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Portrait of the Rose City: A History of Madison, New Jersey

In 1985, The Madison Heritage Trail: An Intimate History of a Community in Transition by Dr. Frank Esposito was published. At the time, it was the most complete and thorough chronological history of Madison ever written. Now, nearly 40 years later, it has a major update! The Madison Historical Society and the Madison Public Library Trustees, along with principal author Dr. Esposito, have edited portions of the original material and comprehensively updated our history to the present.

We are proud and excited to announce the publication of Portrait of the Rose City: A History of Madison, New Jersey, available to purchase in hardcover, paperback, and e-book now!

To purchase, select a selling platform below, and you will have the option to choose your book format on the site.

Praise for Portrait of the Rose City: A History of Madison, New Jersey

“Filled with over two hundred splendid images, A Portrait of the Rose City: A History of Madison, New Jersey is a carefully crafted chronicle that vividly describes the people, places, and events which have shaped an important and memorable community.” – William R. Chemerka, award-winning Madison High School history teacher (1973-2002) and multiple Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge Grant recipient

"I would recommend this book to Madison residents who want to become more aware of the borough's history. Portrait of the Rose City not only provides interesting historical details, it also attempts to place them in a larger context." – David Hanna, author of History Nation and Broken Icarus

"What a wonderful surprise: to discover this rich, colorful history I never knew about my hometown. From its founding in the 1600s to its modern-day vibrant community, Madison, NJ comes alive through engaging storytelling and photos in this spirited, meticulously researched book". – Daphne Kalotay, author of Russian Winter and The Archivists and Madison native.

Written by an acclaimed historian and committee of local experts, this book takes readers on an extraordinary journey into the heart of community, connection, resilience , and reinvention. It seamlessly weaves meticulous research and photos, with compelling storytelling to bring to life the exceptional community of Madison, New Jersey.

Portrait of the Rose City offers a fascinating account into how a community can grow from humble beginnings to play an integral role in some of the most important moments in this country’s history and to serve as a role model for small towns everywhere.

Throughout its long history, Madison has navigated challenges that have tested communities nationwide: wars, civil unrest and social inequity, pandemics, industrial and technological revolutions. Unlike many towns that faltered under such pressures, Madison thrived, emerging stronger each time. The secret to Madison's success lies in its tradition of civic cooperation, mutual respect, and effective leadership, providing a model for other communities seeking sustainable growth and to not just survive, but to thrive. What is truly amazing about Madison is the belief of its residents that people working together can accomplish virtually anything.

Welcome to Madison, New Jersey.

Maps for Sale

Maps are reproductions of individual plates from the 1910 Atlas of Morris County by A. H. Mueller.  Individual properties are labeled with the name of the circa 1910 owner.  All are approximately 22" high by 31" wide in size and are printed on archival paper, suitable for framing. See maps below for a further description. Maps can be purchased for $125, and you will receive a 10% discount if you are a MHS member. If you are interested in purchasing a map please contact us.

  • Madison Map Plate 3

    Map displays the eastern end of Madison to Greenwood and Alexander Avenues on the north side of Main Street and to the Hillside Cemetery on the south side.

  • Madison Map Plate 4

    Map details central Madison from Prospect Street and Alexander Avenue on the east to properties bordering Ridgedale Avenue, Park Avenue and Green Village Road on the west and from Fairview Avenue on the north to Hillside Avenue on the south.

  • Madison Map Plate 5

    Map displays the western end of Madison as well as central Madison south of Hillside Avenue.

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