Historical Societies & Museums
This is our growing list of Historical Societies and Museums found in South Jersey.
The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey
Located in Newtonville, NJ, The African American Heritage Museum “brings to life the African American experience of the 20th Century as it documents the struggle of one group of Americans to carve their own place in the wider cultural landscape.” Also with a traveling museum with access to over 3,000 historical and cultural artifacts, the museum offers a unique opportunity to open a window to the mindset of successive generations of African Americans and provides an understanding to its cultural evolution.” Their collection includes “graphics, drawings, paintings, advertisements, household and decorative items, all depicting blacks in a historical context.”
Atlantic County Historical Society
The mission of the Atlantic County Historical Society is to “encourage the study of local history and genealogy and to disseminate this information to our members and the general public. To fulfill our mission, the Center publishes an annual journal of local history and genealogy as well as a quarterly newsletter. Other means include lectures, field trips, partnerships with local libraries and school districts, library and museum interpretative exhibits, and guided tours of its circa 1790 oysterman’s farmhouse, the Risley Homestead located in Northfield, New Jersey.” Located in Somers Point, the museum contains a collection of 20,000 items; the library, 6,000 volumes, 150 manuscripts, and a card catalogue of over 85,000 references.
Avalon History Center
The Avalon History Center (formerly the Avalon Museum) is an “educational institution that serves to engage and inspire a large and diverse audience with links to the past, understanding in the present, and guidance for the future by preserving regional history and presenting the American experience with a southern New Jersey influence, particularly Avalon.” Several items in Historical Society’s collection are pictured (though not annotated) online. The Avalon Free Public Library also “contains 32,539 volumes and circulates over 11,000 items per year.”
Barnegat Historical Society
The Barnegat Historical Society’s aim is “to preserve old local buildings and shops which house a collection of artifacts and records that detail the rich history of the village of Barnegat.” Their site features descriptions of the restored buildings that make up the Historic Village and a page listing upcoming events.
Barnegat Light Historical Society
The goal of the Barnegat Light Historical Society is to “keep the history of Barnegat Light alive and available to the public through the preservation of local artifacts and pictures in the 106 year old restored schoolhouse museum, and through various programs and events promoting our museum, our society, and the long history of the town.” The site offers a historical background and pictures of both the lighthouse and the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens.
The Batsto Citizens Committee
The Batsto Citizens Committee, Inc., was founded in 1956 to aid the State of New Jersey in its development of Batsto Village as a historic site. The Committee consisted of 36 members appointed for 3-year terms by former Governor Robert B. Meyner and Joseph E. McClean, then Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Economic Development. Its purpose was to advise, assist and promote the restoration and interpretation of the historic and natural aspects of Batsto Village.
Batsto Through the Ages. A manual developed to help educators teach the importance of the New Jersey Pinelands and the lifestyles of the people who lived and worked there.
Historic Batsto Village Area satellite photo map (PDF 3,682 KB)
Blacksmithing at Batsto video.
Harrisville Village Video Podcast, for iPhone or iPod. Courtesy of the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Download and unzip this file and then add the video file to iTunes for your iPod or iPhone. Key stops on this tour include: The Papermill & Artesian Well, The Boarding House, McCarty Mansion, Workers Homes, View of the Canal, Howard Harris Mansion, The Store, The Gristmill.
Bay Head Historical Society
The society is located at the Loveland Homestead (1867), which houses “artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, furniture, decoys and other treasures from the early Bay Head/ Mantoloking/Lovelandtown years, and the Dale Cottage (1925), dedicated to the town’s maritime history. Important items include Gerald Hardenbergh paintings, carved Kenneth Loveland and Birdsall decoys, and the photo collection of William Schoettle. On their site can be found an online exhibition of Shoettle’s collection and the art of Dick LaBonte, their newsletter, information on current events and exhibitions, and links to other county historical sites.
