The Glen Ridge Historical Society was founded in 1977 with the goal of maintaining and promoting the historical character of Glen Ridge. We are a voluntary membership organization that seeks to protect the town’s unique character and rich architectural history. The Society was the driving force behind the creation of the Glen Ridge Historic District, and we continue to educate the community about local history, and to preserve important historical resources.

Our annual schedule includes a walking tour in Glen Ridge each October; winter and spring programs on subjects such as local history, garden design, and antiques; and a holiday party each December at a historic Glen Ridge home. Past efforts include fundraising to install a wrought-iron fence and an antique gate at Freeman Gardens, the historically significant rose garden in Glen Ridge, and to place a gazebo near Toney’s Brook in the town center, near where a gazebo stood in Glen Ridge’s early days.

The Glen Ridge Historical Society also administers the Terry S. Webster Archives on the third floor of the Glen Ridge Congregational Church. The collection includes subject and biographical files, photographs, business directories, yearbooks and maps. It also includes files for nearly every building in Glen Ridge that serve as an important resource for those seeking to restore their homes with historical accuracy. Open hours are held the second Saturday of each month from 9:00 am -12:00 pm. Appointments at other times can be arranged at glenridgehistory.org.