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Welcome to the Mr. Local History Project

“A 501c3 Non-Profit Dedicated to Preserving and Promoting Jersey History with a Social Twist”

October means fall history road trips and local lore of Jersey witches and horror. We’ve got some great Jersey trips and tales. Click Here

Featured Stories

Day Trips – Four Historic Fall Locations You Must See in and Around Jersey

Fall in New Jersey has always been one of the best times to traverse across the state and take in some of the most beautiful foliage anywhere in the country.. The leaves begin to change and the crisp fall air just begs you to get outside. Over the years, the Mr. Local History Project has researched the history of four fantastic places where you can take in the fall air and have a great walk. Read More »Day Trips – Four Historic Fall Locations You Must See in and Around Jersey

Day Trip – Historic Mohonk Mountain “House”, New Paltz, New York

Nestled in the Catskill Mountains in the southern portion of New York State lies the historic Mohonk Mountain Resort. Spend a glorious weekend as a guest or visit for a day trip

Remebering the Waterloo Village Concert Series

In 1977, Waterloo Village opened an open-air concert field about a mile down the road from the historic village to raise restoration funds. The advertisements on WDHA, WNEW, WPL, WLIR, WDRE shared....

Wildwood's History, Architecture, Neon, Beach and that DOO WOP!

Wildwood, New Jersey, is known as the “Doo Wop Capital of the Universe. Take a trip back in time as MLH shares Wildwood's history, architecture, boardwalk, beach, neon, and yes DOO WOP!

Blairsden- The Horror, The Nuns and Other Tales

Weird New Jersey launched an all out attack on the horrible tales of what went wrong inside the Blairsden Estate in Peapack, New Jersey. This article originally was posted on another site back in 2007. Read More »Blairsden- The Horror, The Nuns and Other Tales

Haunted Tales and Urban Legends From Across Central New Jersey

Believe it or not, the dead is alive in central New Jersey. The question is not whether they are real or not, but more like are they disturbing or friendly.Read More »Haunted Tales and Urban Legends From Central Jersey

Haunted Roots – The Horror Tale of the Devil Tree in Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Their film HAUNTED ROOTS, “The Haunt of New Jersey’s Devil Tree and a farmhouse.” Residents publicly speak for the first time about what it’s like to live inside an urban legend.Read More »Haunted Roots – The Horror Tale of the Devil Tree in Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Loved Businesses Lost In Westfield – The H-GOAT GAME Cconcludes with a Champion

How about a game? A fun game. A game that mixes history and memories and will take you back to the simpler times growing up in Westfield, New Jersey. We take two businesses no longer in town and ask you which one you like more.

Remembering Lost Jersey Businesses is Fun History

Mr Local History loves history with a social twist. In fact, it’s our motto! So we got to thinking how fun would it be to share some of the most loved New Jersey businesses that have disappearedRead More »Remembering Lost Jersey Businesses is Fun History

Far Hills Race Meeting Honored with Painted Wooden Collectible

Celebrating over 100 years of New Jersey’s fall classic, the Far Hills Race Meeting, with this beautiful wooden hand painted collectible. Get yours now Read More »Far Hills Race Meeting Honored with Painted Wooden Collectible

REFLECTION: Somerset County Farms, Orchards, Dairies, Stables & Historic Preservation Landmarks

Note: 2024, MLHP increased the coverage to include all of Somerset County active farm stands, farmers markets, private farms, historic farms and farm preservation projects in the county. ; Read More »REFLECTION: Somerset County Farms, Orchards, Dairies, Stables & Historic Preservation Landmarks

Retrospective: Warren’s Schwaebische Alb

PREVIEW RELEASE: Still looking for photos of the beer garden or any photos post 1970. Also still researching the sale date to Warren Township and the final tear down date. Contact Us if you know so we can complete the post. Our retrospective begins just after prohibition after a chicken ranch was converted to Warren’s… Read More »Retrospective: Warren’s Schwaebische Alb

Sandwiches Invented in New Jersey

While watching an old episode of Man vs. Food Nation, food critic and comedian Adam Richman showed some awesome sandwiches from Jersey. Adam got us thinking, what are the sandwiches that define New Jersey? We’ve reached out to the public for their advice and we’ve hit the road to find answers across the state. Jerseyans… Read More »Sandwiches Invented in New Jersey

Seven Wonders of the World from Historic New Jersey

What are the seven most important historic things that New Jersey has given to the world over our illustrious history? What would rank as the seven wonders of the world that New Jersey has given. Read More »Seven Wonders of the World from Historic New Jersey

Peaches Means New Jersey

Peaches Peaches Everywhere Many don’t remember that New Jersey and particularly Somerset, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties were premiere peach orchards with some of the best in the United States. If you live in New Jersey you know that summertime in the Garden State produces an astounding crop of peaches throughout the state. But it wasn’t… Read More »Peaches Means New Jersey

