Sat · Oct 17 · 8am
Four Centuries in a Weekend in New Providence, NJ
Salt Box Museum, Mason Archive Room, New Providence Presbyterian Church · 1350 Springfield Avenue
A rope bed, a working Edison phonograph, and an old ice plow once used to cut blocks from frozen ponds. On October 17 and 18, the New Providence Historical Society invites neighbors to see how the town lived more than a century ago.
The society is taking part in Union County Four Centuries in a Weekend, when more than 30 historic sites across the county open to visitors. This year also marks the society’s 60th anniversary. Union County Life shares the New Providence schedule so residents can plan their visit.
Start at the Salt Box Museum, 1350 Springfield Avenue, a farmhouse from the mid 1800s that was built from two houses joined together and later moved to its current site. It is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with docents leading tours of all four rooms. Outside, see a rebuilt farm wagon, a foot powered tool sharpening wheel, and a hand cranked washing station. Pick up Four Centuries passports and stamps here, and kids get a free “I Visited Salt Box” sticker.
On Saturday only, the Mason Archive Room at the back of the New Providence Memorial Library, 377 Elkwood Avenue, is open from noon to 5 p.m. It holds photos, maps, oral histories, and a payroll safe from the Coddington Greenhouse business. Also on Saturday, trustee John Sponauer leads tours of the New Providence Presbyterian Church graveyard, 1307 Springfield Avenue, at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. Register at NPcemeterytours@gmail.com. For archive questions, call 908-665-1034.
The weekend leads into a free talk on Thursday, October 22, at 7 p.m. at the DeCorso Community Center, 15 East Fourth Street, where Peter Coddington shares the history of his family’s greenhouse business. Sixty years after the society began, it is still helping neighbors find their town’s story. Find more New Providence events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.
Photo Credit: R. Anderson
FAQ:
Q: When is Four Centuries in a Weekend in New Providence?
A: It is Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026. The Salt Box Museum is open both days from noon to 5 p.m., and the Mason Archive Room is open Saturday only.
Q: Where is the Salt Box Museum in New Providence?
A: The Salt Box Museum is at 1350 Springfield Avenue, New Providence. The church graveyard tours start a short walk away at 1307 Springfield Avenue.
Q: Do I need to register for the New Providence graveyard tours?
A: Yes. Email NPcemeterytours@gmail.com to register for the Saturday tours at 12:30 or 1:30 p.m.
Q: Does Four Centuries in a Weekend in New Providence cost anything?
A: The society does not list an admission fee for the museum or archives, and the October 22 Coddington talk is free. The Images of America: New Providence book is for sale at the Archive Room.
Q: Where can I find more Four Centuries in a Weekend sites in Union County?
A: Union County Life covers Four Centuries in a Weekend, local history events, and community news across Union County. Visit unioncountylife.com for more.
