Autumn Harvest Party
More than 110 members and friends of the Shrewsbury Historical Society were present for a gala Autumn Harvest Party at the home of Betsy Schmalz Shaheen and Tim Shaheen this week, learning more about the unique history of the Buttonwood Estate as well as raising funds for maintenance and operating costs for the Society and its museum in the municipal complex on Sycamore Avenue.
Society President Donald Burden and his wife Mary Lea welcomed all to the event, and thanks the Shaheens for their gracious hosting of one of the most popular annual events in the borough. The hosts greeted guests on their spacious lawns and gardens surrounding their home as well as in their gracious dining and living areas within.
The Autumn Harvest Party was started in 1973 and held every year since then with the exception of one year during the Covid epidemic and a second year in deference to the death of the founder of the Historical Society, J. Louise Jost.
Since its inception half a century ago, Burden, who has been involved with the Society and all its events since 1984, said every year the Autumn Harvest Party becomes more popular and attracts a larger more diverse group of residents and friends.
“There are many new young couples moving into the borough,” the president said, “and they are interested in being introduced to the significant history of historic Shrewsbury. It is wonderful to see the interest being shown by all generations and the enthusiasm for not only learning more about the borough’s history but their desire to pass it on to their children as well.”
The Autumn Harvest Party event is the largest fund-raising event the Society holds each year and is important since it does not receive any funding from the borough, operating as a separate and independent entity that relies solely on membership dues and events.
The Society is known throughout Monmouth County and beyond for the number of outstanding events and displays it offers at the museum. Because of the excellence and unique characteristics of the displays, many are often displayed in an abbreviated fashion at the Monmouth County Eastern Branch library located in the borough.
Currently, society members are working on the next presentation, an antique sewing machine exhibit. Its most recent displays, both the exhibit of antique chairs for all ages, uses, and needs, from rocking horses and highchairs to formal living room seating, and the wedding gown fashion center which featured styles and gowns from two centuries, many of which were donated by society members and friends, both met with great acclaim.
The museum has undergone extensive renovations in recent months, including new display areas and the installation of new carpeting and flooring throughout the several rooms in the two-story facility. The Society has also expanded ADA bathroom facilities and upgraded lighting offering increased access to a wider audience.
“The long-standing cooperative union with the Shrewsbury Borough School and the historic sites of Shrewsbury’s Historical Four Corners, makes for a unique combination to highlight the historic significance of Shrewsbury,” Borden said. “Many small groups are now using the facility for meetings and programs.”
The president also noted that as Shrewsbury heads into its 100th anniversary as a borough, which will be celebrated in 2026 along with the 250 anniversary of our nation’s founding, the Shrewsbury Historical Society is targeted to be a welcoming venue to share in joint celebrations
For the winter season, the museum is open by appointment only and society members are eager to make presentations. Appointments and further information are both available by calling 732-530-7974 or e-mailing Shrewswburyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Shrewsbury Historical Society Past EVENT
