This is an invitation for you and your family to become members of the Cranford Historical Society.
The Cranford Historical Society was founded by Wesley A. Stanger, Sr. and a group of local citizens interested in preserving the town’s unique history. Since its founding, the Society has been dedicated to the perpetuation of Cranford’s history by continuing to collect and document the town’s past. The Society was chartered by the State of New Jersey on February 17, 1927, as a non-profit educational organization.
The Cranford Historical Society maintains the Crane-Phillips House Museum which is our primary programming site. It is a prime example of the work of Victorian architect Andrew Jackson Downing, whose book, Victorian Cottage Residences, published in 1843, influenced American vernacular architecture. The museum was restored in 1998. A replica 19th Century kitchen was installed along with interior restoration. This Victorian cottage’s vibrant two toned green and red exterior trim with peach door were uncovered and restored. Cranford’s Third Grade students visit our museum annually to learn what life was like in the late 1870’s.
An average of 4,000 people a year visit the Museum which is across the street from the Cranford 9/11 Memorial. It is open on most Sundays from 2:00-4:00pm from September to May or during the week by appointment only. Admission is free but donations are happily accepted. If you have not visited the museum with your family, you are cordially invited to do so. The Museum was placed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places in 1997 and was named a “Save America’s Treasures” site by The White House in 1999.
The Society’s headquarters is located at Hanson House. It was the longtime home and office of Dr. Carl Hanson, a pediatrician, who opened his office here in 1934 and over the succeeding decades, provided care for hundreds of Cranford children. Dr. Hanson was a nationally recognized researcher in the field of strep throat. The Township purchased the property and then leased it to the Cranford Historical Society in 1990.
The Cranford Historical Society has maintained the Hanson House since 1990 and through a grants from Union County, matching funds from the Township of Cranford and the Society in addition to other donations; the Society (above) Hanson House. (above) Crane-Phillips House Museum. was able to have the Hanson House painted in 2011 in historical colors, green, cream trim and burgundy accents, to blend with nature. All new windows were installed, a needed stabilization.
In becoming members, you are aligning your family with one of the important educational organization in Cranford. We are in our 89th year and are looking forward to having you and your family becomes members of the Cranford Historical Society. You will help us in our goal of preserving and perpetuating the rich history of Cranford through our many programs and events.
Go online to cranfordhistoricalsociety.com where you can print and fill out our membership form and choose the annual dues of your choice. Make your checks payable to the Cranford Historical Society and mail it to 38 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, New Jersey 07016.
(above) Crane-Phillips House Museum.
(above) Hanson House.