Beachwood Historical Alliance
“The B.H.A.’s longterm purpose is to locate and acquire funding, donated or discounted goods and services for the purpose of aiding in the restoration and preservation of the Borough of Beachwood’s important cultural structures as well as the possible exact reconstruction of some already lost. In addition, the alliance exists to educate the borough residents about their town’s history and importance; encourage the creation of other town alliances of those communities surrounding the Toms River waterfront for the formation of a strong community heritage bond; to alert local officials and residents when and if any cultural sites become endangered and to work with them in those situations to finding solutions agreeable to all.” The site contains posts on “Found Locations, Lost History” along with current news articles from the Riverside Signal.
Benson History Museum
The Benson History Museum is a “learning center” focused on speading the history of Lawnside, New Jersey, the “only African American Incorporated Municipality in the Northern United State” and (in tandem with the Peter Mott House) the Underground Railroad.”
Bordentown Historical Society
The Bordentown Historical Society is comprised of “volunteers who are dedicated to preserving the history of Bordentown for future generations. We are dedicated to maintaining our society’s sites, museum, artifacts and archives. We accomplish this through collecting, preserving, interpreting and teaching the rich and intricate history of Bordentown.” The site features pages on the town’s history and notable residents, current exhibitions, and upcoming events.
Brick Township Historical Society
Their website features updates on current and completed restoration projects, an FAQs and “Memories” page, blurbs on historic sites of Brick, a list of books for sale, and links to community websites.
Bridgeton Renaissance League
The Bridgeton Renaissance League is dedicated to the preservations 2,000-plus historic structures of Bridgeton for future generations. Highlighted sites include the Bridgeton Zoo and the seventeenth-century New Sweden Historic Farmstead. The site features pages on the town’s history and various “beautification” projects.
Brigantine Beach Historical Museum and Society
The mission of the Brigantine Beach Historical Museum and Society is to “preserve the island’s past.” The museum houses many photographs from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The site features pages on a general historical overview of Brigantine, pirates, Brigantine Castle, and the Brigantine Lighthouse.
Burlington County Historical Society
The Burlington County Historical Society is located within a historic complex containing “the Bard-How House, the James Fenimore Cooper House, and the Captain James Lawrence House, complete with period furnishings and decorative arts, and the Aline Wolcott Museum Galleries featuring ‘Ingenuity and Craftsmanship: The Culture of Production in Burlington County.’ The Society also owns the Collins-Jones House, currently being restored.” Historical documents can be found in their Society’s Delia Biddle-Pugh research library and archives. Some of the library’s collections include “record books from Atsion, papers of the Abolition Society, and the James Fenimore Cooper collection.”
Burlington County Prison Museum
This website gives information on the history of the Burlington County Prison (located in Mt. Holly, NJ), permanent exhibitions, upcoming events, and paranormal history and research.
Camden County Historical Society
The Camden County Historical Society is a” private, non-profit organization dedicated to the collection, preservation and presentation of the history, historic resources, historical artifacts and documents of Camden County and South Jersey.” Located in a three-building complex, the society is housed in a library of over 20,000 volumes on the history and genealogy of Camden County (the site offers a synopsis of library holdings), and a museum, and Pomona Hall, an eighteenth-ceuntry mansion. The site also features pages on the society’s educational programs, upcoming events, publications, and online store.
Cape May County Historical and Genealogical Society
“The mission of the Cape May County Historical & Genealogical Society is to preserve the diverse history of Cape May County for the education, enlightenment and pleasure of present and future generations.” Their site offers pictures of items in their museum collection, historical information on Cape May, a page on current special exhibitions, a list of the library’s genealogial holdings and newly acquired books, a museum store, and other historical and genealogical links.
Corbin City Historical Society
From Judith Rogers, the co-chair of the society: “The focus of our current efforts is to document the history of the everyday people in this little town. Through existing documents, we are striving to organize information on the day to day lives of past residents: recently we have collated and cataloged tax, school and weekly grocery records from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s to form a picture of who was here and how they lived. But, perhaps most fun is conducting interviews with people whose families have been a part of this community for generations. There are several folks in their nineties who still live here and are able to provide wonderful tales of how things were, as well as a number of people in their seventies who can provide memories of the depression and war years. One man who is almost 80, recalled as a child in the 1940‘s collecting milkweed pods which were taken to city hall for the war effort. Our interest is not only in the standard historical dates and facts but of the memories of people and events. Recipes, relationships, and remedies are as important as who was mayor, if not more so. Corbin City is very fortunate to have a coterie of families who have been here for generations. Because the town is so small and is located in a rural area of Atlantic County, many people married locally and remained here. Through interviewing their descendants, we have been able to get photographs and first hand accounts of many of our earlier residents.” The society can be reached via email at Corbincity@gmail.com, and their records are located in City Hall.
