Matawan History WORLD-FAMOUS EVENTS The Shark Attacks That Inspired Books and Movies THE BURROWES MANSION Making History During the Revolutionary War Save the Mansion

Welcome to the Matawan Historical Society

Pride in Our Past & Present

Settled by a group of Scottish Presbyterians beginning in the 1680’s, Matawan was first called New Aberdeen, and then Mount Pleasant. Today, Matawan’s historic town core retains its appeal as a place to live, work, and shop.

Burrowes Mansion Book Now Available

Mansion Book CoverThe new edition of The Burrowes Mansion of Matawan New Jersey: and Notations on the History of Monmouth County, Second Edition (2023) by Mary Lou Diecker and Barry C. Orr is now available! The Burrowes Mansion, constructed in 1723, celebrated its 300th Birthday in 2023, and this newly expanded edition of the book commemorates that anniversary.  Please visit our “Shop” page to order your copy

America’s 250th Birthday celeBRATION

The Borough of Matawan has adopted the 250-Resolution formally announcing Matawan’s participation in the upcoming 250th birthday celebration of the United States of America.

Matawan and Aberdeen were home to many prominent early American figures who played major roles in our country’s creation including Philip Freneau, “The Poet of the American Revolution,” Reverend Charles McKnight, and Major John Burrowes. Our town was also the site of several pivotal skirmishes during the Revolutionary War and Mount Pleasant Church was burned to the ground by British soldiers.
Watch this page for upcoming 250th events!

Upcoming Events

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***We will be collecting donated items every week, including THIS SUNDAY 4/6, from 5-6:30 pm.

Drop off will be in the backyard of Burrowes Mansion (94 Main Street, Matawan, NJ).***

Doing some spring cleaning or want to get rid of that clutter?
Please consider donating your extra clutter and unwanted items to our local 2nd Annual Rummage Sale & Fundraiser.

All proceeds from our sale will go t ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago
***We will be collecting donated items every week, including THIS SUNDAY 4/6, from 5-6:30 pm. Drop off will be in the backyard of Burrowes Mansion (94 Main Street, Matawan, NJ).*** Doing some spring cleaning or want to get rid of that clutter? Please consider donating your extra clutter and unwanted items to our local 2nd Annual Rummage Sale & Fundraiser. All proceeds from our sale will go towards supporting our non-profit charitable organization and maintaining 302-year-old Burrowes Mansion Museum. Some examples of items we are seeking: -vintage/antique items -old toys/games -NJ history and Matawan related items -old sports items/memorabilia/baseball cards -maps & prints -functional items -small furnishings -electronics/video games -records/albums -home goods -musical instruments -holiday decorations -anything not listed: please feel free to ask! Please see below for items we are not currently accepting due to limited storage: nothing large or bulky, non-functional or broken items, large electronic items (IE: old TVs, printers), couches, bedroom sets, pillows, dining sets, baby items, baby clothing, used clothing without tags, used shoes, glassware, used books, and most furniture (with some exceptions, please contact us for more info). We will be collecting items now through May 4th. Drop off also available by appointment. Item pickup by our volunteers is also available by request, please just message us. Please share with friends and family. Feel free to contact us directly through messenger with any questions. The sale will be held on Saturday May 10th from 9am-1pm in the Burrowes Mansion backyard, (94 Main St., Matawan). *Matawan Aberdeen Historical Society members will be given presale access at 8:30 the morning of the event. Join today at the link below. No residency or attendance required: https://matawanhistoricalsociety.org/join-or-donate/ Thank you for your support! The Matawan Aberdeen Historical Society Event Page: 2nd Annual Rummage Sale & Fundraiser
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A view from Matawan’s past - a postcard stamped 1909 featuring Glenwood Institute (which still stands restored at 10 Church Street)

“This 3-story Italianate structure, built in 1857 and enlarged in 1874, was the home of a locally-prominent private school for 58 years. Established as Middletown Point Academy in 1834, it was originally located in a smaller building across the street. In 1874 it beca ... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
A view from Matawan’s past - a postcard stamped 1909 featuring Glenwood Institute (which still stands restored at 10 Church Street) “This 3-story Italianate structure, built in 1857 and enlarged in 1874, was the home of a locally-prominent private school for 58 years. Established as Middletown Point Academy in 1834, it was originally located in a smaller building across the street. In 1874 it became known as the Glenwood Institute and finally closed in 1915. The former school has been successfully adapted to a new use as apartments.” Prominent former students include: -Garret Hobart (24th Vice-President of the United States) -Henry Stafford Little (one of the most powerful political influencers of the early 20th century) -Joseph Bedle (23rd Governor of New Jersey, born and raised in Matawan) -Robert Laird Borden(Prime Minister of Canada from 1911-1920, also served as a professor at the school) “Between 1873 and 1874, Robert Laird Borden served as a professor of classics and mathematics at the academy. In his memoirs, he noted that most of his students were from the village of Matawan, and described the people of the village as “highly educated and cultured.” Are you interested in learning more about Matawan and our 300+ years of rich history? The Matawan Historical Society is a group of local volunteers who help preserve our town’s unique history through events, education, tours, and the operation of Burrowes Mansion Museum on Main Street. https://matawanhistoricalsociety.org/join-or-donate/ For only $25 a year members receive a monthly newsletter, presale event tickets, exclusive access to our summer member-only BBQ and Holiday parties. Please join today! No residency or attendance is required.
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