floor
East Orange, NJ 07018
(973) 763-5891; (973) 674-1826

Montclair Historical Society
108 Orange Road
Montclair, NJ 07042
Phone: 973-744-1796
www.montclairhistorical.org

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New Jersey Black Cultural & Heritage Initiative Foundation, Inc.
Telephone: (856) 357-6559
Fax:  (609) 567-2354
Email: 
info@njlivingcolor.org
 
 
 
Site developed by The Zybrant Group in partnership with the New Jersey Black Cultural & Heritage Initiative Foundation, Inc.