Crane Homestead

Purpose and Goals

 

The Historical Society of West Caldwell, founded in February 1977, grew out of the Caldwell-West Caldwell Bicentennial Committee. Since 1983, this non-profit 501(c)3 member supported organization has been housed in the Zenas Crane Homestead, owned by the Township of West Caldwell.

The Society's aims are to collect and interpret as well as preserve local history. We have designated and intervened to save historic sites. At our headquarters, the Zenas Crane Homestead, we have a growing collection of pictures, manuscripts, 19th and 20th century textiles and clothing, Victorian era artifacts and items of local interest.

Programs and Activities

Tours, lectures, workshops, and trips

  • Programs for schools and organizations

  • Repository for local and family history including:

    • Photographs​

    • Manuscripts

    • Audio recordings (analog and digital)

    • Textiles

Recipient of grants from Essex County Cultural and Historic Affairs ​and general operating support from the New Jersey Historical Commission - a division of the Department of State.

Annual social events and fund raisers are held at the Homestead. The Society is a member of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey and the League of Historical Societies of West Essex.