Liberty Hall Museum

Member Mondays: Bearing Witness, Uncovering the Enslaved at Liberty Hall Tour
2026-06-01 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Liberty Hall Museum, 1003 Morris Ave., Union, NJ, 07083, United States
Liberty Hall is extending its tour hours, just for members! Take a special tour of Liberty Hall and learn the stories of the enslaved individuals who lived and labored at the historic home and on its grounds. Using letters, census records, manumission contracts, and even grave sites in Elizabeth, uncover the stories of Abbe, Belle, Lambert, Henry, Sarah, Peter, and others. Learn about the ongoing research at Liberty Hall and Kean University as we give voice and narrative to the individuals who were once enslaved at this historic home.
Reservations required. Members-only tour.
Not a member? Please click on the Membership tab on our website, libertyhall.kean.edu, and see how you can become one!

Children's Tour of Liberty Hall!
2026-06-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-05 13:00 - 14:00
Give your child a hands-on experience with history at Liberty Hall! Join us on the 1st Sunday of the month for Children’s Tour Day! Our special children’s tour offers your little ones an engaging, personal experience of life from the 1700s through the 1990s. This fun, hands-on tour also includes a history scavenger hunt! Do you think your child is up for the challenge?
Recommended for children in 1st-5th grade. Reservations recommended. Walk-ins welcome.

Afternoon Tea in the Gardens
2026-06-07 14:00 - 16:00
Back by popular demand, enjoy our tremendously popular tea service outside in our beautiful gardens! In the grand tradition of Mrs. Susannah French Livingston, the first lady of the house, join Liberty Hall for its exquisite Afternoon Tea. The tea includes a sumptuous selection of scones, assorted pastries, traditional finger sandwiches, and the freshest of fruit. As you enjoy your afternoon tea experience, relax beside our beautiful garden and take in our breathtaking views. A 1st-floor tour of The Museum at Liberty Hall, featuring a “Colonial Garden Tour,” follows the tea.
Reservations required.

Guided Garden Tour
2026-06-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:00
Come learn the history of our historic gardens. Discover how each generation of residents added to the exquisite planting schemes William Livingston laid out, and a truly unique garden took shape, making Liberty Hall a living archive of over 250 years of American garden design.
Reservations Required. Space is limited.

Architecture Tour of Liberty Hall
2026-06-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-12 13:00 - 14:00
Liberty Hall has witnessed over 250 years of American and New Jersey history. Over that time, the main house has undergone many changes, from its original 14-room building to the current 50-room structure. Join us on the second Sunday of the month for a special architecture tour that explores the many changes to the main house and the architectural styles of the time.
Reservations suggested; walk-ins welcome.

Bearing Witness: Uncovering the Enslaved of Liberty Hall
2026-06-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-19 13:00 - 14:00
Take a special tour of Liberty Hall and learn the stories of the enslaved individuals who lived and labored at the historic home and on its grounds. Using letters, census records, manumission contracts, and even grave sites in Elizabeth, uncover the stories of Abbe, Belle, Lambert, Henry, Sarah, Peter, and others. Learn about the ongoing research at Liberty Hall and Kean University as we give voice and narrative to the individuals who were once enslaved at this historic home.
Reservations encouraged.

Guided Garden Tour and Boxed Lunch
2026-06-23 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-30 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-07 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-14 11:00 - 13:00
Every Tuesday this summer, we will offer a boxed lunch add-on for our 11:00 a.m. guided garden tour. The boxed lunch will be served at noon, following the garden tour. Lunch will be served at a picnic table in our lovely garden reserved just for you!
Reservations for the boxed lunch add-on option must be made at least five (5) days in advance of the event. We will email you to select your sandwich choices once the reservation has been made.
Reservations required.

New Jersey State Historical Marker Program Unveiling at Liberty Hall!
2026-06-23 11:00 - 2026-06-24 12:40
Join us in person to celebrate the unveiling of the New Jersey State Historical Marker Program at historic Liberty Hall. Discover fascinating stories from our past and see the new marker that brings history to life. Afterward, join us for some light refreshments and an optional 1st-floor tour of Liberty Hall. It’s a fantastic way to connect with our state’s heritage as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!

Uncork History: Uncork History: Travel Around Liberty Hall-250 Years of Transportation.
2026-06-24 18:30 - 20:30
Enjoy our summer series in the garden and join us for Uncork History: Travel Around Liberty Hall-250 Years of Transportation. How did society go from using horse and carriages to cars? Take a stroll around Liberty Hall Museum as we explore the history of transportation and get a closer look at some of the museum’s modes of transportation still on the property. Afterward, relax in our historic gardens with wine and finger foods, as the sun sets. It’s perfect for a late spring date night or a night out with friends!
Light refreshments served. Reservations Required. Must be 21 years or older to attend.

Guided House Tour and Boxed Lunch
2026-06-25 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-09 11:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-16 11:00 - 13:00
This summer, every Thursday, we will offer a boxed lunch add-on for our 11 am guided house tour. The boxed lunch will be served at noon after the house tour. Lunch will be at a picnic table in our beautiful gardens, reserved just for you!
Reservations for the boxed lunch add-on must be made at least five days in advance. We will email you the sandwich choices once your reservation is confirmed.
Reservations required.

