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.
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
The 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.
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ANNOUNCING: Legends of the Creek – Shark Art - a unique fundraiser for the Matawan Historical Society
The Matawan Historical Society is launching a creative community fundraiser titled “Legends of the Creek – Shark Art.” The event commemorates the 110th anniversary of the 1916 shark incident in Matawan Creek, a dramatic chapter in local history that helped inspire stories like the novel Jaws.
As part of the fundraiser, participants can purchase $10 wooden shark cutouts to transform into unique works of art. Artists of all ages are encouraged to paint, decorate, and personalize their sharks in any style—from historically inspired designs to imaginative and colorful creations.
Wooden sharks will be available for purchase May 1 through June 7 through Patty R or Andrea B at the Young at Art Studio, located at 197 Main St.
Please message one of them to arrange pick up. Completed artwork can dropped off on the porch of Young at Art (197 Main) anytime up until June 7. At pick up you will receive a tag to identify your shark art.
A limited number of sharks will be made available for purchase by historical society members at the April 27 meeting.
Finished sharks will be displayed publicly in July on the lawn of the Burrowes Mansion, home of the Matawan Historical Society. Organizers are also exploring a secondary display near the new Stillwell Fisher Bridge over Matawan Creek, connecting the artwork to the very waterway tied to the town’s famous 1916 story.
This program will take place in conjunction with the Historical Society’s July shark tours, further highlighting Matawan’s unique history and connection to the events of 1916. Participants will also have the opportunity to compete for three prizes recognizing outstanding shark designs.
“Legends of the Creek – Shark Art” celebrates Matawan’s rich past while bringing the community together through creativity, art, and local storytelling. Funds raised will support the ongoing preservation and educational programs of the Matawan Historical Society.
We thank you for your support!
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