High Bridge Union Forge Heritage Association

Solitude House Museum

7 River Road
P.O. Box 174
High Bridge, NJ 08829
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Solitude House, built circa 1725, later became the centerpiece of the iron plantation that became Union Forge Ironworks. Later called Taylor Iron and Steel Company, it eventually became known as Taylor-Wharton. John Penn, the last royal governor of Pennsylvania was a political prisoner of war at Solitude House during the Revolution. Five generations of the Taylor family managed the business and continued to live in the house, until 1938. The museum houses the Taylor-Wharton Collection as well as changeable exhibits to depict the life and times of the residents and ironworkers who lived in High Bridge.

The Union Forge

This photo shows the remains of The Union Forge. The Union Forge Heritage Association is beginning an effort to renovate this area. As always, we also seek historical artifacts from High Bridge or Union Forge. Please call the museum at 908-638-3200 and leave a message.

The Union Forge Patron's Guild is looking for members. As a member of the Patron's Guild you are welcome to participate in any and all of the events held at the museum at no additional charge. We hope the members will visit Solitude House Museum often and will take advantage of the grounds as well as touring the house and viewing the many displays designed to help visitors learn more about High Bridge, Union Forge and the importance the iron works held for the residents of this area. Annual membership is available on several levels. Individual membership is available for a $25.00 donation, Family membership for $40.00, Contributor for $100.00, Supporter for $250.00 and Associate for $500.00. Checks should be made payable to Union Forge Heritage Association and may be sent to Solitude House Museum, 7 River Road, P.O. Box 174, High Bridge, NJ 08829.

Photos, Movies and More

2007 Season Photos
Download Solitude Video (Windows Media Player)
Take the Solitude House Quiz!
Video of High Bridge Historic Pictures
High Bridge Historical Photos

2008 Calendar of Events

Queen's Tea - May 4th 2pm
Independence Day Celebration - July 4th 1pm - 4pm
Tales at the Old Forge - October 25th 7:30pm
Christmas House Tour - December 14 3pm - 5pm

Upcoming Events

May

NJ History Fair, Washington Crossing State Park - May 3rd. 11am - 5pm.
The UFHA will have a tent at the NJ History Fair, which offers fun for the whole family. There are demonstrations, re-enactors and activities for all ages, plus lots to learn.

The New Jersey Historical Society
52 Park Place - Newark, NJ 07102
(973) 596-8500 - Fax: (973) 596-6957

The New Jersey Historical Society is a state-wide, private, non profit historical museum, library, and archives dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the rich and intricate political, social, cultural and economic history of New Jersey to the broadest possible audiences. Founded in 1845, we are the oldest cultural institution in the state. Through exhibitions, publications, and programming, we examine who and what we are, what it means to live and work in New Jersey, what contributes to New Jersey's distinct identity, and what are the unique contributions New Jerseyans make to the region and the country.

May 07, 2008: LUNCHTIME PROGRAM: Union Forge Ironworks
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Colonial iron production was an enormous undertaking of labor and natural resources, creating towns and economies. William Honachefsky, trustee for the Union Forge Heritage Association, will explore New Jersey’s early iron industry through the story of the Union Forge Ironworks in High Bridge, New Jersey.

Bring your lunch...bring a friend. Enjoy talks, presentations, demonstrations, and gallery programs. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. Programs are subject to change. Please call ahead to bring a group.

July/August
Victorian Day Camp at Solitude House. July 28 - Aug. 1. Call the museum (908-638-3200) for more information.

Volunteers Needed

The Solitude House Museum is looking for volunteers. We are looking for painters, plasterers, carpenters and landscapers. If you have a skill not mentioned, just call and let us know, we just may need it! If you would like to volunteer or visit Solitude House, please feel free to call (908) 638-3200. You can also e-mail us at SolitudeHouseMuseum@Hotmail.com.