Cumberland County Historical Society
“The misson of the Cumberland Count Historical Society is to promote the history and heritage of the county through acquisitions, collections, exhibitions and research, educational programs and publications, for the benefit of current and future generations.” The site provides links to the society’s museums (The Gibbon House Museum, the John DuBois Maritime Museum, the Warren and Reba Lummis Genealogical & Historical Research Library, and the Cumberland County Prehistorial Museum), photographs of the Swedish Granary and Teaburners Monument, a newsletter, a list of their publications, a virtual library, and information on upcoming events.
The Delanco Historic Preservation Advisory Board
The Delanco Historic Preservation Advisory Board is a unit of Delanco Township government, formed about ten years ago to rediscover, preserve and promote Delanco Township history. Our nine member board is appointed by the Township Committee and meets monthly.
Although we do not have a museum per se, we have been gifted some artifacts and photographic images, which we display in themed exhibits at two locations which are open to the public: the Delanco Township municipal building at 770 Coopertown Road and the Delanco Township library behind the Pearson School on Burlington Avenue in Delanco.
Our monthly meetings are open to the public. They are held at 7:30 PM on the first Wednesday of each month in the Music Room of the historic Zurbrugg Mansion, 625 Delaware Avenue in Delanco. In addition to our official board, we have non-voting associate members and supporters who frequently join us for our meetings and activities. The Zurbrugg Mansion is now on both the NJ and Federal registers of historic places.
Our HPAB participates in Delanco community festivals and we have mounted a number of commemorative events celebrating people, places and events of Delanco’s history on our own. We are currently planning an event to commemorate the Fletcher family who came to Delanco in 1848 and operated a vineyard and winery in the township for over fifty years. In the past we have celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Delanco postal service, the 100th anniversary of the Zurbrugg Mansion, and the histories of Delanco’s Methodist and Presbyterian churches. We also celebrated the life and times of “Mr. Diggs of Delanco” with a one-man play.
There is much historic information published on the Delanco Township website at: http://www.delancotownship.com/. Go to Township Information, then History. Materials include a timeline, Key People of Delanco, the entire text of The Delanco Story: Our Past and Present, (1976), History of the Zurbrugg Mansion, History of Hawk Island, The complete diary of Miss Martha Fletcher, a walking/biking tour of Delanco, etc. We do not currently have a website or Facebook page of our own.
Delaware Bay Lighthouse Keepers and Friends Association
The goal of the DBLHKFA is to “bring together former Keepers, their relatives and friends, Coast Guard and any individuals who truly care about the preservation and upkeep of Lighthouses and particularly our historic Delaware Bay and River Lights.” Site includes descriptions and pictures of all the Delaware Bay lighthouses, online newsletters, a calendar of events, lighthouse links, and general information on the society.
Dennis Township Museum and History Center
The mission of the Dennis Township Museum and History Center is “devoted to the collection of artifacts, historic documents, and memorabilia as well as early photographs of our eight villages which are: Belleplain, Eldora, Northwest Dennis, Dennisville, South Dennis, Clermont, South Seaville and Ocean View.” The site gives information and pictures of the Old School House Museum and the publication of the society newsletter.
Egg Harbor City Historical Society
The Roundhouse Museum of the Egg Harbor City Historical Society “contains memorabilia and items historically significant to Egg Harbor City. Permanent displays include Liberty Glass, C.P. Leek & Sons boats, clothing and wine industries and Dr. Smith’s Health Spa. Rotating displays have included local connections to the Civil War, County Fairs, rail-roads, “Grandma’s Kitchen”, “Grandpop’s Tools”, fire and police departments and the U.S. Postal Service. The museum also holds city census records, old city tax records dating to 1862, and the beginning of local genealogies available for study.” The site features a photo album and NJ links.