History of the Jersey Tomato

It’s revered. It has its origins in Central and South America dating back to the 1500s and originated in the region that is now modern-day Mexico. Fast forward a few centuries, here in New Jersey the story of the tomato dates back to the late 18th century when tomatoes were introduced to the region. Initially, tomatoes were met with suspicion and considered poisonous by some, as they are part of the nightshade… Read More »History of the Jersey Tomato

President Trump’s Historic Summer White House in Bedminster, New Jersey

In a sleepy area in the Somerset Hills of central New Jersey, the former President of the United States still comes to summer at a house with a storied history. The Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, known as President Trump’s Summer White House, occupies 535 acres of beautiful countryside in central New Jersey...more

The Lost New Jersey Drive Ins

New Jersey has a rich history of drive-in theaters, and what you maybe didn’t know, Drive Ins actually started in New Jersey. Read More »The Lost New Jersey Drive In

How Raritan, NJ Was the Venue Officially Ending World War I

Somerset County is well known for its importance regarding the Revolutionary War, but many may not know the impact Somerset County had on World War I.
Read More »How Raritan, NJ Was the Venue Officially Ending World War I

Everyone in Jersey – Fly This American Flag

Like me, many of us in Somerset County, New Jersey drive back and forth down Route 287 then east on Route 22 day in and day out never thinking that just off the highway on the hillside by Vosseller Avenue in Bridgewater, New Jersey is a small 16 acre property that has the distinct honor… Read More »Everyone in Jersey – Fly This American Flag

New Jersey Rev War Series Mr. Local History Project

New Jersey is known as the “Cockpit of the American Revolution” for a reason – because it was. More battles, more encampments, more strategies took place in New Jersey than in any other colony of the original thirteen. Bookmark the page and come back over time. If you have a topic that you’d like us… Read More »New Jersey Rev War Series Mr. Local History Project

Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard

We bring you the history and the current state the bar room shuffleboard table. A Jersey classic! Shuffleboard History Don’t get us wrong, I LOVE shuffleboard. Leveraging… Read More »Jersey’s History with Bar Room Shuffleboard

Paterson’s Awesome History

If you live in New Jersey, you can’t but help falling over history. Since the early days of the founding of our country, Paterson, New Jersey has been in the discussion. Read More »Paterson’s Awesome History

Jersey’s History Bucket List

Wow, this story was one of our most controversial and difficult stories we’ve ever prepared. Just the thought of picking only 10 Jersey historic sites is an insane task. But I think we’re up to it. The 10 most historic things you need to see in Jersey before you kick the bucket. Gathered over the… Read More »Jersey’s History Bucket List

That 4.8 Earthquake was New Jersey’s Ramapo FAULT

On a cool spring morning on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:23am history was made as about 1/4 mile below the earth’s surface in the quiet Hunterdon County town of Tewkesbury, Read More »That 4.8 Earthquake was New Jersey’s Ramapo FAULT

Jerolaman’s General Store- A Bernardsville Store That Won’t Be Forgotten

Sometimes history creeps up on you when you least expect it. A few years ago our project wanted to honor a small multi-generational store that had been around for generations and then it was gone. Not only is the business gone, but so is the innocence that so many people cling to as part of… Read More »Jerolaman’s General Store- A Bernardsville Store That Won’t Be Forgotten

Three Local Quizzes Test Your Localness

Do you live in Bedminster, Bernards Township or Bernardsville and think you know your local history? If you do, we’ve got a few brain teasers for you to see just how much you know about your town’s local history. Post your score in the comments section for your chance to win a New Jersey Historic Village keepsake. Prepared by the research team at the Mr. Local History Project, the match game uses the Edunet platform to test your knowledge. Just click the image below for the quiz you’d like to take. Take all three if you’re from the area. Enjoy

The Brothers’ Bridges and Their Family’s New Jersey Burger Dynasty

THIS IS A DRAFT to gather notes and share with interested parties. It is not a final publish and remains a work in progress. Introducing Louis, Abner “Al” A.L, and Webster Bridges – Once a family of farmers from Cordele, Georgia, they came north and became Jersey burger royalty. As with all Mr. Local History… Read More »The Brothers’ Bridges and Their Family’s New Jersey Burger Dynasty

Retrospective: English Farm – Liberty Corner’s Historic Gem

Quiet Jersey Farm Hosts French Army on Way to Yorktown It’s a walk back in time. The farming techniques are new featuring organic fruit, vegetables, and other natural products but the farm is pretty much the same as it was is 1781 when Rochambeau and 10,000 French and Continental Army soldiers marched from Newport to… Read More »Retrospective: English Farm – Liberty Corner’s Historic Gem

