Allen House Restoration
2024 - 2026
A Brief History of the Allen House
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The historical significance of the Allen House spans more than three centuries, beginning when a portion of the home was built as a summer residence for the Stillwell family in 1710, on land purchased from Judah Allen. Since that time, it has operated under various owners as a tavern, a doctor's office, a pharmacy, and a general store, in addition to serving as a private residence. The Allen House also completes Shrewsbury’s historic “Four Corners,” with Christ Church, the
Presbyterian Church, and the Quaker Meeting House.
Today, it is one of several historic house museums owned and operated by the Monmouth County Historical Association, interpreted as the late 18th-century tavern owned by Josiah Halstead. During this period, a revolution began to seem
inevitable. In January of 1775, locals met at Halstead’s tavern to form a committee of representatives for the Continental Congress, weighing the prospects of independence against the costs of waging a seemingly unwinnable war. Four years
later, a party of Loyalists raided 12 Continental troops quartered at the tavern, killing 3 and capturing 9, in what has since been dubbed the “Allen House Massacre.”
The Project​
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Ensuring the long-term survival of a one of the area’s oldest surviving structures is an arduous task. As one of the region’s leading historical organizations, the Monmouth County Historical Association is proud to accept this challenge in the hopes of ensuring the site's survival for another three hundred years. Some of the major restoration projects planned for the Allen House include:
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Installation of a new roof over the kitchen wing shed, with added drainage system
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Repairs to existing wood shingle roofing
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Repair and restoration of rotting exterior siding, windows, and doors
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Repair of existing stone masonry foundations and brick chimney
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Installation of handicapped-accessible ramps and walks
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Restoration or replacement of interior electrical and HVAC systems
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Addition of accessible public restrooms
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Exterior surface preparation and painting
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Enhancing visitor safety and experiences through exterior pathways and lighting
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Implementation of a long-range cyclical maintenance program, as indicated
in the site’s updated Historic Structures Report (HSR)
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An in-depth report detailing the site’s current interior and exterior conditions, restoration and conservation plans, and cost estimates is available upon request to info@monmouthhistory.org. All work is being overseen by Connolly & Hickey Historical Architects, LLC, a leading firm in the field of historic preservation. Restoration will comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, which was developed under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
Project Funding
Completing essential repairs and restoration while maintaining the historical integrity of the site is a costly pursuit, and we are asking everyone to please consider donating to help save this vital piece of American history. The cost of this major restoration project is estimated at $1,000,000. Our fundraising goal is $500,000, as each donation will be generously matched dollar for dollar by the New Jersey Historic Trust. We are honored to receive major funding from theTrust, also grateful for the generous sponsors who are helping to raise the necessary matching funds for this major grant. Thank you in advance for your generosity and dedication to the preservation of our nation's history.
