Here stands Liberty Hall. It is more than just a building. It is a chronicle of American history.
William Livingston planned a country home here in 1760. He bought 120 acres in Elizabethtown New Jersey. Elizabethtown was a sleepy town then. It was just across the river from his New York home. For twelve years, Livingston developed the grounds. He built gardens and orchards. He oversaw the building of a fourteen-room Georgian-style home. In 1773, Livingston and his wife Susannah French moved to Liberty Hall full-time.
Livingston’s peace was short-lived. From 1774 to 1776, he served in the Continental Congress. He was also Brigadier General of the New Jersey militia. In 1776, Livingston became New Jersey’s first elected governor. The war years were difficult. Livingston was always on the run from British troops. After the war in 1783, he returned home. His home was heavily damaged. Both British and American troops caused the damage.
Livingston pursued his love of gardening while governing. He utilized the labor of free and enslaved people. Livingston served as governor for fourteen years. He is credited with making the New Jersey governorship strong.
When William Livingston died, Liberty Hall passed to his son. His son was Henry Brockholst Livingston. Henry sold the house in 1798. His primary residence was in New York. Liberty Hall had several owners.
In 1811, Peter Kean purchased the estate. He purchased it for his mother Susan Livingston Kean Niemcewicz. Susan was Governor Livingston’s niece. They were the first Kean family members to live at Liberty Hall. Susan’s first husband was John Kean. He was a merchant from Charleston South Carolina. John Kean served in the Second Continental Congress. President George Washington made Kean the first Cashier of the Bank of the United States.
In 1800, Susan married Count Julian Ursin Niemcewicz. He was a Polish nobleman. Niemcewicz returned to Europe in 1809. Susan renamed the estate Ursino. She honored her husband.
In 1833, John Kean, Susan’s grandson, inherited the estate. Over sixty years, Colonel John Kean transformed Ursino. It went from a fourteen-room house to a fifty-room mansion. He invested in banks, railroads, and public utilities.
In 1925, Captain John Kean married Mary Alice Barney. She loved art and American history. When Captain Kean inherited Liberty Hall in 1932, the couple researched its history. They brought together family antiques. After the Captain’s death, Mrs. Kean transformed the house into a museum.
In 1973, Mrs. Kean restored the name to Liberty Hall. It honored its designation as a National Historic Landmark. She wanted Liberty Hall preserved. Today, Liberty Hall stands as a testament to her vision. It is a testament to her passion for history. The Liberty Hall Museum is located on the Liberty Hall Campus of Kean University.
Liberty Hall has been home to influential people. These people include William Livingston and Alexander Hamilton. Visitors included George Washington and John Jay. Each room echoes with stories of the past. Can you hear them?