County of Union, New JerseyThis page will be updated as announcements are made
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and visitors to step inside the places where local history happened during Four Centuries in a Weekend, Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, more than 30 historic sites across Union County will open their doors free of charge for tours, exhibits, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
“Union County did not simply witness American history. Our communities, residents and landmarks helped shape it,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As our nation celebrates 250 years, Four Centuries in a Weekend gives us a special opportunity to walk through the places where that history unfolded and to share those stories with a new generation. I encourage families to choose a few sites, bring their history passports and make a weekend of exploring our County together.”
This year’s program celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States, while exploring the people, places and stories that shaped Union County before, during and after the American Revolution.
Visitors can explore Revolutionary War sites, colonial-era homes, historic cemeteries, museums, a 1928 vaudeville theater, one of the nation’s earliest Black-owned country clubs, an observatory and other landmarks. Costumed interpreters, guided tours, archival displays, traditional crafts, live music and activities for children will bring different periods of Union County’s history to life.
“What makes Four Centuries in a Weekend so memorable is that every stop offers something different,” said Union County Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca L. Williams, liaison to the Union County Cultural and Heritage Programs Advisory Board. “You may hear a story you never knew, see an artifact that changes how you understand your hometown or watch your child become excited about history through a hands-on activity. I thank our local historians, site stewards and volunteers for opening these treasured places and making the past feel personal, welcoming and alive.”
2026 Program Highlights
All participating sites will offer a free Union County History Passport that visitors can stamp at each stop. Several locations within the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area will also offer a special stamp for the Passport to Your National Parks book. Collectible Union County History Trading Cards highlighting notable people, places and events will be available at participating sites, with more than 80 cards to collect.
Hours vary at several locations, and some sites are open on Saturday or Sunday only. Visitors should review the complete schedule before planning their route.
Participating Sites
For the complete schedule, addresses, site-specific hours and activity details, visit www.ucnj.org/4c or contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or 908-558-2550.
Four Centuries in a Weekend is organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, within the Department of Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with the staff and volunteers of participating historic sites, and is sponsored by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union recuerda a los residentes las últimas jornadas de la temporada 2026 dedicadas a la destrucción móvil de documentos y a la recolección de residuos domésticos peligrosos. También se han programado dos fechas en octubre para el reciclaje de chatarra. Los tres programas son gratuitos para los residentes del condado de Union.
“Estos eventos facilitan a los residentes deshacerse de materiales no deseados y eliminarlos de manera adecuada”, señaló el presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union, Joseph C. Bodek. “Ya sea que tenga documentos confidenciales, chatarra o productos químicos domésticos de los que quiera deshacerse, le animo a consultar el calendario de octubre y aprovechar estos programas gratuitos antes de que finalice la temporada”.
Las dos últimas jornadas de destrucción de documentos se llevarán a cabo de 9:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m., independientemente de las condiciones meteorológicas, o hasta que los camiones trituradores alcancen su capacidad máxima:
El programa está dirigido exclusivamente a los residentes del condado de Union y no está abierto a empresas. Existe un límite de cuatro bolsas o cajas por vehículo, y cada una de ellas no debe pesar más de 10 libras.
Solo se aceptarán documentos personales confidenciales o de carácter sensible. Las revistas, la publicidad por correo y otros papeles que no contengan información sensible deben desecharse a través de los programas municipales de reciclaje. Se solicita a los residentes que retiren las encuadernaciones, los clips grandes de plástico o metal y cualquier otro material que no sea papel antes de llegar al lugar. Se permiten las grapas. No se aceptará papel previamente triturado ni papel húmedo o mojado.
El servicio de reciclaje de chatarra estará disponible el jueves 1 de octubre y el sábado 17 de octubre, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 del mediodía, en las dos ubicaciones que se indican a continuación. Los residentes pueden acudir a cualquiera de los dos lugares en cualquiera de las fechas señaladas:
Entre los artículos aceptados se incluyen refrigeradores y congeladores (sin las puertas), gabinetes metálicos, electrodomésticos, bicicletas, chatarra de aluminio, aires acondicionados, hornos de microondas, lavadoras, secadoras, estufas, cercas metálicas, llantas (rines) y perchas de alambre.