Evasham Township Historical Society
“The mission of the Evesham Township Historical Society is to seek, document, interpret and perpetuate the rich heritage of Evesham Township for the benefit of future generations and the betterment of our community.” In addition to basic information about the society, the site also has a description of the eighteenth-century Inskeep House, where the society is currently located.
Florence Historical Society
From Judith King, the president and secretary: “We are a small organization but are accruing a sizeable collection of artifacts and memorabilia on the town of Florence…. Our items range from family histories to Hunt Brothers Circus, Florence Pipe Foundry, and our most important items are original 1850 deeds for property when the town was formed. We also have a large number of newspaper clippings, which are indexed on cards, as well as items from various social organizations many years ago and high school yearbooks. We have had three open houses to showcase our collection, and plan another one in the spring of 2012.” From their website: “Our organization is dedicated to preserving the history of the town of Florence, Florence Station, and Bustleton, New Jersey.” The society has published an Images of America book on Florence.
George F. Boye Historical Museum (Wildwood Historical Society)
The Genealogical Society of New Jersey
The mission of the Genealogical Society is to “discover, procure, preserve and publish information pertaining to families and individuals associated with New Jersey.” The site provides listings for their annual Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey, an online guide to their collections (housed in the Alexander Library at Rutgers University, New Brunswick), genealogical links, legislative alerts and news articles, and an online bookstore.
Gloucester County Historical Society
The mission of the society is to “collect and preserve material pertaining to the Southern New Jersey area.” Their site features finding aids for their library; an online database of marriages, deaths, cemeteries, and Burlington County vital statistics; pictures of their museum, a list of issues of their quarterly bulletin; an online bookstore; and a spotlight on an important item in their collection (Lucy Hugg Sampler).
The Great Egg Harbor Township Historical Society
“The society’s mission includes the discovery and collection of any material which may help to establish or illustrate the history of Egg Harbor Township, its explorations, settlement and development as well as progress.” Their site offers a history of the township and a gallery of their library and museum.
Haddon Heights Historical Society
On their site can be found pages dedicated to their charter and bylaws, past issues of their newsletter, district history and maps, interpretive street signs, a gallery of former mayors, upcoming events, and a list of community organizations. Many pages appear to be under construction.
The Historical Preservation Society of Upper Township
The mission of the society is to “preserve the diverse history of Upper Township for the education, enlightenment, and pleasure of present and future generations.” Pages include a gift shop and links to NJ historical websites. Events and newletter page out-of-date.
The Historical Society of Haddonfield
The society was founded to “study the history of the area, collect and preserve articles of historic value and to publish historical information.” On their site can be found downloadable books on Haddonfield by Samuel Nicholson Rhoads, a list of their research library holdings, descriptions and pictures of their museum collections, detailed information (and pictures) about Greenfield Hall, the location of the society, an e-newsletter, histories of the society, Hall, and town, past a calendar of current events, historical links, and information on educational programs.
Historical Society of Hammonton
The society was founded to “preserve Hammonton’s history by the collection of civil, political and religious artifacts.” Their site features information on their speaker series and upcoming events, press releases, a museum bookshop, and details about their collection and recent acquisitions.
Historical Society of Winslow Township
“The Historical Society of Winslow Township was formed to collect and preserve documents, pictures, objects, and other artifacts from our Township’s past.” The site includes a brief history of the township and its cemeteries, a message board, township and history links, and a page for news. The society is currently searching for a permanent location.
Jewish Historical Society of Rural Southern New Jersey
The society was established, “under the auspices of Jewish Federation of Cumberland County [Bridgeton, Millville, and Vineland], to safeguard and promote the rich and unique Jewish history of rural southern New Jersey, and to work actively to preserve this history through education and meaningful programming, as well as to preserve historic sites. On their site can be found an edition of their newsletter, The Record, a film on the history of Brotmanville, a picture of their Wall of Remembrance, a community directory of schools, cemeteries, organizations, and congregations, and a calendar of events.
