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.

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!

 

Special Announcement:  The Matawan Historical Society is pleased to announce that it is collaborating with the Keyport Historical Society on a series of special events celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. This includes co-sponsoring related lectures in our regular monthly meeting series, as well as partnering on special events commemorating the local fight for independence in the Bayshore area. Both Matawan and Keyport are proud partners in the RevolutionNJ and MonmouthNJ 250 programs.

Matawan and Keyport’s first collaborative event will be John Schneider’s lecture “The Deadly Divide: America’s First Civil War During the American Revolution” on January 26, 2026. A complete list of our upcoming events will be published soon.

 

Burrowes Mansion History

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.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

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Mark your calendar for the Matawan Historical Society NJ and Matawan Borough Recreation Commission’s first-ever Christmas Antiques Market on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 8AM – 3PM at the Matawan Borough Hall & Gymnasium (201 Broad Street).

Step back into Christmases past and shop for nostalgic holiday treasures, from glowing blow molds and ceramic Christmas trees to glass ornaments, bubble lights, aluminum trees, Santas, knee-hugger elves, putz houses, vintage linens, and SO much more!

Whether you’re a serious collector or want to bring back Grandma’s Christmas magic, you won’t want to miss this!

Shop for a cause! A $5 donation at the door will go directly to the Matawan Historical Society and Matawan Borough Recreation Commission to preserve local history and support community programs.

Bring a friend and get ready to find some Christmas magic!

#MatawanNJ #VintageChristmas #ChristmasAntiquesMarket
#Matawan #MatawanNewJersey #CommunityVibes ...

6 hours ago
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