Washington, DC – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that he secured $500,000 for the Metlar-Bodine House Museum Historic Site Project in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment spending bill for Fiscal Year 2023. The House is expected to vote on the underlying legislation in the coming months.
The funding will be used to complete the final phase of an extensive restoration project for the museum, including construction of the Forever the 4th gallery that will feature the Ross Hall Wall and other important historic treasures. The museum is listed on the state and national registered historic sites and highlights the rich history of Middlesex County through a collection of local memorabilia and architecture.
“I’m proud to announce that the Metlar-Bodine House Museum will receive funding to help complete construction of a new Forever the 4th educational wing for the museum. This funding will make sure that our state’s rich history is preserved for future generations, including the treasured Ross Hall Wall,” said Pallone. “I’m looking forward to seeing this project move through the legislative process, and I can’t wait to visit the museum after the renovation is complete.”
“Congressman Pallone is bringing history to life with this funding,” said Mayor Brian C. Wahler. “Because of his help, future generations of Americans will be able to gaze at the same decorative wall as General Washington and other Revolutionary luminaries as they enjoyed the first national Fourth of July celebration in Piscataway.”
“This is wonderful news. The Township of Piscataway and the fellowship for Metlar House have been waiting 22 years to give this Revolutionary War relic a home. The funding Congressman Pallone has helped to secure will soon make this a reality,” said Junelynn Sadlowski, Executive Director of the Metlar-Bodine House. “Some have said that the Ross Hall Wall is just as historically significant as the Liberty Bell, and the National Park Service designated it an American treasure in September 2021. With America’s 250th birthday in 2026, it is important for this incredible artifact to finally be on exhibit. These funds will make this happen. Museum volunteers, staff, and members of the fellowship are over-joyed and thankful for Congressman Pallone’s efforts.”
Ross Hall served as headquarters for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. The Ross Hall Wall is a parlor wall that was part of the room where General George Washington wrote the order for the first national celebration of the Fourth of July. It is the only part of the original building that exists today. More information about the museum and the wall is available here.
Original source can be found here.