Lawnside Historical Society
The society was founded to “preserve and maintain the Peter Mott House as part of the Underground Railroad and to restore the legacy of the historically African-American municipality of Lawnside, N.J.” News and announcements, an image gallery of a Civil War re-enactment about the U.S. 22nd Colored Troops, links to other historical websites, and information on the Peter Mott House can be found on their site.
Linwood Historical Society
Their site features information about their two museums (Leedsville School Museum and the Jim Kirk Maritime Museum), pictures of historical buildings and sites of the town, a history of Linwood, Miss Linwood archives, a preview of a book on the photographic history of the town, and links to local websites.
Medford Historical Society
“The mission of the Medford Historical Society is to research, record, preserve, maintain and promote the general history of Medford and Medford Historical Society holdings, making them available to the community, schools, and other organizations.” Their site provides a brief history of Medford, information about the restoration of Kirby’s Mill (eighteenth-century complex), and upcoming events.
Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities
The center “promotes the restoration, interpretation and cultural enrichment of greater Cape May for its residents and visitors.” Site includes pages for both the Friends of the Cape May Lighthouse and the Friends of the Emlen Physick Estate, current and future exhibits at the Cape May Gallery, the WWII Lookout Tower, Curator’s Notes on life in Cape May during the Victorian era, and an extensive list of upcoming events and programs.
Mount Laurel Historical Society
The Mount Laurel Historical Society was formed in 1972 to rescue Farmers Hall, which was built by a group of farmers in 1866 for use as a grange-type meeting place. The hall currently houses local artifacts; also, in the spring, school children visit to learn about their town’s history, and in December it is the site for the society’s Holiday Open House to highlight decorations made by the Mt. Laurel Garden Club. The society meets in Farmer’s Hall on the second Tuesday of every month (except Jan., July, and Aug.) at 7 P.M. Topics at the meetings cover all aspects of local history, from herbalism to quilting. Meetings are open to the public.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum
This museum is a “not-for-profit organization whose mission is to restore Hangar #1 at the Cape May Airport, Cape May County, New Jersey, into an aircraft museum honoring the Navy airmen who died while training during World War II.” Though currently undergoing renovations through Winter 2012, the museum is open during select hours and limited access. Their collection includes 26 aircraft displays and exhibitions featuring military memorabilia, engines, and photographs. Activities run by the museum include “fly-ins, aviation festivals, big band concerts, swing dances, veterans’ ceremonies, historical lectures, school field trips and senior tours.” The website contains pictures and descriptions of its aircraft, engine, and interactive displays, a collection of photographs from 1943-1945, information on library holdings, activities for students and educators, news and upcoming events, a gift shop, and local, historical, and naval links.
Navy Lakehurst Historical Society
The society is “dedicated to preserving the distinguished heritage of Naval Air Station Lakehurst.” Site features include pictures and descriptions of their airships and hangars, an account of the acquisition of Charles E. Rosendahl’s manuscript, How Soon We Forget; US Navy Airship Operations in World War II, the passenger list of the Hindenburg, Q & A page, pictures of their “Ready Room,” and POW-MIA Room, airship and naval links, and current and back issues of their newsletter.
New Jersey Lighthouse Society
The NJLHS is “dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the history about and to support the preservation of lighthouses everywhere. The main focus of the NJLHS in these efforts is on the New Jersey, Delaware Bay and New York Harbor regions.” Their site features histories and pictures of all the NJ lighthouses, including “lost” ones, information on events, preservation efforts, and volunteering, resources for teachers, and links to lighthouse societies around the world.
New Jersey Maritime Museum
Located in Beach Haven, the museum is “dedicated to the preservation of New Jersey maritime history.” On their website can be found a list of the museum contents, such as the Morro Castle Shipwreck Exhibit; a research library of rare and out-of-print books, Sailor’s Magazine, Naval Journal, and shipwreck photographs and files; antique diving gear and navagational equipment; and a U.S. Life Saving Service Exhibit. There are also pages on the Texas Tower 4 wreck, the exploration of the wreck of the Andrea Doria oceanliner, the anniversary of the Morro Castle wreck, photographs of the museum, a newsletter, and links to other maritime history websites.
