Sat · Oct 3 · 7am
Harvesting Liberty at Merchants and Drovers Tavern, Rahway
Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum, 1632 Saint Georges Ave
Some buildings hold more than walls. The Merchants and Drovers Tavern, built in 1795 on a main route between Philadelphia and New York, is one of them. On Saturday, October 3, as America marks 250 years of independence, Rahway invites neighbors to step inside this historic tavern for Harvesting Liberty, a colonial faire and cemetery tour celebrating the nation's milestone and local history.
The Merchants and Drovers Tavern was constructed as a residence with a store on the ground floor. By 1798, it had become a tavern and hotel serving stagecoach travelers. The building expanded through the 1800s and operated as an inn until 1934. In 1971, the Rahway Historical Society purchased the tavern to preserve it. Today, the four-story building is restored and operated by the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association, which runs tours and educational programs. On April 23, 1789, George Washington stopped here on his way to his presidential inauguration in New York. He was entertained by gentlemen of the town, a fact still marked by a historical marker outside the building.
Harvesting Liberty pairs the tavern tour with access to Rahway Cemetery, which sits adjacent to the museum. The cemetery is the resting place of over 70 Revolutionary War soldiers, 299 Civil War soldiers, and 29 members of the United States Colored Troops. Other notable figures buried there include Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The October 3 event honors these histories as part of the broader America 250th anniversary celebration happening across Union County and the nation.
The event runs from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, October 3. For information about admission fees, specific activities, scheduling, or special tours, call the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum at 732-381-0441. Stay informed about Rahway history, heritage events, and community news on Union County Life.
Photo Credit: The Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum
FAQ:
Q: What is the Merchants and Drovers Tavern and why is it important to Rahway history?
A: The Merchants and Drovers Tavern, built in 1795, was a stagecoach stop between Philadelphia and New York. George Washington was entertained here on April 23, 1789, on his way to his presidential inauguration. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is now operated as a museum by the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association.
Q: When is Harvesting Liberty and what time does it run?
A: Harvesting Liberty is on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum in Rahway. You can drop in anytime during those hours.
Q: What will I see at the event besides the tavern tour?
A: The event includes a colonial faire and a cemetery tour of the adjacent Rahway Cemetery. The cemetery is the burial place of Revolutionary War soldiers, Civil War soldiers, and other notable Rahway residents including Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Q: Where is the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum located?
A: The museum is located at 1632 St. Georges Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065, at the corner of Westfield Avenue. For parking and directions, call 732-381-0441 or visit the museum's website.
Q: Is admission charged and do I need to register?
A: For information about admission fees, registration requirements, and specific event details, call the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum at 732-381-0441. They can provide complete details about the October 3 event.
