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

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TOMORROW - Join us this Friday, 7/18, for a FREE screening of the movie Jaws, brought to you by the Matawan Recreation Commission.

We will be selling limited edition Matawan Shark Attack posters at our table ONLY during this event. These posters will be limited to only 50 copies and are hand numbered. Don’t miss your chance to get one before they are gone. No more will be produced after this limited production run! Shark Attack T-shirts will also be available until sold out. All proceeds go towards supporting our non-profit charity and maintaining Burrowes Mansion Museum.

We will be giving a brief intro to the movie to point out some of the similarities between the 1916 Matawan Shark Attacks.

More info below. We hope to see you there!This Friday… Matawan’s Movie Night Gets a Little Bite!

Join us for a special FREE screening of the legendary summer thriller Jaws this Friday, July 18 at 7 PM at Terhune Park. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary right here in the town that helped inspire it.

Fun Fact: Did you know the mechanical shark used in Jaws was nicknamed Bruce after director Steven Spielberg’s lawyer? The shark broke down so often during filming that Spielberg had to get creative, leading to the now-famous technique of not showing the shark for much of the film, which actually made it scarier!

If you liked that fact, you’ll love the quick intro before the movie from the Matawan Historical Society NJ about the infamous 1916 Matawan Creek shark attacks.

Bring your: Beach chairs, Blankets, Snacks, and nerves of steel!

The movie starts at 7 PM sharp! Arrive early to grab the best spot!

Don't miss this unforgettable night under the stars

#MatawanRec #JAWSinMatawan #OutdoorMovieNight #Jaws50th #MatawanHistory #FamilyFun #UnderTheStars #MatawanNJ
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2 hours ago
TOMORROW - Join us this Friday, 7/18, for a FREE screening of the movie Jaws, brought to you by the Matawan Recreation Commission. 

We will be selling limited edition Matawan Shark Attack posters at our table ONLY during this event. These posters will be limited to only 50 copies and are hand numbered. Don’t miss your chance to get one before they are gone. No more will be produced after this limited production run! Shark Attack T-shirts will also be available until sold out. All proceeds go towards supporting our non-profit charity and maintaining Burrowes Mansion Museum. 

We will be giving a brief intro to the movie to point out some of the similarities between the 1916 Matawan Shark Attacks.

More info below. We hope to see you there!

Wonderful video from MHS member and local artist Maria MatawanArtist showing her beautiful paintings of our town. Thanks for sharing Maria! ... See MoreSee Less

5 hours ago
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