These two homes and the landscape surrounding them survive as a significant example of Middletown's agrarian economy during the Revolutionary War and through the mid-nineteenth century. The vernacular Marlpit Hall was built c.1756 by the Taylors, politically active British sympathizers who lost their fortune and social standing during the Revolution. Descendents of the family erected the Victorian Taylor-Butler House in 1853.

The Trust grant will fund a landscape master plan for the partial restoration and management of the grounds surrounding the two houses.

Built in 1686, Marlpit Hall reflects the evolution and the synthesis of Dutch and English building traditions in New Jersey. For 250 ears, the house was occupied by a series of community leaders and their descendents. Marlpit Hall closed for three years due to structural problems related to insect infestation in the foundation.

The grant funded the basic stabilization and restoration of the Hall, as well as some modern improvement needed to reinstall its museum collections and to reopen the house to the public. The restoration was completed in 2001.

For more information, visit: http://www.monmouth.com/~mcha/histprop.htm