Sunset Stroll Garden Tour
2026-06-25 19:00 - 20:00
Promenade our gardens and arboretum under the backdrop of a crimson sky and setting summer sun, and join us for a guided Sunset Stroll. Join us to learn more about our historic gardens!
Reservations Required.

Ladies of Liberty Hall Tour
2026-06-28 13:00 - 14:00
From Susan Livingston, daughter of Governor Livingston, whose daring exploits saved Liberty Hall from the British during the Revolutionary War, to Abbe, an enslaved woman who attempted to self-emancipate (free herself), to Mary Alice Barney Kean, who worked tirelessly for the preservation of our historic structures, the ladies of Liberty Hall have played an important role in the history of our community and our nation. This special tour of Liberty Hall, held on the fourth Sunday of the month, highlights the incredible women who lived and labored in this historic home.
Reservations suggested; walk-ins welcome.

250th Family Fun Day: 250 Years of the Great Outdoors!
2026-06-28 13:00 - 14:30
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with our Liberty Learners 250th Family Fun Day series! Liberty Hall Arboretum is home to one of the oldest trees in New Jersey! What other secrets does our garden hold? Join us for a Liberty Learners Adventure to hunt around our gardens to find our animal friends, the habitats that they call home, and the plants, trees, and flowers that make up our gardens!
Reservations are suggested and recommended for grades 1st through 5th.

Toddler Time at Liberty Hall: 4th of July Jubilee!
2026-07-01 08:00 - 17:00
Red, White, and Toddler Time! Come and party with us like it’s 1776. This “sparkling” spectacular will have “fireworks”, ” apple pie”, and colonial style dress-up! Tiny tots will get their fill of stars, stripes, and smiles. We will end the celebration at a toddler-sized George Washington tent!
Recommended for ages 2 to 4 years. Pay your age! Accompanying adults are $5. Reservations required.

Maker Mondays at Liberty Hall: Independence Day!
2026-07-06 10:00 - 14:00
Celebrate Independence Day on Maker Monday!
Please drop in to our makerspace for Fourth of July-themed activities and crafts. Make and build what you wish and stay as long as you like! This program is designed for students in grades 1 through 5, and a caregiver or guardian must accompany children. You are also welcome to pack a snack or lunch and use one of our picnic tables or benches in our garden.
Reservations suggested, walk-ins accepted.

Toddler Time at Liberty Hall: Teddy Bear Picnic
2026-07-08 10:30 - 11:30
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, please sit down…for a picnic with me!
Invite your little one’s favorite teddy bear, pack their favorite snacks, and join us for a “beary” fun picnic in our lovely gardens. We will provide the iced tea and lemonade. What do teddy bears do at a picnic? Do they drink tea? Do they comb their fur? Tiny Tots’ imagination will let us know! Completing the picnic fun will be teddy bear games, dancing, and story time!
Recommended for ages 2 to 4 years. Pay your age! Accompanying adults are $5—reservations required.

Colonial Olympic Games & Ice Cream Social at Liberty Hall
2026-07-11 13:00 - 15:00
Who doesn’t enjoy a good old-fashioned family fun day? Join us for our Colonial Olympic Games and Ice Cream Social Day! Colonial Games were widely enjoyed by children and inspired some of the toys and games we play today. Explore and learn about what children played with, and enjoy a family-friendly competition in the lovely gardens of Liberty Hall. Afterward, to celebrate your victory, join us for a yummy good time at our Ice Cream Social! I scream, you scream…we all scream for Ice Cream!
Recommended for all ages! No experience necessary.
Reservations Required.

Maker Mondays at Liberty Hall: Fairy Tails
2026-07-13 10:00 - 14:00
Meet the fairies of Liberty Hall on Maker Monday!
Drop in to our makerspace to build a fairy house, paint a fairy door, make a fairy magic wand, and more! Make and build what you wish and stay as long as you like! This program is designed for students in grades 1 through 5, and a caregiver or guardian must accompany children. You are also welcome to pack a snack or lunch and use our picnic tables or benches in our garden.
Reservations suggested, walk-ins welcome.

Member Mondays: Crown to Country (New Date!)
2026-07-13 19:00 - 20:00
**New Date**
Liberty Hall is extending its tour hours, just for members! Have you ever wondered what we teach the school students who visit Liberty Hall? Take a special abbreviated take on one of our most popular school programs, Crown to Country. Join us just two days after America turns 250 and learn about how and why we became American in this celebration of our country’s history. This tour includes hands-on activities and is a member-exclusive experience!
Reservations required. Members-only tour.
Not a member? Please click on the Membership tab on our website, libertyhall.kean.edu, and see how you can become one!

Toddler Time: ENCANTO Magic!
2026-07-15 10:30 - 11:30
Join the “magical” world of ENCANTO!! Little ones will love to wander Isabela’s beautiful flower garden, explore Antonio’s rainforest friends, and get creative like Mirabel with her colorful doodles. We will definitely be “talking about” the enchanted visions the Tiny Tots will search for in Bruno’s sand. Will they have the strength, like Luisa, to lift some donkeys? Come and join the fun at “Casita” Liberty Hall!
Recommended for ages 2 to 4. Pay your age! Accompanying adults are $5.
Reservations Required.
