In 1822 famed marine engine manufacturer James P. Allaire purchased a tract of land in southern Monmouth County as a source of raw materials for his thriving New York based business. Then called the Howell Works Company, that property is known today as The Historic Village at Allaire, a living history museum dedicated to the life and times of James Allaire and the preservation of his memory. Visitors to The Historic Village at Allaire, which is listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places, will step back in time and experience life in a 19th Century bog iron producing community. Craftsmen in period garb; such as blacksmiths, carpenters, leatherworkers, molders and tinsmiths; demonstrate their skills for visitors while explaining how their roles affected life at The Howell Works Company and the surrounding communities. Younger visitors to the Historic Village are even afforded the opportunity to learn what life was like for the children of The Howell Works Company by becoming apprentices to the master craftsmen.

Located in Allaire State Park, experience life in a 19th Century industrial community during your visit to the Historic Village at Allaire. Costumed Historic Interpreters will demonstrate their crafts such as blacksmithing, carpentry or quilting using authentic 19th Century methods, while explaining their skills. Get a taste for 19th Century food preparation as the ladies of our Food Ways Guild demonstrate the art of cooking in the early 1800's using authentic Receipts . Join our local Militia Unit and experience the formations and drills used in post Colonial New Jersey.

While visiting our historic homes hear about the etiquette of the day including courting customs and proper behavior for a 19th Century child. Be warned, you may be asked to help our Historic Interpreters with their daily chores such as watering gardens, splitting fire wood or doing laundry. Visit our Bakery for demonstrations in Brick Oven Baking or even attend an authentic 19th century Schoolhouse during our School Days Event .

Participate in a Temperance Rally, cast your vote in the Election of 1836, attend the Wedding of James P. Allaire's daughter Maria Haggerty Allaire or the Funeral of James P. Allaire's first wife Frances Duncan Allaire, one of only about a dozen funerals re-enacted in the United States. Visit the Historic Village at Allaire and experience life as it was in 19th Century America.