Unearthing the Past: Surprising Histories of Essex County’s Riker Hill and West Essex Park in Livingston

Join us for an engaging talk exploring the fascinating, often surprising histories of Riker Hill Art Park and West Essex Park, both located in Livingston, NJ. From military missile sites to ancient fossils, these parks have evolved through various phases of use, and their stories reflect the rich, layered history of the land itself.

Riker Hill Art Park, now a beloved space for art and culture, was once a key site for the U.S. Army’s Nike missile defense system during the Cold War. The park’s transformation from military installation to public art venue is just one chapter in its colorful history. You’ll also learn about its legacy as a center for local artists and a place for creative expression.

West Essex Park, a peaceful green space today, has an equally varied past. Before becoming a park, the land was home to family farms, and in the 19th century, it served as a site for a popular tavern that drew visitors from across the region. The park’s historical layers reveal how the area evolved over time, from agricultural land to a public recreational space enjoyed by modern-day visitors.

Parks come from all different types of land and properties. Some are wetlands, some are former farmlands, and others, like Riker Hill and West Essex, have been shaped by their use during different historical periods. From Nike missiles to dinosaurs, from taverns to amusement parks, the histories of these parks have a little something for everyone.

Maressa McFarlane, the Archivist and Local Arts and History Coordinator for the Essex County Parks Department, will guide you through these stories. With over 20 years of experience in public history in New Jersey, Maressa brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the past and present of Essex County’s green spaces.