Organization of the Week: The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association

Every Monday, I highlight a non-profit related to history or the arts, a historical society, preservation group or friends group whose main objective is to promote the historical and artistic history of New Jersey.

This week, I am featuring the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association. The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association is a non-profit organization which works to educate the citizens of Rahway and Union County about the historic value of the tavern and encourage its preservation, in addition to educating visitors and schoolchildren about the importance and role of taverns in the eighteenth and nineteenth, and twentieth centuries.

The Museum Association began as the Rahway Historical Society. In 1971, the Society purchased the Merchants and Drovers Tavern. The old hotel needed significant repairs due to a lack of maintenance. In 1976, the Society restored the taproom, and in 1988 restored the exterior and made structural improvements. Since then, restoration of the interior has continued and exterior improvements have been undertaken by the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association.

The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association relies on memberships, fundraising, and countless volunteers to continue its mission. For more information on programs, special events, and exhibits hosted by the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association or to become a member or volunteer, please call 732-381-0441 or visit www.merchantsanddrovers.org.

If you are a member of a non-profit organization or know of one that you would like to see featured on this site, please let us know in the comments or send an e-mail to kelly@thehistorygirl.com.