Museums and Historical Societies Must Change or Die
Views: 11,774 Several museums are closing permanently, including the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City, the 9/11 Tribute Museum in New York City, and the Texas Civil War Museum. It’s funny how things work. Museums and historic sites are created to preserve landmark works for the public to view and enjoy. However, with… Read More »Museums and Historical Societies Must Change or Die
Top 10 Trending Posts Right Now Mr. Local History
Views: 692 Over 460 posts honoring Jersey history. Top Posts This Week Top History All Time #5 Post – All Time #4 Post – All Time #3 Post All Time #2 Post – All Time #1 Post – All Time Additional Stories: Mr. Local History’s #growlocalhistory Project December 13 – The Day that Altered American… Read More »Top 10 Trending Posts Right Now Mr. Local History
Wearing Lost Jersey Motorsports Icons is Fun History
Views: 50 Mr Local History loves history with a social twist. In fact, it’s our motto! So we thought how fun it would be to share some of the most loved New Jersey businesses that have disappeared. We started researching and putting our artists to work to recreate an offering of vintage retro clothing and… Read More »Wearing Lost Jersey Motorsports Icons is Fun History
1928 – Woodbridge Speedway – The Fastest 1/2 Mile Track in the World
Views: 96 This is a tale about auto racing legends of the early 1920s, known as daredevils and speed freaks, who traveled to a tiny new track built outside New York City in the small town of Woodbridge, New Jersey. What opened as a spectacle and a death-defying event, this Woodbridge Speedway quickly became the… Read More »1928 – Woodbridge Speedway – The Fastest 1/2 Mile Track in the World
Samuel Southard of Basking Ridge – A US Vice President
Views: 145 While researching the Southard family of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, we uncovered something we never knew about Samuel Southard. MLH believes Basking Ridge’s own Samuel Southard was the Vice President of the United States for over a year after President William Henry Harrison died in 1841. Was he? Check out the research we’ve… Read More »Samuel Southard of Basking Ridge – A US Vice President
Does Another Jersey Hot Dog Joint Deserve a Historic Keepsake Collectible? VOTE NOW
Views: 161 Does the hot dog (not the Italian one) get a place in New Jersey’s Historic Foodie Wooden Collectible series?What about Rutt’s Hut, or any other of a handful of iconic hot dog eateries? The Mr. Local History Project researchers LOVE stories about Jersey food. It’s not automatic. They have to be voted in… Read More »Does Another Jersey Hot Dog Joint Deserve a Historic Keepsake Collectible? VOTE NOW
1926: Atlantic City Opened One of the Greatest Speedway’s in the World
Views: 220 The year is 1926. Welcome to the “Board Bowl,” which had 80,000 fans and was one of the world’s greatest motorsport spectacles—and it was right here in New Jersey! It’s funny how history weaves in and out of many of our stories and other research that becomes a new story. This story came… Read More »1926: Atlantic City Opened One of the Greatest Speedway’s in the World
Remebering the Waterloo Village Concert Series
Views: 199 In 1977, Waterloo Village opened an open-air concert field about a mile down the road from the historic village to raise restoration funds. Actually, in Byram Township, New Jersey, locals remember (and I grew up at the perfect time) the advertisements on WDHA, WNEW, WPL, WLIR, WDRE, and others announcing major acts performing… Read More »Remebering the Waterloo Village Concert Series
The World’s Greatest Broadcast in New Jersey History – War of the Worlds
Views: 217 GO LISTEN WITH YOUR FAMILY on Mischief Night, Cabbage Night, Goosey Night, or whatever you call it – October 30th!!!! The date was October 30, 1938, and Jerseyans tuned in to a radio broadcast stating that Martians had landed in Jersey and were on the march to invade. The War of the Worlds… Read More »The World’s Greatest Broadcast in New Jersey History – War of the Worlds
Jackie Mars – Jersey’s Halloween Candy Icon
Views: 4,574 Jacqueline “Jackie” Mars is an American heiress, investor, and philanthropist who was a Bedminster, New Jersey resident. Known at one time as the richest woman on the planet, Halloween just wouldn’t be the same without the Mars family and their confection collection of the Milky Way, Three Musketeers, and M&Ms. So when you’re… Read More »Jackie Mars – Jersey’s Halloween Candy Icon
Keepsake: Iconic Wildwood Joining NJ Historic Wooden Village Collection
Views: 93 The Mayor of New Jersey’s Historic Village recently decreed that a new icon be added to the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Collection in a bold move to expand the only set of New Jersey collectible icons. Introducing Wildwood, New Jersey. Wildwood, New Jersey, offers a captivating mix of natural beauty, history, and… Read More »Keepsake: Iconic Wildwood Joining NJ Historic Wooden Village Collection
Keepsake: Bernardsville’s Olcott School Coming to Keepsake Collection
Views: 25 The Mayor of New Jersey’s Historic Village recently decreed that a new icon be added to the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Collection in a bold move to expand the only set of New Jersey collectible icons. Introducing the historic Olcott School and historic district in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Supporting Bernardsville’s history via… Read More »Keepsake: Bernardsville’s Olcott School Coming to Keepsake Collection
Haunted Tales From Central New Jersey #3
Views: 241 Believe it or not, the dead are alive in central New Jersey, especially in northern Somerset County. The question is not whether they are real or not, but rather whether they are disturbing or friendly. As we share, The Mr. Local History Project is looking for the public to share their paranormal experiences… Read More »Haunted Tales From Central New Jersey #3
Preserving Bernardsville’s History Collection
Views: 207 Supporting Bernardsville’s history via our MLH keepsake collection is growing as we honor Bernardsville’s local history. Here’s your chance, Bernardsville, to show your support for local history. Three Bernardsville icons have been selected, and if interest is strong, we hope to work with the community to grow the collection with more Bernardsville historic… Read More »Preserving Bernardsville’s History Collection
Wildwood History Boardwalk, Beach and the Doowop Universe
Views: 323 The widest part of Wildwood Beach in New Jersey is 1,600 feet from the boardwalk to the shoreline at Cresse Avenue! Compare that to Point Pleasant Beach which is about 350 feet wide at Trenton Avenue or about 1/5th the width of Wildwood’s beach. Just sayin, Jersey! Anyone who’s visited Wildwood, New Jersey,… Read More »Wildwood History Boardwalk, Beach and the Doowop Universe
The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection
Views: 14,552 The MLH Project is proud to be the largest reseller of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake Collection, created by the world-famous Cat’s Meow Village. Made in the USA!!! The New Jersey Historic Village Collection The New Jersey Historic Village keepsake collection is a wood-painted collectible series honoring historic iconic buildings, properties, and… Read More »The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collection
Mr. Local History 2024 Fall Magazine Vol 6. Issue 3
Views: 77 Vol.6 Issue 3 is available now. Our Fall 2024 cover photo honors the history of the Somerset Hills area of Northern Somerset County, New Jersey, and the iconic Blairsden Mansion & Estate. Over the years, the estate has also been a private residence, an orphanage, and a religious retreat. Put those two together… Read More »Mr. Local History 2024 Fall Magazine Vol 6. Issue 3
Bernards Township Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collectibles
Views: 225 The MLH Project is proud to be the largest reseller of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake Collection, created by the world-famous Cat’s Meow Village. Made in the USA!!! Basking Ridge & The New Jersey Historic Village Collection Welcome to the Bernards Township, New Jersey, section of the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village… Read More »Bernards Township Historic Wooden Village Keepsake Collectibles

