Proprietary House Museum

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!

02/05/2026

NJ's Provincial Records Office is mentioned in East Jersey Old Town Village's post about the dramatic seizure of the colony's records 250 years ago today, on Feb 5, 1776. Now enlarged and repurposed as a private residence, the colonial structure still stands today on Gordon Street in Perth Amboy. An early watercolor of the original building is part of our museum's collection.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence, we’ll be sharing key Middlesex County moments along New Jersey’s Road to Revolution—events that helped shift power, shape governance, and set the stage for independence.

Road to Revolution | February 5, 1776
On this day, the New Jersey Provincial Congress seized the Colony’s public records from Perth Amboy and moved them to New Brunswick. This decisive act marked an important step in transferring authority from royal control to a revolutionary government determined to govern New Jersey independently.

After the Revolutionary War, responsibility for maintaining many of these records was passed on to the counties—forming the foundation of local government record-keeping that continues today. Pictured here is a deed on vellum (animal skin) from 1740 with signatures from Cornelius Low and his wife Johanna.

Explore the history of Middlesex County deeds and these original records here: https://ejotv.catalogaccess.com/archives/8483

02/05/2026

Proprietary House Association's ANNUAL MEETING has been rescheduled for SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH at 2 PM. Since Proprietary House is undergoing major repairs and is closed, the meeting will take place at St. Peter's Parish House, 183 Rector Street, Perth Amboy.

01/17/2026

Today's Proprietary House Association ANNUAL MEETING has been POSTPONED, due to the ongoing snowstorm. The new date for the annual meeting will be posted when it is set.

09/29/2025

Advance ticketing is now available for this year's "Haunted Lantern Tours" event on Saturday, October 25th! Visit our website for tickets - https://www.theproprietaryhouse.org/events

09/23/2025

Mark your calendars! Although Proprietary House is now closed for repairs, spirits of Perth Amboy's past will again haunt the neighborhood on October 25th, thanks to St Peter's Episcopal Church! Event details soon will be posted.

09/09/2025

Thanks to The History Girl for reminding us that 249 years ago today, while on their way to Perth Amboy, Ben Franklin and John Adams shared a memorable night in New Brunswick …

Today in : September 9, 1776, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Edward Rutledge were en route to Perth Amboy, . They had been sent by the Continental Congress to meet with Lord Howe in Staten Island. Because there were so few rooms available, Adams and Franklin were forced to share a room at the Indian Queen Tavern in New Brunswick (now reconstructed with two floors at East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway). Here is an excerpt from Adams' diary relating the experience: "The Taverns were so full We could with difficulty obtain Entertainment. At Brunswick, but one bed could be procured for Dr. Franklin and me, in a Chamber little larger than the bed, without a Chimney and with only one small Window. The Window was open, and I, who was an invalid and afraid of the Air in the night, shut it close. Oh! says Franklin dont shut the Window. We shall be suffocated. I answered I was afraid of the Evening Air. Dr. Franklin replied, the Air within this Chamber will soon be, and indeed is now worse than that without Doors..."

07/01/2025

Sharing today’s post from Today in NJ History …

07/01/2025

Celebrate our independence at the City of Perth Amboy’s official ceremonies on Friday, July 4th!

Join us for the Reading of the Declaration of Independence & Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony – a powerful tradition honoring our nation’s birth!

📍 260 High Street, Perth Amboy
🕛 12 PM – Pre-Ceremony Fun & Activities
🎤 1 PM – Main Ceremony & Liberty Bell Ringing

Bring your family, friends, and patriotic spirit for an afternoon filled with history, community pride, and celebration!

📩 Questions? Contact: [email protected]

¡Acompáñanos a la Lectura de la Declaración de Independencia y la Ceremonia del Repique de la Campana de la Libertad, una poderosa tradición que honra el nacimiento de nuestra nación!

📍 260 High Street, Perth Amboy
🕛 12 PM – Actividades y Diversión Previas a la Ceremonia
🎤 1 PM – Ceremonia Principal y Repique de la Campana de la Libertad

¡Trae a tu familia, amigos y espíritu patriótico para disfrutar de una tarde llena de historia, orgullo comunitario y celebración!

📩 ¿Preguntas? Contáctanos: [email protected]