NJ Colonial Dames
The NJ chapter of the Colonial Dames of America “is committed to the stewardship of its museum properties, Peachfield and the Old Schoolhouse. The Colonial Dames desire to preserve the building, lands and collections to enrich and enlighten a diverse public.” Information on upcoming events and their two museums, and links to NJ history websites can also be found here.
NJ Museum of Boating
The NJ Museum of Boating, a destination on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail, is located at the historic Johnson Brothers Boat Works in Point Pleasant comprises a nautical lending library, an art gallery, and a model boat room. Their site includes a list of museum programs, an online tour of their exhibits, an online store, and boating and NJ history links.
Noyes Museum of Art
“The Noyes Museum of Art of Richard Stockton College provides the southern New Jersey region an opportunity to learn about, explore, and experience the arts.” Here you can find descriptions and pictures of current and future exhibitions; and information on their satellite gallery in Hammonton, events, classes, and tours.
Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission
“The primary purpose of the Alliance is to facilitate networking among the County’s more than 25 known historical organizations.” The site contains the pages for the historical societies of Berkeley Township, Island Heights, Jackson Township, Lacey Township, Lakehurst, Lakewood, Long Beach Island, New Egypt, Ocean Gate, Point Pleasant, and Waretown. It also provides a timeline of Ocean County history, a photo gallery, and historic links.
Ocean County Historical Society
On their site can be found a history of their museum, a page for the Richard L. Strickler Research Center ( guidelines for visiting, Information kiosk of holdings, genealogical links, a list of family names), a list of their publications, upcoming events, recent issues of the Society Scroll, photo albums of past events and exhibitions, a page dedicated to current exhibitions, and historical links.
The Historical Society of Riverton
Salem County Historical Society
“The mission of the Salem County Historical Society is to seek, document, preserve, interpret and perpetuate Salem County’s heritage, and to enhance the awareness and appreciation of that heritage, through its research, collections, functions, exhibits, educational programs and publications, for the benefit of future generations and for the betterment of the community.” On their site can be found detailed information on educational programs, the collections in their research library, permanent and past exhibits, the latest issue of their newsletter, a gift shop, and upcoming events.
Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage
“The Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage celebrates the history of the wave of immigration at the end of the 19th century that brought Russian Jewish settlers to the area known as Woodbine to be developed as an agricultural colony under the auspices of the Baron de Hirsch Fund. Housed in the historical Brotherhood Synagogue, the Museum’s Mission Statement is focused on hate and prejudice reduction and education.” Their site features a comprehensive directory of their exhibitions, Woodbine photo galleries, news articles related to the museum, back issues of their newsletter, and history links.
Seabrook Educational and Cultural Center
From their “About” page: “[t]o preserve Seabrook’s rich and unique history, the Japanese Americans of Seabrook, the largest ethnic group relocating to the area during World War II, established in 1994 the SEABROOK EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER.” The goals of the center are: (1)”Establish a permanent SEABROOK EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER to preserve and present the settlement and experience of the diverse ethnic groups”; (2) “Create a repository of cultural and historical materials to promote education and research in Seabrook’s multicultural heritage”; and (3) Foster greater understanding among people of diverse cultural backgrounds.” Their exhibits focus particularly on the 1940s-1950s (during the founding of the village), on the Seabrook Farms Company, the various ethnic groups who settled in Seabrook, and on community life. Display items include a large-scale village model, photographs, published materials, and oral histories. Located in Upper Deerfield Township.
