History of the Society
The Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society was established in 1971 through the initiative of the Junior Friday Club, a volunteer organizationof young women dedicated to serving the Hightstown and East Windsor Communities. The Society’s founding coincided with Hightstown’s 250th anniversary, a milestone that sparked renewed interest in preserving and celebrating the area’s unique heritage.
Recognizing the need for an organization devoted exclusively to local history and historic preservation, the Junior Friday Club took the lead in bringing the Society to life. As a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Junior Friday Club worked alongside other organizations and community members to identify and address local needs.
Board of Trustees 2026 HEWHS
Scott Caster
Hightstown, NJ
Retired business owner, Photographer
Former Hightstown Council Member and Borough Mayor
HEWHS member
Gary Grubb
Hightstown, NJ
Retired
Downtown Hightstown, Inc. Board of Directors
Member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Environmental Commission, and Hightstown-East Windsor Improvement Project (HEWIP)
HEWHS member
Nancy Laudenberger
Hightstown, NJ
rise | A Community Service Partnership Board President
HEWHS Life member
Shirley Olsen
Hightstown, NJ
Retired Real Estate Agent
Recording Secretary for the Hightstown Women’s Club, The Friday Club, Garden Club and the HEWHS
HEWHS Life member
Mairead Thompson
Hightstown, NJ
Assistant Business Administrator Borough of Hightstow
Strategic Plan (April 2026)
Mission Statement
The mission of the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society, established in 1971, is to educate the public about the history of Hightstown Borough and East Windsor Township and to preserve and share photographs, objects, publications, and the historic Ely House and Freight Station (Camden-Amboy/ Pennsylvania Railroad).
Vision Statement
The Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society’s vision is to foster an active understanding and pride in the rich heritage of two towns, our community.
Strategic Planning
Over the past 50 years the Hightstown-East Windsor Historical Society has focused on the restoration and stewardship of the Ely House (1850) and historic Freight station, expanding its archive and museum collections and offering engaging programs that celebrate local history.
In December of 2025, the Society conducted a Strengths, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats (SWOT) survey of the Society membership. Those responses helped to guide the Strategic Planning Committee (made up of three Society members) in the development of this 3-year Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan is essential to ensure progress and continued focus on the mission of the Society. The Officers and the Board of Trustees agreed to the following goals for successful long-term planning.
1. Strengthen the financial health of the Society
2. Undertake maintenance, structural, and parking projects of our facilities (Ely House, Station/Library)
3. Increase recognition and awareness of the Society at the local, county, and state levels
4. Increase Museum programming and public access to the library
