Barnegat's Historic Cedar Bridge Tavern Awarded After Restoration

BARNEGAT, NJ — Ocean County received a statewide award for preserving the historic Cedar Bridge Tavern.

The Cedar Bridge Tavern was recognized alongside 12 other projects in this year’s annual New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards.

The landmark, which predates the Revolutionary War, reopened in April 2019 as a historical showpiece after years of restoration.

“The Cedar Bridge Tavern offers a unique window into the post-industrial forests of the New Jersey Pinelands,” said Ocean County Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, who is the Chairwoman of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation. “We have worked hand in hand with many individuals and agencies including the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, in preserving this structure.

The multi-year restoration process involved extensive architectural and archeological research under the direction of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation and its Cultural and Heritage Commission.

“This completed restoration project now stands as a historical showpiece in the County park system,” said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn. “As one of the most accurate and authentic restorations of this type of structure in New Jersey, we are proud to accept this award for a project that allows Ocean County to leave a legacy to future generations.”

Haines said the project began under the leadership of the late Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr.

“His hard work and dedication to the history of our County has been rewarded. This award is truly recognition of his love for history and for the County," Haines said.

The tavern’s annual Revolutionary War reenactment of "The Affair at Cedar Bridge" was canceled in January due to COVID-19 restrictions. In place of the event, Ocean County Parks and Recreation published a digital collection of info, galleries and videos related to the tavern.

The Cedar Bridge Tavern, located near the intersection of Routes 72 and 539 in Barnegat Township, is open to public tours on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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