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

Upcoming Events

Facebook News

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1 hour ago

The Matawan Aberdeen Historical Society would like to thank all those who attended and supported our 2nd Annual Rummage Sale and Fundraiser. We had a beautiful sunny day at Burrowes Mansion and were joined by over 700 shoppers who found all sorts of amazing treasures in our historic backyard.

Thank you to the countless volunteers who helped make one of Matawan’s favorite traditions possible. We would also like to thank all the generous MHS members and neighbors who donated goods for our sale.

Special shout out to DA Subs of Matawan for donating trays of delicious sandwiches that our volunteers greatly enjoyed.

We are already looking forward to next year’s sale!

**Our next event will be the “Matawan Shark Attacks of 1916 Tour” on July 12th. This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the release of the movie Jaws, which was inspired by the Matawan Shark Attacks.

Our event attracts shark and history enthusiasts from around the country and has sold out the last 5 years in a row. Ticket info will be released soon so make sure to get your tickets early (members will have presale access).

Please save the date for 7/12 and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest details which will be released in the coming weeks.
... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
The Matawan Aberdeen Historical Society would like to thank all those who attended and supported our 2nd Annual Rummage Sale and Fundraiser. We had a beautiful sunny day at Burrowes Mansion and were joined by over 700 shoppers who found all sorts of amazing treasures in our historic backyard. 

Thank you to the countless volunteers who helped make one of Matawan’s favorite traditions possible. We would also like to thank all the generous MHS members and neighbors who donated goods for our sale. 

Special shout out to DA Subs of Matawan for donating trays of delicious sandwiches that our volunteers greatly enjoyed.

We are already looking forward to next year’s sale! 

**Our next event will be the “Matawan Shark Attacks of 1916 Tour” on July 12th. This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the release of the movie Jaws, which was inspired by the Matawan Shark Attacks. 

Our event attracts shark and history enthusiasts from around the country and has sold out the last 5 years in a row. Ticket info will be released soon so make sure to get your tickets early (members will have presale access). 

Please save the date for 7/12 and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest details which will be released in the coming weeks.Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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