Madison Historical Society
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A group of very civic-minded citizens founded The Madison Historical Society in 1922. They were committed to saving one of the most historic structures in Madison, the Bottle Hill Tavern. The tavern stood on the corner of Main St. and Waverly Place where the Chase Bank now stands. The Historical Society originally comprised twenty-three charter members but within a year rapidly grew to eighty-two, twenty seven of whom were life members. Today, the Society has well over 150 members.
OUR MISSION:
To collect, preserve, and share Madison’s rich history in a way that is accessible and relevant to all. Through our extensive collection of historical materials, engaging exhibits, community and educational programs, and events, we aim to inspire pride, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of our shared past. We strive to create a lasting legacy that fosters community connections and encourages ongoing exploration and learning for future generations.
OUR VISION:
To be the trusted guardian and ambassador of Madison’s rich history, preserving the stories of our past and sharing them with present and future generations, in our community and beyond. We strive to inspire curiosity and pride in the community, and a lifelong passion for learning and discovery, through resource materials, engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events that celebrate our heritage and honor the contributions of those who have shaped our town. As history continues to unfold, we strive to stay relevant and active, and to strengthen community bonds and create a sense of connection that transcends time.
History of the Madison Historical Society
In 1819, Morris County Militia Colonel Stephen D. Hunting purchased the original site of the tavern and erected an inn/tavern on-site. Patrons know the structure through the years as many different names. Names included: the Waverly House, the Madison House, and the Bottle Hill Tavern. In 1825 the Marquis de Lafayette visited the Tavern. Lafayette was a French military officer who served under George Washington in the Continental Army.
In 1922, the First National Bank purchased the site where the Bottle Hill Tavern was located. They intended to use it for a new building and to tear down the old tavern. Led by Mrs. Calvin Anderson, Mrs. Anderson Case, Mrs. Fitshugh C. Speer, Lloyd W. Smith and Arthur W. Buttenheim, members completed a successful fundraising effort to pay for the cost of moving the Tavern to a location further down Main Street. After the move took place in 1923, it became the home for the Historical Society until the late 1940s when the Society moved to the Madison Public Library that now houses the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.
In the late 1950s, the historical collection of the Society was for a time homeless and had to be dispersed. We placed some items in storage, many put on permanent loan in local museums, and some returned to their donors. The Historical Society held meetings in the YMCA. Currently the Historical Society is housed in The Local History Center at the Madison Public Library.
