Award Granted To Preserve Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield

METUCHEN, NJ — Middlesex County will receive funding from the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program to acquire and restore the Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield. The county made this announcement on Wednesday.

The Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield received the highest grant amount awarded nationwide at $1,619,977. The landmark is 13.12 acres, and located in Edison. It is the only site in New Jersey to receive this grant and the only Revolutionary War landmark this year to secure funding.

“We are honored to receive this important grant to preserve and protect the Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield for future generations of residents and visitors to immerse in the American Revolution, right here in our community,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios in a statement.

Other states who’ve received grants are Kentucky and Virginia.

“This competitive pitch was hard won by the many members of our department and the Board of Chosen Freeholders; it signifies a major accomplishment for not only our County but the entire State of New Jersey,” said Richard Lear, Director of Parks & Recreation at Middlesex County Department of Infrastructure Management.

The Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant program is administered by the American Battlefield Protection Program. It provides up to 50 percent matching funds for state and local governments, to acquire and preserve threatened Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War battlefield land.

The Metuchen Meeting House Battlefield is the site of the Battle of Short Hills.

To learn more about its history, visit http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/About/Pages/History.aspx.

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