LITTLE SILVER – The Parker Homestead, one of the oldest homes in America, will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, at the 235 Rumson Road site.
Events planned for the event will allow visitors to:
- Enjoy tours of the home and grounds
- Learn about more restoration plans
- Hear Monmouth University professor Richard Veit at 3 p.m. as he discusses his initial findings from a recent archeological dig on the site
- Meet local artist Michael Quon who recently completed a painting of the homestead
The free event will also offer light refreshments.
The homestead was settled by brothers Joseph and Peter Parker in 1665 and remained in family hands for 330 years until 1995, when Julia Parker died and deeded the property to the borough of Little Silver. Julia Parker stipulated that the homestead be preserved as a historic landmark and used for historic educational purposes.
The site is on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.
The Parker Homestead is considered one of the oldest dwellings still standing in New Jersey. The Parker Homestead-1665 Inc. received its charitable 501 C 3 designation this year.
Renovations to and stabilization of the three barns is currently under way and is being led by the borough of Little Silver. The construction company, Nickles Contracting of Haddon Heights, specializes in restoration projects, including some of the state’s most significant historic structures such as Drumthwacket, Absecon Lighthouse, Lucy the Elephant, and closer to home, the Little Silver Train Station.
Additional information is available on the organization’s website at www.parkerhomestead-1665.com.
