General John Frelinghuysen House/
Raritan Public Library
54 East Somerset Street
Raritan, NJ 08869

Site Number: 6  Northern Tour

Weekend Events:
 - John Basilone Room
 - Military photos and battleship model
 - Local history & genealogy
 - Display of artifacts from a recent excavation

Driving directions:
From the Somerville circle, drive south on Rt. 206 1/4 mile to Old York Road (Main Street). Turn right to Raritan. Look for the
Frelinghuysen House on left (1 mile).

Parking:
Parking available at the site.

ADA Accessible: Yes, first floor only

Normal Hours:
Open Mon & Thurs 10 AM - 8 PM; Tues & Wed 10 AM -
6 PM; Fri 10 AM - 5 PM; Sat. 10 AM - 3 PM;
Note: Closed on Sat. during July and August


Website: No
Email: raritan1@yahoo.com
Phone: 908-725-0413; Mary Paese
Map: Google Map
Historic Register: Yes

Organization:
Raritan Public Library

John Frelinghuysen House

The General John Freylinghuysen House is a fine example of Georgian residential architecture with extensive Federal and Greek Revival modifications. The house was the home of the Frelinghuysen family from 1801 to 1922. In 1970, Congressman Peter Frelinghuysen regained possession of the house and donated it to the Borough of Raritan. The house retains some of the original c. 1801 finishes, woodwork and door hardware, as well as an early brick smokehouse in the cellar. The house now serves as the Raritan Public Library.

Library has a John Basilone Room, in honor of former Raritan resident Marine Gunnery Sergeant Basilone who served and died while serving with the 1st Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division in WWII during the invasion of Iwo Jima (Feb.1945). Basilone received the Purple Heart, the Navy Cross and the Metal of Honor for extraordinary heroism and gallantry. Military photos and model of the ship. USS Basilone are on display. Local history and genealogy information is also provided by the library, as well as a display of artifacts found in and around the building from a recent excavation..