MATAWAN HISTORIC GEM TURNS 300

By Cathy Zavorskas

Every year, we look forward to fresh starts, new beginnings, possibilities, and adventures. This year, we have the opportunity to commemorate a rare and exceptional event: the 300th birthday of the iconic building known as the Burrowes Mansion. In honor of this historic structure, the Matawan Historical Society will host several talks, activities, and programs with assistance from several municipal departments in celebration of this grand milestone. The Burrowes Mansion (94 Main Street) has stood for three centuries and has absorbed the sights and sounds of previous eras, turning it into a repository of our history. Its artifacts and stories expertly capture the bravery and valor, conflict and peace, economic prosperity and hardship, and innovation and change found in our history Although its structure, function, and usage have evolved over the years—from being a home to one of New Jersey’s earliest settlers to a gathering place for Sons of Liberty members to an inn, a tearoom, and finally a museum—it continues to be a historic gem worthy of our attention.

We invite you to the events with great interest and enthusiasm for the tales they contain and the lessons they may impart about our past. The kickoff event begins on June 2nd–4th and will focus on its years during the American Revolutionary War, giving us a peek into colonial life. Plans include a live reenactment with professional reenactors of the 1778 British raid on the Burrowes Mansion, an encampment of soldiers, crafters’ booths, activities, and tours. Upcoming events related to the 300th Anniversary will be listed on the Matawan Historical Society and Matawan Borough websites.