Women’s Historic Sites in Union County

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Freeholders Gallery features an exhibit that describes historic Union County sites mentioned in the book, “New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail,” published by the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office.  The exhibit will be on display through April 13, 2012 at the Freeholders Gallery on the sixth floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.   Viewing hours are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays.

“Although some women in the book are well-known, others were private citizens,” said Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board.  “The book uses historic places to tell the story of how local women contributed to the agricultural, industrial, labor and domestic history of New Jersey prior to 1960.”

“New Jersey Women’s Heritage Trail” is available for download at www.state.nj.us/dep.hpo.   While most of the buildings are not open to the public, the book is well worth reading and will bring life to the vital role women played in New Jersey’s history.

The Freeholders Gallery exhibit features the following sites in Union County:

The Miller-Cory House Museum in Westfield, an 18th century farmhouse, demonstrates “Women and Domestic Life.”

All Souls Unitarian Church in Elizabeth, the Shakespeare Garden in Plainfield and Wallace Chapel AME Church in Summit relate to “Women’s Volunteer Organizations and Reform.”

The Shady Rest Golf and Country Club in Scotch Plains and the Summit Playhouse tell the story about “Women in the Arts, Culture and Sports.” Shady Rest, which opened in 1920, was the first Black-owned country club in the United States.

For more information about the exhibit or the programs and services of the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs visit the web site: www.ucnj.org/cultural; contact the Office at 908-558-2550; or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org. NJ Relay Users dial 711.