El último evento de la temporada para la recolección de residuos domésticos peligrosos se llevará a cabo el domingo 25 de octubre, de 9:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m., en el estacionamiento del West Hall/Academia de Policía de las Escuelas Vocacionales-Técnicas del Condado de Union (Union County Vocational-Technical Schools), ubicado en 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.
Los residentes pueden llevar materiales domésticos aceptados, tales como pinturas y acabados a base de aceite, aceite y filtros de motor, gasolina, tanques de propano, productos químicos para piscinas, pesticidas y bombillas fluorescentes.
No se aceptarán pinturas de látex o a base de agua, objetos punzocortantes de uso médico ni cilindros de gas a presión para soldadura u oxígeno. La pintura de látex sobrante puede secarse en casa utilizando un endurecedor comercial para pintura, arena, arena para gatos o aserrín. Una vez completamente endurecida, puede desecharse junto con la basura doméstica habitual.
Todos los eventos de reciclaje del Condado de Union se realizan sin contacto físico y bajo la modalidad de entrega desde el vehículo (*drive-up*). Los residentes deben permanecer en sus vehículos mientras el personal retira los materiales de los maleteros. Estos eventos se financian mediante subvenciones de la Ley de Mejora del Reciclaje (*Recycling Enhancement Act*), que el Condado de Union solicita y recibe a través del Departamento de Protección Ambiental de Nueva Jersey.
Para consultar el calendario completo y obtener más información, visite www.ucnj.org/recycling o llame a la línea directa de reciclaje del Condado de Union al 908-654-9889. Los residentes también pueden comunicarse con el coordinador de reciclaje de su municipio. La aplicación gratuita Recycle Coach ofrece información sobre los programas de reciclaje municipales y de todo el condado, incluyendo los materiales aceptados, los horarios de recolección en la acera y las ubicaciones de los centros de entrega. Obtenga más información en www.ucnj.org/recycling/recycle-coach-app
The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that the Union County Family Clinic offers back-to-school vaccinations and Mantoux tuberculosis (TB) testing for uninsured individuals of all ages. Wellness visits are also available for babies and children up to age 5!
Eligible Union County residents who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by Medicaid Plan A can access these important health services.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and required documentation, please visit https://ucnj.org/union-county-family-clinic/
The Union County Board of Elections is seeking residents to serve as poll workers for the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Poll workers will earn $300 for the day.
Poll workers play an essential role in ensuring that Election Day runs smoothly and that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot. The workday begins at 5:15 a.m. and continues until at least 8:15 p.m., after the polls close.
Any Union County resident age 16 or older may apply. Applicants who are 18 or older must be registered to vote. Residents who are 16 or 17 years old may work an eight-hour shift on Election Day.
No previous experience is required. All new poll workers must attend a mandatory in-person training session before Election Day.
Applications may be submitted online at ucnj.org/pollworker. To request a paper application, call the Union County Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.
Additional poll worker resources are available at ucnj.org/pollworker. For more information about the Union County Board of Elections, visit ucnj.org/ucboe.
The November 3 election date and $300 Election Day compensation are consistent with information published by the New Jersey Division of Elections
Today’s Polish Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. will be moved indoors at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
Governor Mikie Sherrill has ordered U.S. and New Jersey flags to be flown at half-staff today in recognition and mourning of State Senator Barry Tallman Parker. In keeping with proper flag protocol, the County will hold today’s Polish Heritage ceremony indoors rather than conduct an outdoor flag raising.
We look forward to welcoming everyone this afternoon as we come together to celebrate Polish heritage, culture and contributions to Union County.
Trailside Nature & Science Center will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday, September 23 at 12:00 p.m. through Friday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. due to a scheduled conference being held at the facility.
Trailside will reopen to the public on Friday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming visitors back Friday afternoon
Please be advised the Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm weather permitting. Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside!
Join us for a fun day of fishing and outdoor recreation in partnership with the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club.
This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
This event is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.
For more information about the Fall Fishing Derby and other programs and events offered by the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn/ or call 908-527-4781.
Join the Union County Board of County Commissioners as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with our 2026 Flag Raising Ceremony!
Come together with us as we honor the cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities throughout Union County.
Wednesday, September 16
5:00 p.m.
Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth
Unidos, somos más. Together, we are more.
All are welcome!