The tavern was constructed in 1750 for Matthias Aspden and was originally a three story brick structure, with a kitchen and a paved cellar as part of the original tavern. Another wing, with a gambrel roof, was added in 1760, and removed in 1909. The tavern was expanded along the street façade in the 1880s, incorporating part of an early 18^th century brewery.  It was purchased by the state in 1903 and became the first property preserved as a museum by New Jersey.  The building’s historic integrity essentially dates to its 1909 restoration, as part of the Colonial Revival movement. 

The grant will help fund the preparation of a comprehensive preservation plan that will pull together all the previous documentation and studies, and make recommendations for future repairs, preservation and use of the structure as a historic site.  In particular, the plan will explore options for improving visitor amenities to the site that would increase public participation at the site.

For more information, visit: http://www.indiankingtavern.org