RT Proprietary House

Georgian-era mansion museum featuring period furnishings, decorative arts collections, and historical exhibits that interpret colonial life, proprietary governance, and revolutionary-era New Jersey history.

General Information

Hours:

Friday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm
Guided tours available during operating hours
Hours may vary seasonally and during special events

Fees:

Adults: $5
Seniors and Students: $4
Children ages 5–17: $2
Children under 5: Free

Pet Policy:

Pets are not permitted inside the historic house; leashed pets are allowed on exterior grounds where permitted

Closest cities with hotels:

Edison, New Jersey (approximately 5 mi)

Seasons:

Spring through fall provide the best opportunities for tours and outdoor exploration, though the site is open year-round

Location:

https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=149+Kearny+Avenue+Perth+Amboy+NJ+08861149 Kearny Avenue, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

Website:

https://www.drparksnj.org/proprietary-house/drparksnj.org/proprietary-house

How to Get There

From Edison (5 mi): Take US-1 north toward Perth Amboy, continue to Kearny Avenue, and follow signs to the historic site at 149 Kearny Avenue overlooking Raritan Bay.

Overview

The Proprietary House is the last remaining official residence of a royal governor from the original thirteen colonies and one of New Jersey's most important colonial landmarks. Completed in the 1760s, the elegant Georgian mansion served as the home of the governors of East Jersey and later the royal governors of the unified Province of New Jersey. During the turbulent years leading up to the American Revolution, the house stood at the center of political debate and colonial administration. Its halls hosted prominent leaders, government officials, and military figures whose decisions helped shape the future of the colony and the emerging nation.

The mansion also played a significant role during the Revolutionary War, serving as a refuge, military headquarters, and strategic location during the conflict. Today, visitors can explore restored rooms furnished with period pieces and exhibits that interpret the lives of governors, soldiers, servants, and local residents connected to the property. Guided tours reveal stories of colonial politics, wartime occupation, and architectural preservation while highlighting the building's remarkable survival through centuries of change. Overlooking the historic waterfront of Perth Amboy, the Proprietary House offers a fascinating look into New Jersey's colonial heritage and Revolutionary past.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the https://www.drparksnj.org/proprietary-house/Proprietary House, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.