The Metlar-Bodine House Museum in Piscataway, New Jersey, interprets the history of the Raritan River Valley through a historic house and a collection of local artifacts. It offers a focused local-history stop, though you should confirm visiting arrangements before setting out.
- Location: 1281 River Road, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
- Hours and admission: Open Thursday; closed Friday to Wednesday
- Phone: 732-463-8363
What the Metlar-Bodine House Museum tells visitors
The Metlar-Bodine House Museum connects the story of one house with the wider history of the Raritan River Valley. Peter Bodine built the original one-room house in 1728 overlooking Raritan Landing, an early river port. It later grew into a Greek Revival farmhouse known as “Sunnyside” and became associated with the Metlar family.
The museum’s collection interprets the valley from prehistoric times to the present, with transportation as a recurring theme. Its more than 1,000 artifacts include Native American tools, Revolutionary War-era objects, colonial documents, household and farm items, canal memorabilia, photographs, maps, letters, artwork, and transportation artifacts.
The New Jersey Historic Trust describes the house as one of only two remaining houses from the Raritan Landing settlement period.
That history also includes efforts to protect the building. In 1979, local residents and preservationists rallied to save it from a planned Route 18 interchange. A fire in 2003 destroyed one-third of the museum and damaged hundreds of artifacts; more than $2.5 million was later invested in restoration and collection protection.
Check opening days, tours, and programs
Confirm opening arrangements with the museum before you go; hours and ticket prices can change. Call 732-463-8363, and check the official site.
Opening hours
- Thursday: 10 AM–4 AM
- Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Hours and tour details reported by outside listings differ, so don’t rely on an unconfirmed schedule when planning your day. The museum also preserves a section of the original Ross Hall wall, received in 2000, intended for display in a gallery about the Independence Day order George Washington issued at Ross Hall in July 1778.
How do you get to the museum in Piscataway?
The museum is at 1281 River Road in Piscataway—not North Brunswick. From River Road, turn onto Hillcrest Drive, then left onto Logan Lane to reach the parking areas. The main upper parking area is in the cul-de-sac; accessible parking is at the bottom of the hill along the driveway.
The entrance is next to the accessible parking area and reached by a brick path. The museum has accessible parking, an accessible entrance, and accessible restrooms. Its entrance, restrooms, and functioning exhibit space were completed in spring 2014.
For a North Brunswick base, the museum is about 4.7 miles from Farrington Inn - North Brunswick.
What to know before a historic-house visit
The house’s story is part of a larger regional history: Piscataway was founded in 1666, and its original township encompassed nearly 300 square miles, including places that later became New Brunswick, Plainfield, Somerville, and parts of Middlesex and Somerset Counties.
The museum’s permanent exhibit, “From Indian Trail to Interstate,” interprets the Raritan River Valley through transportation history. The New Jersey Historic Trust says the exhibit was completed in 2017. Since the museum’s visit information does not set out a regular schedule or reservation process, call ahead to confirm access and any arrangements you need.
Add the museum to a local itinerary
The museum’s focus makes it a natural history stop to pair with time outdoors. For another local outing, see the guide to trails and visit planning at Six Mile Run Reservoir Site. Check details for each destination separately before you build your schedule.
FAQs
Where is the Metlar-Bodine House Museum?
It is at 1281 River Road, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854. The phone number is 732-463-8363.
Does the museum publish regular hours?
Open Thursday; closed Friday to Wednesday. Call the museum to confirm opening days and hours before visiting.
What is the museum’s main subject?
Its collection interprets the Raritan River Valley from prehistoric times to the present, with transportation as a connecting theme.