State Project

2024-2025 N.J.C.A.R. State Project

The State Theme for 2024-2025 is “From Roots to the Cloud.” The project aims to fund the Matawan Historical Society's ongoing digital records project. First, this project would enable the society to have a 36-inch by 46-inch 1855 map of Middletown Point (now Matawan) professionally digitized and enhanced to improve its legibility and continue to be an invaluable genealogical source for tracing families' histories. Second, this project would assist the historical society's continuous efforts to move its extensive collection of historical documents to an online database for digital access. This task requires a professional flatbed scanner to be purchased.

The Burrowes Mansion, part of the Matawan Historical Society, played a crucial part in the state’s history during the Revolution, acting as a port for supplies and an area for grain and produce. The New Jersey Militia was also trained on the property by Captain John Burrowes, Jr. When the British caught word of the efforts that were being made on the property, they stormed the house with the intent of arresting Captain Burrowes. Captain Burrowes had escaped out a window into a nearby forest. However, his wife was left at the stand-off. Her bravery in the confrontation shows the importance of women in the Revolutionary War. Margaret Burrowes talked back against the invaders, refusing to offer her shawl to aid wounded men. The injury she received as a result would cause her pain for the remainder of her life and lead to her early death. As the soldiers left, frustrated at not capturing Captain Burrowes, they burned down grain fields, silos, and granaries, before attempting to burn down the mansion as the mansion could serve as an inspiration to young people who feel they have come face-to-face with an insurmountable barrier. Margaret Burrowes' story is one that bolsters an empowering message towards young women and the great successes that they are capable of accomplishing.