Town and Local Historical Society Team Up
to Restore Isaac Pearson House
It’s on the National
and NJ Registers of Historic Places and was the home of a New Jersey official that
was a prominent figure during the Revolutionary War.
The Isaac
Pearson House – built in 1773 and located in the DeCou neighborhood of Hamilton
– was the home of its namesake, who was the Nottingham Tax Collector, a justice
or the peace, a freeholder, township clerk and a NJ Provincial Congress
delegate. His death just two days after
the Battle of Trenton remains somewhat of a mystery, as Pearson - known to be
an early supporter of independence - may have waivered in his support over
time. Some believe he was murdered on
his way to New Brunswick for that wavering support, while other believe Pearson
was murdered by robbers.
For several
years, the house has remained dormant; however, in October, Hamilton Township
and the non-profit Historical Society of Hamilton Township teamed up to begin a
plan to revitalize the historic home.
The Township, which owns the building and property, agreed on a 50 year
lease to the Historical Society - with an option to extend an additional 25
years - for the cost of one dollar. In
turn, the Historical Society will undertake a fundraiser and grant seeking
effort. Over the next decade, they hope
to raise upwards of $500,000 to return the Pearson House to its rightful place
among Hamilton’s many historic sites.
As an initial
step, the Historical Society recently applied for a $15,000 grant from the 1772
Foundation, which if they receive it, would qualify them for a $30,000 grant next
year.
This year the
Historical Society – which operates the historic John Abbott II house located
inside Veterans Park – will kick off a fundraising campaign for this
effort.
“Hamilton is
home to so many historic sites; and this invaluable partnership with the
Historical Society will put the Pearson House ‘back on the map’ in a fitting
manner,” says Mayor Kelly Yaede. “As we
look to continue efforts to support our town’s growing tourism potential, our
historic landmarks will be one attraction for visitors staying our town’s expanding
number of hotels.”
“We are happy to work with Mayor Yaede and her
administration in restoring the prominence of the Pearson House; and we are
optimistic that the generosity of the many Hamiltonians who are appreciative of
our local history will make this effort a success,” says Dr. James Federici,
President of the Historical Society.
Residents can
learn more about the Historical Society by visiting www.hamiltontownshiphistory.org or attending one of its many
programs held throughout the year at the Hamilton Township Public Library
(which are listed in the 2018 Hamilton Township Calendar).