The history of New Providence can be first traced back to 1664 when James, Duke of York and brother to King Charles II, purchased the land from Native Americans. Its first settlers were a Puritan colony that came to the area in 1720. The abundance of large flocks of wild turkeys led to the initial name for the area of "Turkey". By 1737, the Presbyterian Church was formed and was the center of life in the small settlement. In 1759, a crowded church balcony collapsed. It was considered a miracle that no one was seriously injured in the disaster. The miracle was soon referred to as a divine act of "providence." The small town thereafter became known as "New Providence" and included present-day Summit and Berkeley Heights.

In 1869 Summit seceded from New Providence Township over disagreement with town management as well as its rapid increase in population and businesses due to its railroad facilities. New Providence Borough was formed in 1899 and present-day Berkeley Heights retained the name New Providence Township until 1952.