Vreeland Homestead

Vreeland Homestead is a stone house in Nutley featuring walls built from locally quarried brownstone and a two-story wooden addition constructed during the 1800s. The structure displays a blend of earlier stone construction and later frame work, reflecting how the family expanded the building over time.

The house was built after 1751 for Hendrick van Giesen and later passed through several owners, including Captain Abraham Speer in 1783. This chain of ownership reflects how the property remained important to different families settling in Essex County.

The property served as a gathering place for local women starting in 1923, who met here regularly for community activities. This social role remains visible in the rooms arranged for meetings and shared events.

The property is managed by the Nutley Historical Society and welcomes visitors who want to learn more about the building. Check ahead for visiting hours and any special programs or tours that might be happening during your planned visit.

The building displays a rare blend of Colonial and Dutch Colonial architectural elements, reflecting early settlement patterns shaped by Dutch families in the region. This architectural combination is uncommon in Essex County and tells the story of the area's early roots.