NORTH BRUNSWICK – The North Brunswick Historical Society received a Preserve New Jersey Preservation Grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust to continue work at the Pulda Farm.
This is the largest grant to-date – $21,375 – and North Brunswick was the only municipality in Middlesex County to receive funding, according to Michael Hritz, president of the Historical Society and director of the North Brunswick Department of Community Development.
“The grant will allow us to develop a preservation plan for the John Buckelew House at the Pulda Farm, and prepare our application to designate the entire Pulda Farm as a National Historic Site,” he said.
Restoration of the nearly 250-year-old John Buckelew House off of Route 130 north has been underway for years.
In 2016, Hritz announced the township had received definitive proof that slavery once existed in North Brunswick. Buckelew was one of the earliest founders and settlers of the farm and deeded his sons to care for a slave throughout their lives. He also said the house itself dates to 1746, while the federal portion dates to 1786.
The renovation project thus far has included potable water and electric work and much of the exterior painting. The roof was also replaced on the oldest section of the house. All of the work was done by the historical society based on their own assessments, Hritz said.
The grant for the Preservation Plan effectively creates a full stop and allows HMR Architects to prepare a detailed plan and guide going forward.
For more information, visit www.northbrunswickhistory.org.
