Free Family Day at Historic Allen House

Free Family Day at Historic Allen House on October 13

All Are Welcome

Join the Monmouth County Historical Association for a special and free family day at the historic Allen House on October 13 from 1-4pm.  Festivities will be held under a sailcloth tent on the grounds of the 300-year old house, the town’s most noted tavern in its day.   Located at the historic four corners of Broad and Sycamore Streets in Shrewsbury, this educational and fun event is free and all are welcome.

Visitors to the Allen House on October 13 will have a special opportunity to tour the interior of the house.  In colonial America, the tavern rivaled the church as the community’s most vital social institution. Josiah Halstead’s tavern, now known as the Allen House, served as the court, town hall, post office, dance hall and gathering place. It is the oldest surviving tavern in the county.

Children can expect to enjoy and participate in demonstrations of 18th century activities such as butter churning and weaving.  Roving musical performers will entertain our visitors.  Families can make and take home corn husk dolls, samplers, and practice 18th century penmanship using slate boards.  Active races and games like sack racing, egg-in-a spoon game, and croquet will tire out the little ones.

Family Day is part of a weekend of activities at the Allen House, beginning with the adults-only Tavernfest fundraising event on Friday night.  Tickets for Tavernfest, and more information on Family Day, can be found by calling 732-462-1466.