Jersey History Posts

Jersey history – over 450 researched stories.
From Fort Lee to Cape May and everywhere in between.
Take a look.

“Wear Local History” Collection
Brings Back Memories

MLH has digitally recreated lost businesses from the 1900s to the 1980s, producing over 250 designs of iconic vintage logos.
Click Here

Jersey History Wooden Art Keepsakes

Preserving Jersey Icons on Wood
See the Collection

Stories, Stories, and More Stories

Researched by Mr. Local History himself, see over ten years of research on the internet to share the history.

Over 400 researched stories about New Jersey History

The Mr. Local History 2024 Fall Magazine

See our quarterly digital magazine for FREE. Full of great local Jersey History.

Get your copy now – Click Here

Events Calendar

Signature Events, Tours, Fundraisers, and Speaking engagements.

Signature Events

The New Jersey Historic Wooden Collection - Mr Local History Project

The New Jersey Historic Village Wooden Collection

30 iconic local Jersey Collectibles made exclusively for the Mr. Local History Project by the world famous “Cat’s Meow Village” of Wooster, Ohio. Once they sell out, they’re usually gone forever.

Collectibles Currently Available

Like Historic Photos?

Over the years our researchers have gathered some great historic photos. Take a look as we “Dig In the Archives”

See the Archives

“I love sharing stories about the history of Jersey food. If one thing people miss when they leave Jersey, it’s the food. We dig in!”

Brooks Betz aka Mr. Local History

“What is the point of being alive if you don’t know history?”

Meg Wastie – Education Team Lead

“The Mr. Local History Project covers some really unique stuff. I mean who digs into the history of Jersey Food? MLH does”

Ms. Paula Axt – Tour Guide and Education

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I join the Mr. Local History Project

The Mr. Local History Project is a 100% volunteer organization. Want to join us? No problem. There are no membership fees, and you only need to support one of our efforts. Programs include education, research, guided tours, or one of our many events.. You can even start something of your own. Visit our Contact Us page and drop us a note to get involved.

Are you a historical society?

No, but we are a 501c3 registered charity non-profit, meaning you can donate to the Mr. Local History Project, and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Every penny goes back into our programs.

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