Stafford Township Historical Society
The society is “dedicated to historic preservation and education in Stafford Township, Ocean County, New Jersey. One hundred percent of our time and energy used in this organization is dedicated to these purposes. The Stafford Township Historical Society owns a number of buildings and historic sites in Stafford Township, including the Manahawkin Railroad Station, the Old Manahawkin Baptist Church, and the Manahawkin Baptist Cemetery and adjoining lands.” On their site can be found information about their Heritage Park, the Heritage Cultural Center (the Old Manahawkin Baptist Church), upcoming events, a map of Manahawkin Lake, and information on the Battle of Cedar Bridge (the last battle of the Revolutionary War) and reenactments
Somers Point Historical Society
“The Somers Point Historical Society was established in 1987 by some concerned citizens when several buildings in our community were slated for demolition. A group of about eight people banded together and incorporated as the Somers Point Historical Society with the goal to preserve older buildings in Somers Point and to preserve our local history, past and present.” The society also saved the Old City Hall and the Bayfront Historic District from demolition. On their page can be found information on upcoming events; exhibits (over 2,000 vintage and current photos); grants for students and teachers; recent issues of their newsletter; brief histories of Richard Somers and the Barbary Pirates, Somers Pt. the Great Depression, and historic buildings; oral histories; a WWII honor roll; and a link to a site dedicated the repatriation of the remains of Richard Somers and his crew.
South Jersey Cultural Alliance
From their website: “The mission of the South Jersey Cultural Alliance is to encourage the active participation of residents and visitors in the cultural life of southern New Jersey by strengthening the region’s nonprofit cultural organizations through collaborative efforts in audience development, programming, advocacy and management.” On there site you can search for (or browse in list format) all the cultural organizations in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties. The site also features a calendar and event search, sample tourism itnineraries and packages, a Programs for Schools guide, and a job bank.
Tabernacle Historical Society
The society was founded in 1975 by a group of citizens “concerned with preserving the history and landmarks in Tabernacle.” As part of the country’s bicentennial, the society made The Friendship Quilt, which was exhibited in the State Museum in Trenton and later became part of the Smithsonian’s traveling exhibit. Other projects include the acquisition of historical plates depicting Tabernacle historic sites such as the Pepper House, Nixon’s Store, and the Jr. OUAM Building (now Town Hall). Among their annual fundraisers are the Strawberry Social in June and the Chicken Barbeque in August; the society also donates an annual scholarship to a local graduating high school senior. The society has renovated their one-room schoolhouse and the Pepper House, which may be visited by appointment, and which the elementary school evisits annually. Meetings of the society are held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM at Tabernacle Town Hall.
Toms River Seaport Society & Maritime Museum
The society was founded in 1976 to “preserve where possible and recreate when necessary, the unique history of those bygone days when schooners, catboats and special purpose small craft sailed New Jersey’s coastal waters.” On their site can be found issues of their newsletter, The Seafarer, from the present to 2003; information on upcoming events and the annual Wooden Boat Festival, an online card catalogue for their reference library; a biography of Joseph Francis, the inventor of the Corrugated Metallic Life Boat and the Corrugated Metallic Life-Car, and in whose 1868 carriage house the museum is located; pictures of their restoration shop and a current catboat building project; and links to other sailing museum and tourists websites.
Township of Hamilton Historical Society
The society is “dedicated to preserving the past and keeping alive the spirit that built the Township of Hamilton and Mays Landing areas.” On their website can be found a brief timeline of the township’s history, news and a calendar of events, and a discussion forum.
Tuckerton Historical Society
Located at the Giffordtown Schoolhouse and the Tuckerton Little Borough Hall in Little Egg Harbor, the society’s website features information on their exhibitions (Tuckerton Wireless, Indian Artifacts, Tuckerton Railroad, Tucker’s Island and Lighthouse, Our Quaker Friends, Clamming and Oystering, Bygone Stores and Businesses, Port of Entry, the Old Classroom and High School, and various portraits, paintings, documents, and postcards); online resources such as old newspaper articles, grave listings and descriptions of the town’s three cemeteries, Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton, and the 1895 Veterans Censuses; audio presentations of past lectures; videos about the Hindenburg disaster; descriptions of their eight publications; and history and genealogy links.
Underground Railroad Educational Center
Located in Burlington, this center “provide[s] a learning environment to enrich the knowledge of African American life,history, art and culture.” On their site can be found information about programs and events and a brief history of the Underground Railroad. The museum also as an art gallery and coffee house.
Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society
Founded in 1864 (the second-oldest historical society in NJ aside from the New Jersey Historical society), the society’s objective is “to collect and preserve historical and current accounts of events, persons, inventions, scientific investigation, photographs, drawings, models and specimens, and all matters of a similar nature connected with the interest of Vineland” (from their 1868 Constitution). Artifacts housed in their collection include “glass, military, Native American, and musical objects…. items belonging to the Landis family, paintings, and many other items related to the history of Vineland and its residents.” Their website features histories of prominent Vinelands, Charles K. Landis (founded of Vineland), and inventors and mayors of Vineland; a list of past and upcoming events; a list of their 34 publications; activities for kids; and Cumberland County links. Exhibits, Library, Archives, and Families of Vineland pages currently under construction.
Waretown Historical Society
The purpose of the Waretown Historical Society is to record events in the order of their happenings in the Township of Ocean. We want to preserve relevant historical and genealogical information for future generations. We are also committed to the restoration and preservation of old buildings, antiques, and artifacts. Our “Little Red Schoolhouse Museum” has been our meeting place and center of operations since 2004. This building, entirely brought about by community volunteers, is a replica of the old Red Schoolhouse that educated local children from 1875 to 1958. It is located at the Waretown Lake Recreational complex. Local residents have generously contributed a variety of artifacts for exhibits, representing all eras of Waretown’s history. The bulk of our efforts are now directed towards establishing educational programs, exhibits, tours, and lectures at the facility. Our motto is “Appreciation of Our Past, Community in the Present and Preservation for the Future.”
West Jersey Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society
According to their website, “The West Jersey Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society traces its beginnings to a small band of ardent railroad enthusiasts who were first officially organized as the West Jersey Model Railroad Club. On April 16, 1944, the club received its charter from the NRHS, making West Jersey the sixteenth chapter to be so affiliated. In 1972 the Chapter was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under the laws of the State of New Jersey. Currently we are one of the largest chapters in the NRHS.” On their site you can find descriptions and purchasing information on their six Chapter publications and two commemorative titles, a listing of the West Jersey Rail Quarterly (dating back to 1995) information on the content of each issue, photographs (taken during the 1930s-1940s) from the Trebino Collection available for purchase, a calendar of events, and numerous links on various types of regional railroads.
Township of Weymouth Historical Society
On their site can be found pages on Early Public Safety (Fire and Police Departments), Early Village Life (the first ten years of Belcoville 1918-1928), and the Munitions Plant.
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
Located in Millville, the center is devoted to showcasing and promoting South Jersey glass works. From the center’s website: “Sensitivity to the need for the preservation of Southern New Jersey’s glassmaking heritage was the genesis of the organization. Placing this local resource within a national context is the inspiration from which we have established our role as a museum and craft center. The presentation of American glass history through collections, archives, a library, and exhibits, illustrates the development of American Craft. This has allowed us to broaden the perspective gained by New Jersey residents and offer a resource of American Glass to a national and international audience.” Divisions of the center include: (1) The Museum of American Glass, which houses over 12,000 objects and is “the most comprehensive exhibit of American glass in the world.” Online features include details on major, past, and temporary exhibitions, and permanent collections; (2) Artist Studios (Glass, Ceramic, Flamework, and Wood Carving); (3) The Creative Glass Center of America, which offers fellowships to glass artists; (4) Museum Stores; and (5) The Down Jersey Folklife Center: the “first regional folklife center in New Jersey,” the mission of which is “to research, document, and present traditional cultures in New Jersey’s southern eight counties.” On their pages can be found information about featured folk artists, upcoming exhibitions, and internships/research projects, .
Wildwood Crest Historial Society
On the society’s website are pages on histories of the society, the founding of Wildwood Crest, the Revolutionary War naval Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet involving Capt. John Barry (later Commodore Barry, “founder of the American Navy”), the Philip P. Baker Elementary School (first school in Wildwood Crest), the Crest Pier, and Doo-Woop Architecture of the 1950s-1960s; photographs of Wildwood Crest, and the historical museum, which houses “hundreds of artifacts, documents and old photographs of Wildwood Crest’s rich history”; and local historical links.
Woodland Township Historical Society
The Woodland Township Historical Society is devoted to the preservation and dissemination of the unique heritage of Woodland Township in order to convey the rich legacy of its past to future generations.
