Located on one of the oldest and most historic sites in New Jersey, the Academy of Elizabethtown traces its roots to the founding of the city in 1664. A meetinghouse for the first settlers was built where the First Presbyterian Church now stands. Community meetings, worship services, and school were held there. The cemetery quickly came into being, holding the remains of the colony’s first governor, Philip Carteret.

As the community prospered, the meetinghouse was replaced with an actual church building and the church obtained the property rights to expand the cemetery. By the 1750’s the need for and interest in secondary education prompted church leaders to build a modest school called the “Academy” about 200 yards from the church. Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton were among the first pupils of the Academy.

The building, along with the church and much of the city, was burned in 1780 during the Revolutionary War. Several structures replaced the first Academy over time, concluding with the construction of what they called the “Parish House” in 1917.

Dedicated to serving the needs of the city of Elizabeth, the Parish House hosted numerous community events, artistic performances, and classes in many subjects. In later years, families in special need were fed weekly.

The Parish House deteriorated over time, and portions fell out of use. However, in 2005, a grant from the Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Foundation enabled a vast restoration project that is bringing the Parish House, Cemetery, and Church, back to prime operating condition. Administered by the Old First Historic Trust (a 501(c)(3) non-profit), the Academy seeks to serve the diverse and growing population of Elizabeth, NJ and beyond.

In mid-2012, the Academy of Elizabethtown will reopen to serve the city and region. In honor of its creators and original mission, it is reclaiming the name “Academy” as we hope to keep the spirit of learning, growth, and service alive in Elizabeth and beyond.