Research archives in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The Ocean County Historical Society, located at 26 Hadley Avenue in Toms River, New Jersey, is a museum and tourist attraction that has been collecting, preserving, and interpreting stories, artifacts, and archival resources that celebrate Ocean County's distinct heritage for over 70 years. The Elizabeth Sculthorp Force House, a vernacular Victorian home built in the mid-1800s, showcases Native American artifacts, period furnishings, local industries, artworks, photographs, and other archival resources. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the State Register of Historic Places, and the New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail. The Richard L. Strickler Research Center, a contemporary addition to the house, offers an extensive repository of books, maps, and historical and genealogical records for students, researchers, genealogists, and history enthusiasts. The Society also offers the Robert H. Staples Continuing Education Scholarship and is a partner organization with Revolution NJ, the state of New Jersey’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Becoming a member of the Ocean County Historical Society provides an opportunity to meet friends, explore genealogy, and become a partner in telling the stories of Ocean County. Donations to the Society help enlarge historical databases, develop educational events, and host interactive programs.

Welcome to Gethsemane Cemetery: A Historic African American Burial Ground Located at 370 Liberty Street in Little Ferry, New Jersey, Gethsemane Cemetery is a site of profound historical significance. Established in 1819, this small, one-acre cemetery rests on a sandy hill west of the Hackensack River, in an area historically known as "Sand Hill." It serves as a poignant reminder of the African American community's rich history and cultural heritage in Bergen County.