Known as the “City by the Bay,” Perth Amboy, New Jersey is home to the historic
Proprietary House, a Middlesex County landmark that draws in visitors interested
in the rich history of the American Revolution.
Located at 149 Kearny Avenue, the last remaining Royal Governor’s Mansion in
the original thirteen colonies is now a museum that is open to the public on
Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can explore its storied past through tours offered
at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $5 for students, and are free
for children under 12. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, tea is served
during tours on the last two Sundays of every month for $20 per person.
Wednesday tours can be scheduled via reservation.
The Proprietary House is located at 149 Kearny Avenue, Perth Amboy, NJ
Built between 1762 and 1764 by architect John Edward Pryor, the Proprietary
House initially served as the residence of British Royal Governor William
Franklin, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin lived there from 1774
until his arrest in 1776. After the Revolutionary War, the mansion was abandoned
and fire-damaged, leaving it in desperate need of a restoration.
In 1794, local businessman and rumored British spy John Rattoone bought the
property, repaired the fire damage, and made it his personal residence. He sold it in
1808 to New York developer Richard Woodhull, who planned to convert it into a
luxury hotel called “The Brighton House,” with two new wings and views of the
nearby Raritan Bay. Unfortunately, the project was halted after only one wing was
completed due to the War of 1812 and an economic downturn.
In 1817, the property was purchased by Matthias Bruen, one of the wealthiest men
in the country at the time. Bruen, the longest-tenured resident of the property, lived
there until his death in 1846. After his death, his family converted the property into
a boarding house for Presbyterian ministers renaming it “The Westminster” where
it was in service for 20 years before the property was returned to the Bruen family.
By the 20th century, the house on Kearny Avenue which was once the Royal
Mansion of Governor William Franklin, was now in need of saving. Many groups
spent their time and effort trying to preserve its historical significance. With the
help of generous donors, government grants, and hardworking volunteers, the
property remains standing 250 years later.
Today, the Proprietary House is owned by the state of New Jersey and serves as a
museum managed by the Proprietary House Association, a nonprofit organization.
Volunteer members have worked tirelessly to make the Proprietary House a safe
and welcoming museum for visitors of all ages.
“To appreciate the present, we must value our past,” said WomHyuk Lee, a visitor
from South Korea, who was exploring the site as part of a broader tour of
Revolutionary War landmarks. Lee’s journey has taken him to historic sites in
Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and now Perth Amboy. “The history in
this city makes the trip worthwhile.”
The Proprietary House is not only an attraction for international tourists, but also a
popular destination for school field trips. The museum’s connection to the
American Revolution offers teachers a tangible way to bring history lessons to life.
“The Proprietary House has partnered with many schools as a way to introduce its
rich history to local students,” said Lisa Nanton, President of the Proprietary House
Association. “Interestingly enough, many of our visitors are children who return
with their families after experiencing the museum during a class trip.”
For more information on the Proprietary House in Perth Amboy or to book a tour,
visit www.theproprietaryhouse.org.
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