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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Please join our friends at the Matawan Masonic Lodge 192 this Saturday, 9/12, from 8 am-12 for one of Matawan’s favorite traditions - the famous All-You-Can-Eat $10 Pancake Breakfast. Each meal also includes scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice, and coffee.

They are also collecting food and toiletry items at the door to donate to local food pantries.

All proceeds go towards supporting their lodge and repairs to historic Oddfellows Hall. Bring friends and family for a great meal and experience eating in one of the most unique historic buildings in Monmouth County (which is usually closed to the public). All are welcome!

Address:
192 Main Street
Matawan, NJ
8 am-12 noon

For more information please contact
Matawan Lodge No 192
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5 days ago
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🇺🇸 Remember the Ladies: Women of the American Revolution

Learn about the women whose courage, sacrifice, and contributions helped shape the American Revolution.

Join us as T.J. Fallon of Dead History presents Remember the Ladies—Women of the American Revolution, an engaging look at the lives, stories, and final resting places of the remarkable women who lived through—and helped shape—our nation’s struggle for independence.

From familiar names to women whose stories have largely faded from our collective memory, T.J. brings these often-overlooked heroines to life and offers a fresh perspective on the Revolution.

DATE: Monday, October 5th
TIME: 7:00pm
LOCATION: Keyport Yacht Club, 115 First St., Keyport

Come discover the women who helped make American independence possible—and whose stories deserve to be remembered. Free and Open to the Public.

#KeyportHistoricalSociety #RememberTheLadies ##WomenOfTheAmericanRevolution #America250 #RevolutionNJ #visitkeyport #monmouthnj250
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6 days ago
🇺🇸 Remember th
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