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!

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REMINDER - Today’s 1916 Shark Attack Commemoration Tours

ALL Tour Groups will be meeting at Matawan Borough Hall, 201 Broad Street, Matawan, NJ. Please park near the baseball field. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour start times.

Thank you
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1 day ago
REMINDER -  Today’s 1916 Shark Attack Commemoration Tours

ALL Tour Groups will be meeting at Matawan Borough Hall, 201 Broad Street, Matawan, NJ. Please park near the baseball field. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour start times.

Thank you

Today, July 12, marks the 109th anniversary of the 1916 Matawan Shark Attacks. Although deeply tragic, the story of this day also displays the best aspects of humanity through acts of heroism and selflessness.

The events of July 12th fundamentally changed the world, and more specifically, the way society viewed sharks forever (even inspiring the movie Jaws).

Below are some links for those who would like to learn more details about what unfolded in our small town. This is the story that drew the eyes of the world onto Matawan 109 years ago...

matawanhistoricalsociety.org/1916-shark-attack/

www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-shark-attacks-that-were-the-inspiration-for-jaws-15220260/

youtu.be/zwI-nlUWeQQ?si=c4YeUcb9OKHbYB3l

The Matawan Aberdeen 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. Please consider joining and supporting our organization at the link below. No residency or attendance is required.

matawanhistoricalsociety.org/join-or-donate/

Photo credits: MHS
... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
Today, July 12, marks the 109th anniversary of the 1916 Matawan Shark Attacks. Although deeply tragic, the story of this day also displays the best aspects of humanity through acts of heroism and selflessness. 

The events of July 12th fundamentally changed the world, and more specifically, the way society viewed sharks forever (even inspiring the movie Jaws). 

Below are some links for those who would like to learn more details about what unfolded in our small town. This is the story that drew the eyes of the world onto Matawan 109 years ago... 

https://matawanhistoricalsociety.org/1916-shark-attack/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-shark-attacks-that-were-the-inspiration-for-jaws-15220260/

https://youtu.be/zwI-nlUWeQQ?si=c4YeUcb9OKHbYB3l

The Matawan Aberdeen 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. Please consider joining and supporting our organization at the link below. No residency or attendance is required. 

https://matawanhistoricalsociety.org/join-or-donate/

Photo credits: MHSImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
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