Ambrose-Ward Mansion

The Ambrose-Ward Mansion is a three-story residence with Renaissance Revival architecture located on South Harrison Street, spanning approximately 12,500 square feet of interior space. The property sits on several acres and features ornate architectural details typical of late nineteenth-century grand homes.

The mansion was constructed in 1889 and changed hands multiple times, including ownership by Oliver De G. Vanderbilt and Harry Ambrose, president of American Book Company. Edgar B. Ward later acquired it and left his name as part of its lasting title.

The building became home to the Black United Fund of New Jersey in 1995 and continues to serve the community as a gathering place and resource center.

The building is situated on South Harrison Street and is accessible by public transportation available in East Orange. Visitors should check ahead about visiting arrangements since access times and conditions may vary throughout the year.

It stands as one of the few remaining mansions from a row of grand homes that once lined South Harrison Street during its heyday in the late nineteenth century. Its survival makes it a testament to the area's architectural heritage from that era.

Location: East Orange

Inception: 1889

Address: 132 South Harrison Street

GPS coordinates: 40.76420,-74.22220

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:00