Fri · Oct 16 · 8pm
Four Centuries in a Weekend Across Union County, NJ
Multiple sites across Union County
A historic home you’ve driven past a hundred times, finally open to step inside. That’s the idea behind Four Centuries in a Weekend, which returns to Union County on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18.
Sites across the county will offer guided tours, reenactments, exhibits, demonstrations, and family activities. For America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s programs focus on local connections to the American Revolution. Union County Life is gathering the details so neighbors in every town can plan their route.
New this year is the UCNJ Historic Tree Grove in Cranford, near the Sperry Observatory on the Union College of Union County NJ campus. Its trees were grown from seeds or cuttings of trees tied to important people and events in American history. Other participating sites include the Deserted Village of Feltville in Berkeley Heights, the Frazee House in Scotch Plains, the Cannon Ball House in Springfield, Twin Maples in Summit, and the Salt Box Museum in New Providence. Union County Life has also posted details for the Robinson Plantation Museum in Clark, Shady Rest in Scotch Plains, and the Old First Cemetery tour in Elizabeth.
Every site offers a free Union County History Passport to stamp at each stop. Visitors can also collect Union County History Trading Cards, a set of more than 80 cards about local people, places, and events. Hours vary, and some sites are open only Saturday or Sunday, so check the full schedule before you go.
The event is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, with grant support from the New Jersey Historical Commission. For questions, call 908-436-2912 or email jprescott@ucnj.org. One weekend, many stops, and a county full of stories waiting to be heard. Find more Union County events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.
Photo Credit: newprov.us
FAQ:
Q: When is Four Centuries in a Weekend 2026?
A: Four Centuries in a Weekend is Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026. Hours vary by site, and some sites are open only one day.
Q: Which sites are part of Four Centuries in a Weekend?
A: Sites include the new UCNJ Historic Tree Grove in Cranford, the Deserted Village of Feltville in Berkeley Heights, the Frazee House and Shady Rest in Scotch Plains, the Cannon Ball House in Springfield, Twin Maples in Summit, and the Salt Box Museum in New Providence, among others.
Q: Does Four Centuries in a Weekend cost anything?
A: The History Passport is free at every site. Most sites do not charge admission, but check the schedule for any site that does.
Q: Who is Four Centuries in a Weekend for, and do I need to register?
A: The event is for residents, families, and visitors of all ages. Most sites need no registration, though some special tours, like the New Providence graveyard tours, ask you to sign up.
Q: Where can I find each site’s hours and details?
A: Union County Life has posts for several sites, and the full schedule is available from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-436-2912. Visit unioncountylife.com for more.
