The Abraham Staats House is one of the finest surviving buildings from the Dutch Settlement of the Raritan Valley in the 18th century. It began life as a two-room structure housing the first owners, the Staats family, who remained at the homestead for nearly two centuries. Over the centuries the house has been expanded several times and now includes a fine late, Federal/Greek Revival two-story addition.
Our “Open House” is held the second Saturday of each month (closed July and August) from 10AM to Noon, when the house is open for free tours. Please check our Event Calendar for special events that may be occurring during Open House hours. Past programs have featured 18th c. blacksmithing demonstration, open hearth cooking and live music.
ADMISSION: FREE
Saturday October 12, 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday October 13, 12 pm – 4 pm
Sponsored by Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, thirty (30) of the County’s significant historic sites open their doors for the weekend. Local historians will be available to share their knowledge and stories about Somerset County’s history.
Special activities at the Abraham Staats House include guided house tours by interpreters in period clothing, 18th century music performed by Thomas Harabin, and exhibits on the Middlebrook Cantonment and 18th century life.
ADMISSION to all sites is FREE.
Saturday October 12, 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday October 13, 12 pm – 4 pm
Sponsored by Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission, thirty (30) of the County’s significant historic sites open their doors for the weekend. Local historians will be available to share their knowledge and stories about Somerset County’s history.
Special activities at the Abraham Staats House include guided house tours by interpreters in period clothing, 18th century music performed by Thomas Harabin, and exhibits on the Middlebrook Cantonment and 18th century life.
ADMISSION to all sites is FREE.
NJ Paranormal Investigators at Work! Join the Friends of Abraham Staats House and the New Jersey Paranormal Investigators (NJPI) for a night of revealing what NJPI has discovered from paranormal investigations of this historic home. Some have said they’ve “felt something” in the house, but did the spirits cooperate and reveal themselves? NJPI investigators will present their findings at the start of the program, and after, participants will break into groups and explore with NJPI’s investigative equipment. (Equipment is limited. It would be appreciated if you would bring your own equipment if you have it.) Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited — advance reservations are encouraged.
ADMISSION: $30 with advance reservation, $35 at door.
The Abraham Staats House is one of the finest surviving buildings from the Dutch Settlement of the Raritan Valley in the 18th century. It began life as a two-room structure housing the first owners, the Staats family, who remained at the homestead for nearly two centuries. Over the centuries the house has been expanded several times and now includes a fine late, Federal/Greek Revival two-story addition.
Our “Open House” is held the second Saturday of each month (closed July and August) from 10AM to Noon, when the house is open for free tours. Please check our Event Calendar for special events that may be occurring during Open House hours. Past programs have featured 18th c. blacksmithing demonstration, open hearth cooking and live music.
Featured will be blacksmith Dave (Sarge) Bala, who will be fired up “at the forge,” demonstrating the art of blacksmithing and presenting information on this vital trade in the 18th century, including such topics as: Coal/Ore mining during the Revolutionary War, the Iron tax of 1750, types of coal and uses, blacksmith’s role(s), tools in Colonial times/war, apprenticeships, etc.
ADMISSION: FREE
Congenial Hosts Les and Jobie Ford and the Friends of Abraham Staats House present a jolly Tavern Evening featuring authentic beverages enjoyed by 18th century tavern-goers, discussion of taverns in everyday Colonial life, hot drinks & good company by the Open-Hearth Fire.
The Evenings’ Amusements also include:
- Sample Tastings 18th c. Drinks
- Colonial-Style Light Fare & Desserts
- Sing-Along Drinking Songs & tunes by musician Tom Harabin
- Tavern Games & Exhibits
- Candlelit Tours of the c.1740 house by guides in 18th century attire
$25 per person/$20 members/$35 at the Door
Must be 21+ to Attend * Advance Registration Recommended:
Online: EventBrite at www.staatshouse.org
By Phone: (732) 369-3583
Please allow a two-week notice for accessibility and assistive services requests.
The Friends of Abraham Staats House (FASH) Annual Meeting & Covered Dish is typically held on the first Friday in December.
The FASH annual meeting begins with a short business meeting first, including voting on Officers and Trustees for the coming year, followed by a covered-dish social. The evening meeting is held at the Abraham Staats House, which is decorated for the season. Members and guests who attend are asked to bring a covered dish or refreshment.
Saturday December 7, 12:30 – 4 pm
Sunday December 8, 1 – 4 pm
Each room of the Abraham Staats House is uniquely and feshvely decorated for the holidays by community organizations and members of the Friends of Abraham Staats House. Enjoy sights and sounds of the season. Seasonal music and light refreshments.
Donations accepted.
ADMISSION: FREE
Join us for a live performance of uplifting seasonal music by the Madrigal Singers of Franklin Township High School, directed by Tim Walton.
Seating opens at 12:30 PM. Performance begins at 1:00 PM.
Seating is limited to a first come, first served basis.
ADMISSION: FREE
Candle Light Tours at the Abraham Staats House, led by a guide in period 18th century clothing, visit rooms of the house, decorated for the season. Learn about the house, Staats family, and early history of Christmas. Enjoy light refreshments and seasonal music.
ADMISSION: $10 per person in advance; $15 at door
Saturday December 7, 12:30 – 4 pm
Sunday December 8, 1 – 4 pm
Each room of the Abraham Staats House is uniquely and festively decorated for the holidays by community organizations and members of the Friends of Abraham Staats House. Enjoy sights and sounds of the season. Seasonal music and light refreshments.
Donations accepted.
ADMISSION: FREE
Historic House Tours & Lecture
Weekend Pass:
Adults: $10
Seniors & 18 years and under: $5;
Family (up to 5 members): $20.
Grounds FREE