Middlesex County Unveils New Identity and Vision for East Jersey Old Town Village Amid America’s 250th Celebration

*For photos, click here*

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ - On Saturday, July 4, Middlesex County unveiled a transformative new chapter for East Jersey Old Town Village, guided by the American Alliance of Museums accreditation process and a commitment to providing best-in-class services to visitors. Part of this transformation includes a new name - Historic Raritan Village - and the completion of the design phase of significant enhancements and renovations, intended to expand educational opportunities, improve the visitor experience, and increase accessibility for future generations. This estimated investment of over $16 million underscores the County's ongoing commitment to preserving and elevating the region's rich history. The announcement of upcoming changes was made during the County's annual Independence Day celebration, on the nation's 250th anniversary, inspiring residents and visitors to connect with the stories, people, and places that shaped America and Middlesex County.

As part of Middlesex County's Museum Accreditation Journey, the County will construct a new Orientation Center to serve as a welcoming gateway for visitors. The County has also acquired and will reconstruct the historic Prall Barn, dating back to the 1790s, when New Jersey was a center of agriculture. Together, these additions will complement the Village's collection of historic buildings while significantly expanding opportunities for educational programming, exhibitions, community events, and public engagement. Additional improvements will focus on creating a more accessible and welcoming experience for visitors of all ages and abilities by expanding parking capacity, adding dedicated bus drop-off areas, and enhancing pedestrian pathways throughout the site.

"Middlesex County is home to some of our nation's most significant Revolutionary War sites," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "As we commemorate America's 250th anniversary, these investments will help us bring those under-told stories to life in new and engaging ways while creating expanded opportunities for education and cultural programming. East Jersey Old Town Village, soon to be named Historic Raritan Village, will continue to serve as a destination where residents and visitors can experience the history that shaped our region and our nation."

"The transformation of East Jersey Old Town Village with a new look and name reflects Middlesex County's ongoing commitment to preserving our past while investing in our future," said Middlesex County Commissioner and Chair of the Economic Development Committee Chanelle Scott McCullum. "The initiative builds upon Middlesex County's continued investment in history, arts, culture, and tourism as key drivers of local growth and economic vitality."

HISTORIC RARITAN VILLAGE

The new name, Historic Raritan Village, honors elements of the site's original name while connecting the County's past through the word Raritan. The name Raritan originated from a Native American word that was later adopted by the earliest Dutch and English settlers. It is a name found in the oldest documents of the region and appears in letters by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. The name Raritan was also used for businesses, civic organizations, banks, government facilities, firehouses, canals, railroads, and communities, such as Raritan Township - present-day Edison Township - where Thomas Edison's home and laboratory were located.

The name also reflects the significance of the Raritan River itself, which has served as a defining geographic, cultural, and economic force throughout Middlesex County's history. For centuries, the river connected communities, supported trade and industry, and influenced settlement patterns and growth across the region. Historic Raritan Village better captures the site's mission to preserve, interpret, and share the diverse stories, cultures, and experiences that have shaped Middlesex County and New Jersey over generations.

As East Jersey Old Town Village enters this new chapter with new facilities and a new name, the Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation will continue advancing its pursuit of accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums, the museum field's highest standard of excellence.

To learn more about the Middlesex County Division of History and Historic Preservation, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/history and visit middlesexcountynj.gov/museum to follow the County's accreditation journey.

###