Liberty Hall Museum

History comes alive at Liberty Hall Museum, where rich history seeps into this elegant historic house museum.

Set on originally 120 lushly appointed acres and expanded from its original 14-room Georgian-style home to today’s 50-room mansion, visitors enjoy a fully transformative experience before seeing their first piece of antique furniture, ceramic, or textile.

What is Liberty Hall
Exhibits
Events
Gardens
FAQ

What is Liberty Hall?

William Livingston hadn’t intended for Liberty Hall to become a museum when he started purchasing land in Elizabethtown in 1760. In 1772, the construction of Liberty Hall began with Livingston’s moving in, in 1774. However, when the war broke out, he was called to the front lines, and his homestead was left to the battlefields of war.

Returning to the Georgian-style house, he found it chipped, battered, and bruised — the consequence of combat. But his efforts on the warfront brought life to the USA. He signed the Constitution, fought for freedom, and was elected the first governor of New Jersey.

The house was passed on to Livingston's son, who sold the home outside of his family, but Liberty Hall would later find its way back into the Livingston family. After almost 15 years, Susan Livingston Kean Niemcewicz, Livingston’s niece, would purchase the property.

By the time it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973, the Liberty Hall residence had built quite an impressive resume. Built by a signer of the United States Constitution, the house welcomed two members of the Second Continental Congress as well as two United States senators.

Liberty Hall would not exist without the labor of enslaved individuals who lived and labored on the property until 1830. Learn more about Liberty Hall's history through the museum's website, which features a detailed history of the building.

Now, the museum stands as a pillar of over 250 years of American history, housing evidence of the country's rich past, from antiques and historic items to furniture, ceramics, toys, and more.

Exhibits

Step back in time with rare artifacts and memorabilia at Liberty Hall Museum, where there's something new to learn for everyone in the sprawling halls and grounds. Discover historically significant documents and tools, as well as toys, and pieces that more than two centuries' worth of New Jersey royalty wore, ate from, or relaxed on.

During your visit, take the time to read about Liberty Hall's latest permanent exhibit, "Bearing Witness: Uncovering the Enslaved at Liberty Hall." The exhibit is woven into the educational plaques throughout the museum and honors the enslaved people who also lived at Liberty Hall.

Liberty Hall always has a new way to explore the history of the building and of America. Keep your eye on their niche tours, like their architecture tour, sunset garden tour, Ladies of Liberty Hall tour, and more!

Events

Pictured Liberty Hall Museum

You can enjoy one of Liberty Hall Museum’s scheduled events, from a murder mystery night to a pumpkin patch gingerbread house workshop. For a more relaxing yet sumptuous experience, try the guided house or garden tour, followed by a boxed lunch at the picnic tables—reserved just for you. This seasonal program runs every Tuesday for the garden tour and Thursday for the house tour during the summer.

Also, check out Liberty Hall’s recurring Maker Mondays at Liberty Hall for kids with a new theme taking place every Monday in July and August. Liberty Hall Museum also offers a program for younger children, with a Toddler Time program, with a new theme every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in July and August.

For more upcoming events, stay tuned on Liberty Hall Museum's events calendar and Eventbrite.

Gardens

Credit Liberty Hall Museum

The Herb Garden awakens the senses with wafts of basil, echinacea, rosemary, bee balm, and others. Looking for a challenge? The English Maze parterre garden’s full-length puzzle provides layered views of the estate’s seasonal blooms.

Ahead of its time at the time, the Serpentine Path adds a sense of wonder as you meander through the grounds. The Flowers & Rose Garden tops off the outside portion of your day, boasting centuries-strong, rare rose blooms and a supporting cast of lilies, oleander, sunflowers, and hydrangeas, along with greenhouse plants.

Take a self-guided garden tour and take in the tranquil ambience, Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Guided Garden tours take place on the 2nd Sunday of every month, April through October.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Liberty Hall Museum open?

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM - 3 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM - 3 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM - 3 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM - 3 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM - 3 PM

When can I get a tour of the museum?

Tours are held from April to December at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. Although reservations are preferred, walk-ins are welcome. To purchase tickets, click here.

Museum tours typically last an hour, and group tickets (minimum of 10) can be purchased together.

How much do tickets cost?

  • KU Alumni: $12
  • KU Faculty & Students: Free
  • Adult: $14
  • Seniors: $10
  • College Students: $10
  • Kids: $10
  • Liberty Hall Museum Member: Free

If I don't want a tour, can I still explore the museum?

Tours of the museum are led by museum educators only at scheduled tour times. Visitors are more than welcome to wander the property for a $5 grounds fee.

Where is parking available?

Liberty Hall Museum has a parking lot located near its visitor's center. Like the gardens, this is made up of a gravel surface.

Consider taking NJ Transit? The museum has service via bus and train.

Is the Liberty Hall Museum accessible?

The garden grounds' walkways are gravel and are not ADA-compliant. The museum was recently granted funding to develop accessible paths for those who need accommodations, but as of May 2026, these alterations are not yet underway.

Because the building was constructed over 100 years ago, accessibility is limited throughout the museum. The basement of the building has limited accessibility accommodations. However, the other floors are not accessible at all.

What campus is the Liberty Hall Museum on?

Liberty Hall Museum is on Kean University's campus in Union, New Jersey.

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