Matawan Historical Society NJ

Matawan Historical Society NJ The Matawan Aberdeen Historical Society is an all volunteer, charitable non-profit organization founded in 1969

What an incredible evening! 🎩🇺🇸A huge thank you to the remarkable Larry Mihlon for bringing Uncle Sam to life right here...
06/02/2026

What an incredible evening! 🎩🇺🇸

A huge thank you to the remarkable Larry Mihlon for bringing Uncle Sam to life right here in Matawan — and to everyone who came out to celebrate our Nation's 250th Anniversary with us at Burrowes Mansion.

Moments like these are why we do what we do. Stay connected with the Matawan Historical Society for more upcoming events — there's much more history to celebrate!

🚨 VENUE CHANGE:TONIGHT at Burrowes Mansion BackyardUncle Sam has something to say — and he's saying it at 7 PM tonight.J...
06/01/2026

🚨 VENUE CHANGE:
TONIGHT at Burrowes Mansion Backyard

Uncle Sam has something to say — and he's saying it at 7 PM tonight.

Join us for a live reading of the Declaration of Independence by living historian and reenactor Larry Mihlon, plus the untold Monmouth County story behind America's most beloved patriotic icon.

In honor of our Nation's 250th Anniversary. 🇺🇸

đź“ŤBackyard of Burrowes Mansion Museum, 94 Main Street, Matawan, NJ
đź•–In the backyard starting at 7:00 PM
🆓 Free — no tickets, just show up!
Parking - please park along Main Street

See you tonight! Share this with anyone in the area who might want to come.

He's pointing at YOU, Matawan — and he wants YOU at Borough Hall on Monday!Just 1 day away: Larry Mihlon brings Uncle Sa...
05/31/2026

He's pointing at YOU, Matawan — and he wants YOU at Borough Hall on Monday!

Just 1 day away: Larry Mihlon brings Uncle Sam to life with a live reading of the Declaration of Independence, plus the fascinating backstory of America's most beloved patriotic icon and his Monmouth County roots.

Perfect for history lovers, families, and proud Americans of all ages. 🎩🇺🇸

đź“… Monday, June 1 | 7:00 PM
đź“Ť 201 Broad St., Matawan, NJ
🆓 Free admission

Tag a neighbor, friend, or fellow history lover who needs to be there! 👇

The Declaration of Independence Spoken by America’s Own Uncle Sam

Borough of Matawan, NJ

Legends of the Creek Sharks are swimming towards Matawan. We don't want to give away too many secrets (thus the b&w phot...
05/30/2026

Legends of the Creek Sharks are swimming towards Matawan.

We don't want to give away too many secrets (thus the b&w photo) on the amazing and wonderful shark art that has been returned so far.

Reminder: please return all decorated sharks by June 7 to the box on the porch at Young at Art Studio, 197 Main Street, Matawan.

🇺🇸 Did you know Uncle Sam has ties right here in Monmouth County?Find out the story this Monday when Larry Mihlon brings...
05/29/2026

🇺🇸 Did you know Uncle Sam has ties right here in Monmouth County?

Find out the story this Monday when Larry Mihlon brings America’s most iconic patriot to life at Matawan Borough Hall!

đź“… June 1 | 7 PM | 201 Broad St. | FREE

Event page:
The Declaration of Independence Spoken by America’s Own Uncle Sam

Borough of Matawan, NJ

05/27/2026

🇺🇸🚲 Celebrate America’s 250th on the Bayshore! 🚲🇺🇸

On Saturday, May 30, communities across the Bayshore will come together for the Bayshore Patriotic Bike Ride along the Henry Hudson Trail — and Keyport is proud to be one of the stops along the route!

Whether you ride a little or a lot, this family-friendly event is all about community, patriotism, fresh air, and fun. Decorate your bike, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the beautiful Bayshore at your own pace.

Be sure to stop by Main Street Park in Keyport between 10am–3pm to visit with local organizations including the Keyport Historical Society, Keyport Recreation, Monmouth County Parks, and more.
As we celebrate America’s Big 250, we invite everyone to experience the spirit, history, and hospitality of our Bayshore communities.

We hope to see you on the trail!

Today in New Jersey History:May 27, 1778, Middletown Point, NJ (present-day Matawan)On this day 248 years ago, a large r...
05/27/2026

Today in New Jersey History:
May 27, 1778, Middletown Point, NJ (present-day Matawan)

On this day 248 years ago, a large raid into Monmouth County was launched by the Skinner’s Greens British Loyalists, under the command of General Cortlandt Skinner. Their intention was to destroy mills and salt works and kidnap prominent Patriots aiding the Continental Army. With the help of local neighbors, Loyalist raiders attacked the Matawan estate of Patriot militia leader, Major John Burrowes Jr. while also trying to kidnap him.

John Burrowes Jr. was alerted by the townsfolk of the pending raid and climbed out a back window just before the British surrounded his home. He ran down behind the Mansion to Matawan Creek and successfully escaped by swimming to the other side, loosing a boot in the process.

The local Patriot minutemen from the surrounding neighborhood rallied to Burrowes Mansion to aide the family. The British tried to burn Burrowes Mansion to the ground but were unsuccessful in their wicked plot. However, they did badly injure John’s wife Margaret Burrowes, burned the storehouses, granaries, along with all the families possessions in the middle of Main Street. The Greens also kidnapped John Burrowes Sr., along with several other Patriots, since the son had evaded them.

The people of Matawan would have their revenge and launched a counter raid using fast moving whale boats to navigate across the Raritan Bay to New York City. Their aim was to kidnap the Loyalist Mayor of New York City, David Mathews. Unfortunately he was not home when they arrived so his wealthy neighbor and a British Officer were taken prisoner and returned to Matawan as the Patriot’s consolation prize. They would later be used in a prisoner exchange for the elder Burrowes. John Burrowes Sr. was eventually released and returned to Matawan.

Today, Burrowes Mansion still stands proudly watching over Main Street. English musket ball holes are still visible in it’s walls from the raid of 1778. For many years Burrowes Mansion was neglected and fell into disrepair. Since 2016 it has been beautifully restored to its prior glory in partnership with the Borough of Matawan.

Interested in more local history? Join the Matawan Historical Society below to show your support!

https://matawanhistoricalsociety.org/join-or-donate/

*photos from our 300th Anniversary of Burrowes Mansion reenactment - 2023
Photo credit - Greyshore Studios &
APP.com

05/26/2026

Great video featuring Burrowes Mansion and the story of Margaret Burrowes from Ghosts on the Coast!

05/25/2026

Memorial Day, originally known as "Decoration Day," was first celebrated on May 30, 1868, honoring the fallen of the Civil War. By 1890, every state adopted the commemoration - usually on the last Monday in May. After World War I and World War II, the day included all those in the United States Armed Forces who died in service. This postcard, dating to around 1910, includes the emblem of the G.A.R. Considered the first veteran's activist group in America, The "Grand Army of the Republic" was made up of veterans of the Civil War who had fought in the Union Army. At its peak, the organization had almost a million members and lobbied for pensions, widow and orphan support, and legislation to assist veterans. Five Presidents - Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, and William McKinley - were all veterans and members of the G.A.R.

Address

P. O. Box 41
Matawan, NJ
07747

Telephone

+17325665605

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