Description

Celebrate 250 years of American history during Union County’s Four Centuries in a Weekend. This free, countywide event invites visitors to explore historic sites, museums, landmarks, and cultural institutions across Union County on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.     

Elizabeth is home to several participating historic sites, offering visitors a chance to explore the city’s colonial and Revolutionary-era history.

Elizabeth participating sites include:

Belcher-Ogden Mansion & Bonnell Homestead
1046 East Jersey Street
Tour the historic Belcher-Ogden Mansion, with tours available in English and Spanish. 

Free parking is available at the Bonnell House, 1045 East Jersey Street.    

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
1073 East Jersey Street
Take a guided tour and discover Boxwood Hall’s connections to Alexander Hamilton, Jonathan Dayton, Marquis de Lafayette, and George Washington. Visitors can also explore the “Before the Semiquincentennial” exhibit featuring artifacts from previous milestones in U.S. history.     

Siloam-Hope First Presbyterian Church & Snyder Academy
42 Broad Street
Saturday only. Explore the historic church and Snyder Academy from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with cemetery tours at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.  

Elizabeth Public Library
11 South Broad Street
Saturday only. Visit Union County’s last remaining active Carnegie Library. At 11:00 AM, the library will unveil the restored Red Lion Inn sign. Visitors can also explore “The Red Lion Inn & Elizabeth’s Libraries,” an exhibit highlighting the historic inn and its connection to the establishment of the Elizabeth Public Library.   

Most participating sites throughout Union County also offer collectible history trading cards and a Union County Passport visitors can have stamped as they explore participating locations.  

Admission is free. Hours and activities vary by location.