Historic Preservation Plan: Murray Farmhouse, Poricy Park, Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey

Connolly and Hickey Historical Architects, LLC

From executive summary: "The Historic Preservation Plan for the Murray Farmhouse is a preservation planning document that will serve the Township of Middletown in planning for future rehabilitation and repair work at the Farmhouse based on the building’s historical significance and evolution, existing conditions, and use requirements. The Murray Farmhouse consists of a wood-frame, one-and-one-half-story residence with basement and attic. The building was originally constructed c. 1767 as the home of Joseph Murray, an Irish mason who immigrated to the American colonies around 1767 and established a farm in Middletown. Murray was killed in an act of civil aggression related to his role in a local militia during the Revolutionary War. The Farmhouse was then owned by subsequent generations of the Murray family until around 1860. After this the home passed through a series of owners and the property retained its agricultural use through the mid-twentieth century. In 1973, the Township of Middletown acquired the former Murray property as part of the formation of Poricy Park. In the early 1980s the farmhouse was renovated to interpret the story of Joseph Murray and local Middletown history. The building continues to be used today for tours and educational programs. The Farmhouse is significant for its association with Joseph Murray and for its architecture, which displays an unusual history, evolution, and architectural feature unique to its development. The Historic Preservation Plan summarizes the history and development of the Murray Farmhouse, analyzes the overall conditions of the building on the exterior and interior, and makes recommendations for repair and upgrade. The plan addresses any conditions and recommendations that will ensure its continued use as a house museum and interpreted building." Funding for this project was provided in part through a fiscal year 2015 Historic Preservation Fund grant to Middletown Township (project number NJ-15-102) administered by the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office (grant number P15AF00186) and the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Middletown Township, New Jersey is a Certified Local Government.

Historic Preservation Plan: Murray Farmhouse, Poricy Park, Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey

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