Frelinghuysen Township:
Shaping American history since 1740.
Our Mission
The Frelinghuysen Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Frelinghuysen Township. Our work centers on maintaining the historical integrity of this area, from its Lenape origins, to its colonial foundations under Dutch and British rule, to its present-day status as one of the last remaining rural gems in New Jersey. We strive to engage and educate our community and visitors about our enduring heritage and its role in America's agricultural, environmental and historical narrative.
Our Story
Frelinghuysen Township is a beautiful rural town with a deep and ancient history. Inhabited for thousands of years by the Lenape Native Americans, the area was once known to be a sacred and deeply abundant land.
It was first settled by Europeans in 1740, and established as the County Seat due to its significance as a stronghold of agricultural businesses and mills. Today, Frelinghuysen’s rich history lives on in its people.
Our town is comprised of four hamlets, each with its own fascinating history.
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Johnsonburg
Johnsonburg was the first county seat of the newly formed Sussex County in 1753, then known as Logg Gaol.
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Marksboro
The village of Marksboro was first established by Colonel Mark Thomson, whose house still stands today.
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Southtown
An idyllic enclave of rolling farmland, Southtown has a…
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Ebeneezer
Ebeneezer’s history is steeped in…
Meet our Historians.
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Debbie Natyzak
Historical Society President Debbie Natyzak founded this organization in 198X, and is a lifelong keeper of local ancestral knowledge.
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Laura Brill
Treasurer Laura Brill is a widely known local surveyor with a passion for history. Her knowledge spans every inch of our precious town.
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Scott Lance
Scott Lance is one of the State’s leading historians of the Washington Crossing, and leads the iconic reenactment year after year.
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Drew
Drew is a writer, a surveyor and a historian. His interests include the restoration of historical buildings, such as his own pre-Revolutionary home.
Explore our Digital Library
The Historical Society is pleased to present to a you a digital library of our town’s pre-Revolutionary history—made possible by a generous grant from Warren County.
Voices of the Land
Hear Historical Society President Debbie Natyzak share her perspective on Frelinghuysen’s land, people and environment.
Warren County Deeds
Explore our digital library of deeds from Warren County, which first split off from Sussex County in 1825.
Directory of Ancestors
Search our digital Directory of Ancestors for names of local residents who have lived in Frelinghuysen throughout the ages.
Historical Maps
Curious to see what your street looked like in the past? Check out our interactive historical maps.
Sussex County Deeds
Explore our digital library of deeds from Sussex County, which was originally established in 1753.
Gallery
Take a look at a photo gallery of Frelinghuysen throughout its history, catching a glimpse into its deep culture.
