County of Monmouth
For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2009
 
Murray farmhouse featured in history series
Latest installment features agricultural roots of Poricy Park
 
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has released the next installment in its online history project that features Poricy Park’s Murray farmhouse, Middletown, in a three-minute video available for viewing at www.visitmonmouth.com/history.
 
Get the Flash Player to watch this Video.
 
Joining the county’s “These Historic Places” video series, Murray farmhouse is an outstanding example of a middle class structure from Colonial times. Built ca. 1770 by Joseph Murray, a stonemason from Ireland, the farmhouse and its nearby barn remain on their original foundations.
 
Located off of Oak Hill Road in Middletown, the farmhouse maintains the charm of the original five-room house. Simple plastered walls, brick fireplaces and period artifacts provide a look at everyday life in the 18th century. The property was farmed and the farmhouse inhabited until it was purchased in 1973 by Middletown Township. The farmhouse and surrounding facilities are maintained by the Poricy Park Conservancy.
 
“The video series gives residents a chance to preview some great local and state history spots and the work being done to preserve them,” Freeholder Lillian G. Burry said. “Residents who log onto the county’s Web site can learn a great deal about county projects and resources – this history project is just one of the many resources available at www.visitmonmouth.com.”
 
Previous videos are available for viewing on the county Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com/history. To date, the videos have featured the Church of the Presidents in Long Branch, the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, the Strauss Mansion and Museum in Atlantic Highlands, the National Guard Militia Museum in Sea Girt and All Saint’s Memorial Church in Middletown.
 
The Monmouth County Historical Commission is dedicated to preserving the past and creating a living history. For information about the county’s Historical Commission, contact the Hall of Records Annex, 2nd floor, Freehold, NJ 07728, or call (732) 431-7413. Information can also be found on the county’s Web site at www.visitmonmouth.com.
 
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