Proprietary House Museum

08/24/2026

SAVE THE DATE -- Saturday, October 17TH -- For some haunted history fun!!!

08/12/2026

Proprietary House, along with the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra, is very pleased to announce "The Revolutionary War in New Jersey," a narrated musical program celebrating our nation's Semiquincentennial. This special program will be performed at 7 PM on Saturday, September 19th at historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Perth Amboy. Admission is free, but advance registration is strongly recommended. To be performed by the New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra's String Quartet, under the direction of Dr. Julia Bauanis, "The Revolutionary War in New Jersey" is supported, in part, by a Middlesex County Arts and History Grant. To register for free tickets, go to: https://www.theproprietaryhouse.org/events See the event flyer for further details.

06/24/2026

250 years ago …

June 24, 1776 — Father, Son, and Treason

On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress took a decisive—and deeply personal—step in the struggle to suppress Loyalist opposition to the Revolution.

It ordered the imprisonment of William Franklin, Royal Governor of New Jersey and the only colonial governor still loyal to the Crown. His destination: confinement under guard in Connecticut.

William Franklin was no ordinary Loyalist. He was the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most prominent voices for American independence. Once close, the two had become estranged as the political crisis deepened. While the elder Franklin served in Congress and helped guide the colonies toward revolution, his son remained fiercely loyal to the King—refusing to resign his royal commission, even as New Jersey moved toward self-rule.

Congress viewed William Franklin as more than a symbol of British authority. He was now a strategic threat: a man of influence, with Loyalist connections and access to sensitive information. By ordering his imprisonment, Congress sent a message—no rank, name, or family connection would shield those who sought to undermine the cause of liberty.

The decision underscored a deeper reality: the war was no longer just between Britain and its colonies. It was becoming a war within families, between neighbors, and across every town and province in America.

And that’s the way it was, June 24, 1776. #1776

06/19/2026

250 years ago today, on June 19, 1776, British rule in the thirteen American colonies came to end at Proprietary House in Perth Amboy … weeks before independence was declared in Philadelphia!

After being declared an enemy by NJ’s Provincial Congress, William Franklin, the colony’s last royal governor, was arrested and taken into custody by Patriot forces at Proprietary House. At that time, Franklin was the last royal governor still in office in the thirteen colonies. His arrest and removal from Proprietary House, in effect, brought to an end the last remnant of British colonial rule in what was soon to become the United State of America..

06/03/2026

We are very pleased to announce our upcoming production of "Poor William," which last was performed back in 1999. "Poor William” is a dramatic portrayal of the turbulent father-son relationship of Benjamin and William Franklin. Performed at historic St. Peter's Episcopal Church, the production stars two PAHS alumni. Kurt Epps as William Franklin and Charles M.Bendas as Benjamin Franklin. As we celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, "Poor William" will give you a chance to eavesdrop on the emotional conversations that must have taken place between the famous father and son, who were irreconciable opponents during the American Revolution. Get your tickets soon!!!

04/23/2026

Our museum continues to be temporarily closed with ongoing safety code upgrades and repairs. We are celebrating the Semi-quincentennial, on Saturday, June 20th at 7 PM, with our production of "Poor William" at the historic St. Peter's Church. *** The 250th Anniversary Reenactment of the Royal Governor's Arrest has been postponed until later this year when Proprietary House reopens. Details of the rescheduled event will be posted as soon as they are set. Thank you very much for your patience!