Categorized | Historical, News

Proprietary House Open April 14, 2013

PERTH AMBOY — The Proprietary House Association is pleased to announce that it will be launching its new “Tours & Tea” programs. Beginning April 14, 2013, the House will be open on the second Sunday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion. The Tea Room will also be open where visitors can enjoy cups of tea and homemade cake. Admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted and go towards the restoration of the building.

Built in 1764, The Proprietary House served as the home of the last Royal Governor of New Jersey, William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin. Remaining loyal to the crown, he was arrested there in 1775 at the outbreak of the War for Independence. The house was almost lost to fire after the war, but was rescued by John Rattoon and sold to John Woodhull who turned it into the fashionable resort known as The Brighton. It was later the home of Mathias Bruen, one of America’s wealthiest men in the mid-1800s. At the last turn of the century it became a home for retired Presbyterian clergy and their widows and orphans called The Westminster. After a period as a boarding house, it was rescued by concerned citizens and is presently owned by the State of New Jersey. It continues to serve the community as office space and The Proprietary House Association operates the first two floors as a museum. It is the only Royal Governor’s mansion that survives in the original Thirteen Colonies. We invite you to visit this amazing house!

One Response to “Proprietary House Open April 14, 2013”

  1. Bob "Buzz" Megill says:

    When will the Franklin arrest reenactment take place this year? I thoroughly enjoy going every year and it wasn’t held last year!

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