Upcoming Events at the Merchants and Drovers
Click for more information on each event!
Ghosts of the Past Daytime Cemetery Tours 2023 Women in Rahway History
On Sunday, October 1st, the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association will present its 29th annual “Spirits of the Past” tour of the Rahway Cemetery. This year’s theme, “Women in Rahway History,” will feature 12 women from the pages of Rahway’s past who played a part in the history of the city, exhibited admirable attributes, or represented universal qualities. During this unique educational experience, groups are guided to gravesites where costumed actors portray each woman and tell their stories. This year’s Ghosts of the Past tour is made possible with support from the Union County Board of County Commissioners HEART (History, Education, and Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant program. You’ll be able to modify the quantity on the next page. 
Four Centuries in a Weekend
On Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22 over two dozen Union County historic sites and museums will be open free-of-charge, giving history buffs an opportunity to journey through over 400 years of history. The Merchants and Drovers will be open both days with member volunteers who will provide tours and showcase our local history.
On Sunday, October 22 only, a hearth cooking demonstration will be ongoing in our rustic kitchen. Visitors will be invited to step into the kitchen and experience the sights and aromas of the past and watch as our cooks prepare a full meal. We hope you will join us to sample the food items as they are prepared throughout the day.
Visitors to the Merchants and Drovers will also have the opportunity to visit the gravesite of Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who is buried in the historic Rahway Cemetery. The cemetery is within walking distance of the Museum.
When visiting the Museum, visitors will receive a booklet listing the participating sites and their locations. They will also have the opportunity to get a Four Centuries Passport which can be stamped at each site. All sites will be open from 12-5 on both days and there is no admission charge. Visit as many sites as you can!
Four Centuries in a Weekend
On Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22 over two dozen Union County historic sites and museums will be open free-of-charge, giving history buffs an opportunity to journey through over 400 years of history. The Merchants and Drovers will be open both days with member volunteers who will provide tours and showcase our local history.
On Sunday, October 22 only, a hearth cooking demonstration will be ongoing in our rustic kitchen. Visitors will be invited to step into the kitchen and experience the sights and aromas of the past and watch as our cooks prepare a full meal. We hope you will join us to sample the food items as they are prepared throughout the day.
Visitors to the Merchants and Drovers will also have the opportunity to visit the gravesite of Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who is buried in the historic Rahway Cemetery. The cemetery is within walking distance of the Museum.
When visiting the Museum, visitors will receive a booklet listing the participating sites and their locations. They will also have the opportunity to get a Four Centuries Passport which can be stamped at each site. All sites will be open from 12-5 on both days and there is no admission charge. Visit as many sites as you can!
The Spirits of Rahway: A Lantern Lit Tour
This October, the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum will once again host The Spirits of Rahway: A Lantern Lit Tour of the Rahway Cemetery. Taking place on Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28, this nighttime tour will showcase the sinister side of Rahway’s history. Guests will be escorted through the cemetery by their “Spirit Guide” who will relay thirteen true stories of murder, tragic deaths, and the unexplained goings on within the cemetery gates.
Tours begin after sundown at 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 p.m. Tours last approximately one hour. Reservations are required. Tickets are $20 per person. After the walk, guests are invited back to the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum for hot mulled apple cider and refreshments.
The Spirits of Rahway: A Lantern Lit Tour
This October, the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum will once again host The Spirits of Rahway: A Lantern Lit Tour of the Rahway Cemetery. Taking place on Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28, this nighttime tour will showcase the sinister side of Rahway’s history. Guests will be escorted through the cemetery by their “Spirit Guide” who will relay thirteen true stories of murder, tragic deaths, and the unexplained goings on within the cemetery gates.
Tours begin after sundown at 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, and 9:30 p.m. Tours last approximately one hour. Reservations are required. Tickets are $20 per person. After the walk, guests are invited back to the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum for hot mulled apple cider and refreshments.
