A Hundred Years of Safeguarding Chatham’s Past
The Chatham Historical Society
The Chatham Historical Society (CHS) is celebrating its centennial in 2024 with events, activities and celebrations planned for the entire year. The kick-off event “For the Love of Chatham” will take place on January 28th at 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Library of the Chathams. The public is invited to toast with champagne and cookies to Chatham’s rich history.
The CHS was incorporated on January 25, 1924, with a roster of 218 members. By 1929, donations to the society included mill ledgers from the 1770’s, domestic artifacts of early colonial life, records of property and surveys, items of the Revolution especially Shepard Kollock’s New Jersey Journals, and photographs of people and life in Chatham.
In an effort to share the town’s rich history, the society has organized and participated in many events with members and the public. Every year, CHS hosts free programs at the Library of the Chathams along with a joint program with the Chatham Township Historical Society. The society participates in the July 4th parade as well as the Fishawack Festival to enlighten the public about the town’s early beginnings.
The CHS has a long history of collaborating with local schools. Every year the Margaret Keisler Scholarship of $1,500 is awarded to a graduating senior. The CHS has also provided the High School with photographs depicting school life in the early 20th century. Art students and musicians from the high school have enhanced annual dinners and the holiday parties with their contributions of their work. The CHS has worked with the ECLC School coordinating various events and programs. Society mailings and newsletters are fulfilled by ECLC students in the SKIL (Seeking Knowledge for Independent Living) department.
In December, when Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Chatham’s Gazebo, the society provides and serves hot chocolate. To celebrate the Chatham Train Stations Centennial, the society and 1,127 official attendees blew whistles and made Chatham, NJ an official Guinness World Record holder. The Dani McCulloch House History Program continues to provide guidance to residents seeking historic recognition for their homes.
The Historical Society is planning multiple events for the centennial. They include resurrecting the Cemetery Tour along with a Porch Reading event, the first president’s returning visit, a float for the 4th of July, program speaker Journalist, Author and Pulitzer Prize Finalist Mark Di Ionno, and a celebratory party. Information on the upcoming events can be found at Chathamnjhistoricalsociety.com. Anyone interested in helping out with the events can email at chathamnjhistory@gmail.com. Society is looking for designers, organizers, artists, actors, worker bees, and creative individuals to join the fun!
