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MLHP History Gift Shop

Jersey is all we do. We make each of these collectibles to promote New Jersey history as our motto states “History with a Social Twist.” Whether it’s our Wear Local History collection, flags, wooden keepsakes or other items, the goal is to get history in your hands so you can share it off. BE PROUD JERSEY!

All proceeds go towards preserving and promoting local history via our education, research, and community gatherings. As we’re a registered IRS 501c3 non-profit charity, we also love tax-deductible donations, so our gift shop helps us not ask as much 🙂

All our items are only available here! Our store is open 24/7 and ships right to your door. Browse our real-time inventory, click on your cart, and check out using our safe and secure process. We accept all forms of payment and typically ship within a day or two.

Over 260 iconic lost businesses in New Jersey.
In 2024 we launched our new “Wear Local History Collection.” These are recreations of ads, logos, and places that we’ve lost in New Jersey over the years. Collections include lost icons in areas like: Route 22, Westfield, Cranford, Bernardsville/Basking Ridge, Paterson, Lost Restaurants, and more are added every week. Stickers, magnets, shirts, backpacks, art are all available for immediate delivery! Check it out. Remember, all proceeds go towards our education programs!

Exclusive Reseller: The New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Collection
How do I Get One of These Historic Limited Edition Keepsakes?

The easiest way to get one is to order online via Etsy or Red Bubble. Our online store accepts multiple forms of payment, including credit/debit cards and PayPal. Orders are now being taken online. The collection is the ultimate local personal gift. It’s great for those moving into the area or for those who’ve left the area. It also makes great gifts for those who just like to cherish the fond memories of the area.

The Mr. Local History Etsy Gift Boutique is always OPEN. Just click any of the above icons.

33 Iconic New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Keepsakes

Mr. Local History’s New Jersey Cat’s Meow Keepsake collection has grown to 33 keepsakes and counting. Each site or event is a special piece of art on the front with the history on the back. Once they’re gone, they’re gone! They also make a great annual gift to a collector. Always look for the “black cat” to ensure you have an official Cat’s Meow village piece—a true original.

The New Jersey Historic Village Collection aims to promote local history throughout New Jersey. The Cat’s Meow is one of the world’s most iconic collectible series. Mr. Local History started back in 2018.

Current Trending Nominations

With ongoing discussions and surveys with collectors and Jersey history fans, here’s what the community is endorsing to be added to the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Collection:

  • High Point State Park Monument – High Point, New Jersey
  • The Cranford Hotel – Cranford, New Jersey
  • Bernards Inn – Bernardsville, New Jersey
  • Asbury Park Convention Center, Asbury Park, New Jersey
  • Somerset Courthouse – Somerville, New Jersey
  • Rutt’s Hut Hot Dogs – “Home of the Ripper” – Clifton, New Jersey

Factors for selection into the NJ collection include the age of the event or property, its connection to the existing collection, local interest, and voting (where applicable). If you’d like to nominate an event or property, feel free to post a comment in the comments section, and the committee will consider your recommendation.


Historic Organizations – Want to be considered to be in the New Jersey Historic Keepsake Village Collection?

Do you know of a worthy historical addition to the New Jersey Historic Village Collection? Email us as we’ve gotten very good working with organizations to create a keepsake to be nominated to the New Jersey Historic Village Collection. We have a great program where you can create your own keepsake with inventory for as little as $300.

People LOVE the Black Cat in Every Collectible

Many people collect other village pieces and build a village collection. The creations are part of the historic Cat’s Meow Village Collection, which has produced iconic wood ornaments for over 40 years.

History of the Cat's Meow Village of Wooster, Ohio - Mr. Local History Project
History of the Cat’s Meow Village of Wooster, Ohio

Local organizations and businesses will produce limited batches of selected New Jersey Historic Wooden Keepsake Village collectibles. All collectibles will be available online via the Mr. Local History Gift Shop.

New Jersey Historic Village Collection Partner –
The Cat’s Meow Village Company of Wooster, Ohio

The Cat’s Meow Village is a small American company founded in Wooster, Ohio, in 1982. It started with one simple wooden house Faline cut out on her grandfather’s saw in the loft of the hog barn. 35 years later, Jones and her crew continue to craft “little wooden buildings” of local, national, and international landmarks that spark memories and kindle smiles on the faces of “real-life adventurers” like you.

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