Liberty Hall Museum
Introduction
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Liberty Hall Museum is a nationally-significant historic home dating back to the Colonial era. It was built in 1773 by William Livingston, one of the most important (and nationally-known) political figures in New Jersey. The Georgian-style home, which is a National Historic Landmark, is larger than it was initially but the original portion of the house still remains. William Livingston served as New Jersey governor from 1776-1790, which coincided with the Revolutionary War, and as such was often on the run from pursuing British forces. He also was a member of the 1st and 2nd Continental Congress and served as a brigadier general of the New Jersey militia during the war (both American and British forces heavily damaged his home). Several famous American figures of the period visited the home including George and Martha Washington, Lewis Morris (a signer of the Declaration of the Independence), and the Marquis de Lafayette (the French military officer who served on the side of the Americans in the war). Today, the home features period furniture, clothing, paintings, historical artifacts, books, and other items such as an invitation to Abraham Lincoln's inauguration.
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Backstory and Context
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John Kean, the nephew of William's wife, Susannah, inherited Liberty Hall in 1833. Kean, who was a successful investor in various enterprises such as banks and railroads, expanded the house to the size it is today. He and his wife had 11 children (nine survived to adulthood). Two sons became politicians; one served in the House of Representatives and the Senate and the other in the Senate.
Sources
Snell, Charles. "Governor William Livingston House, 'Liberty Hall'." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. November 28, 1972. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/1f110d87-0b27-4c96-ad5d-f066d52f946a.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons