Honoring a long standing tradition, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy invite state residents to celebrate The Holidays at Drumthwacket with free open house tours at the official residence in Princeton.
The Drumthwacket Foundation, in partnership with seven garden clubs from across the state, has decorated each room using fresh arrangements and greenery to complement the architecture and decor of the historical property.
Reservations are required for the free, self-guided tours, which are offered at one-hour intervals: 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Docents will be available to answer questions and provide historical information. Parking is free. The tours are happening on the following dates:
- Wednesday, Dec. 4
- Thursday, Dec. 5
- Friday, Dec. 6
- Saturday, Dec. 7
- Wednesday, Dec. 11
Visit December Holiday Open Houses – Drumthwacket, the Official Residence of the Governor of New Jersey for more information and to make reservations.
“It is our joy and privilege to welcome thousands of New Jerseyans to Drumthwacket all year, and especially during the holiday season. This beautiful property, appropriately known as the People’s House, is a historical and cultural treasure that becomes even more remarkable at this time of year. I am incredibly grateful for the festive decorations created by seven garden clubs across our state in partnership with the Drumthwacket Foundation,” said Tammy Murphy. “Over the coming month, I look forward to welcoming many New Jersey families to visit and enjoy the holidays with us here at Drumthwacket.”
Reservations are required; admission and on-site parking are free of charge. To make tour arrangements,
The Holidays at Drumthwacket includes the following display presentations located throughout the public first-floor of the residence:
- Entrance Gate and Window Wreaths: Warren Garden Club
- Front Door, Foyer, and Solarium: Garden Club of Metuchen
- Dining Room: Keyport Garden Club
- Parlor: Mountain Lakes Garden Club
- Music Room: Allentown Garden Club
- Library: West Trenton Garden Club
- Governor’s Study: Belvidere Garden Club
About Drumthwacket
Drumthwacket is the official residence of the governor of the New Jersey at 354 Stockton St. in Princeton, New Jersey, about 11 miles from state capital building in Trenton.
The mansion was built in 1835 and expanded in 1893 and 1900. It was sold with its surrounding land to the state in 1966 and designated the governor’s mansion in 1982.
The Drumthwacket property was once owned by the Quaker William Penn, who founded the colony of Pennsylvania. The property was named by the 19th governor of New Jersey (1860–1863) Charles Smith Olden (Feb. 19, 1799 – April 7, 1876).
It is believed Gov. Olden named the house the Scots-Gaelic name of Drumthwacket (which means “wooded hill”) after reading Sir Walter Scott’s historical novels, “A Legend (of the Wars) of Montrose,” published in 1819.