Proprietary House

A true survivor, this building has seen war and peace, fire and storms, neglect and restoration, to stand as a witness to 250 years of American history. Completed in 1764, Proprietary House has served as a residence to New Jersey's last royal governor, Wm. Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin. In 1809 it was expanded and became the Brighton House hotel, a luxury resort; a private mansion; the Westminster, a retirement home for Presbyterian Ministers; and a boarding house.

Proprietary House is the only remaining official royal governors mansion still stand in the original 13 colonies.

Proprietary House is owned by the State of New Jersey and the museum is operated by the non-profit Proprietary House Association. We serve the community, hosting guided tours, lectures, concerts, storytelling and teas. The museum's beautiful spaces are available for rent for special occasions such as weddings, dinners, meetings and luncheons.

Exhibits

Tours are available from 1-4 pm. Visit Royal Governor William Franklin's Drawing room, breakfast room and his housekeepers room; the lobby of the Brighton House Resort, the Dining room of Mathias Bruen, the governor's 1764 wine vault, now serving as our tea room; the servant's hall, original kitchen and our gift shop.

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