Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum Hunterdon County, NJ
The Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum is devoted to the preservation of Hunterdon County’s farming heritage. The area’s farming started in the 18th century and spanned well into the 20th century. The Holcombe-Jimison House is the oldest standing home in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Built in 1711, the House and its property have lived through many a war and loss.
When the Delaware and Raritan feeder canal was dug railroad tracks were run right through it during the 19th century. This also led to the laying of pipelines and power lines during the 20th century, which dropped the total acreage down to 12 from 300 original acres. Property records show that William Penn, George Hutchinson, and John Calowe sold their land to John Wey who was the original owner of the land in 1704. However, it is unclear whether there were any other structures on the property. However, the main home has a stone dated for 1711 giving us that build date, but it could be even older.
By 1733, John Holcombe bought the property which at the time was a plantation. The property went on to stay with the family until 1858 when it was sold to John Barber because of an inheritance dispute. The barber family stayed on the land farming it from 1865 to 1950 when Rachel and Milo Jimison bought it. Flashforward to 1968 and they deeded some 20 acres of it to the Hunterdon Historical Society who would go on to own it in perpetuity.
In 1980 the house barely escaped demolition when new access roads were under construction to build a toll bridge. Four years later, The Society deeded their 20 acres to the non-profit Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Corporation. Today they continue to operate the museum on the property and are in the process of restoring the 1711 home.
Take a Tour of the 1711 House
Today you can see the 1711 House for yourself with a guided tour. As soon as you open the door you can make your way into the kitchen and then into the center of the room. Check out the original fireplace which had been hidden away behind a wall at some point during renovations. You can still see that the original chimney from 1700.
The Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Commission was provided a grant to ensure a more thorough restoration that spans the kitchen floor and ceiling beams. During that restoration process, a cistern was found below the floor in 1899. Today you can see it on the tour behind a Plexiglas cover.
Visiting the Farmstead and House
The farmstead itself includes a massive ban barn that was built in 1891 and houses an extensive collection of local artifacts that deal directly with the farming history of the area. You can also explore two large barns that showcase farm equipment, a post office, a blacksmith’s forge, and much more.
Visit the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum for yourself Hunterdon County on Sundays from May through October and Wednesdays all year long. Drop a $5 donation in the box for entry to explore the museum.
When the Delaware and Raritan feeder canal was dug railroad tracks were run right through it during the 19th century. This also led to the laying of pipelines and power lines during the 20th century, which dropped the total acreage down to 12 from 300 original acres. Property records show that William Penn, George Hutchinson, and John Calowe sold their land to John Wey who was the original owner of the land in 1704. However, it is unclear whether there were any other structures on the property. However, the main home has a stone dated for 1711 giving us that build date, but it could be even older.
By 1733, John Holcombe bought the property which at the time was a plantation. The property went on to stay with the family until 1858 when it was sold to John Barber because of an inheritance dispute. The barber family stayed on the land farming it from 1865 to 1950 when Rachel and Milo Jimison bought it. Flashforward to 1968 and they deeded some 20 acres of it to the Hunterdon Historical Society who would go on to own it in perpetuity.
In 1980 the house barely escaped demolition when new access roads were under construction to build a toll bridge. Four years later, The Society deeded their 20 acres to the non-profit Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Corporation. Today they continue to operate the museum on the property and are in the process of restoring the 1711 home.
Take a Tour of the 1711 House
Today you can see the 1711 House for yourself with a guided tour. As soon as you open the door you can make your way into the kitchen and then into the center of the room. Check out the original fireplace which had been hidden away behind a wall at some point during renovations. You can still see that the original chimney from 1700.
The Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Commission was provided a grant to ensure a more thorough restoration that spans the kitchen floor and ceiling beams. During that restoration process, a cistern was found below the floor in 1899. Today you can see it on the tour behind a Plexiglas cover.
Visiting the Farmstead and House
The farmstead itself includes a massive ban barn that was built in 1891 and houses an extensive collection of local artifacts that deal directly with the farming history of the area. You can also explore two large barns that showcase farm equipment, a post office, a blacksmith’s forge, and much more.
Visit the Holcombe Jimison Farmstead Museum for yourself Hunterdon County on Sundays from May through October and Wednesdays all year long. Drop a $5 donation in the box for entry to explore the museum.