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Email: Information@BurlcoHistorian.com
 

 
  Mission Statement
  Laufer’s Speaking Schedule
  Laufer Lectures
LOCAL HISTORY
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HISTORY
RELATED HISTORY LINKS
  Introducing Joe Laufer
  Headlines & Happenings
 

Preservation Awards

New Views Art & Tours

Preservation Rsources

 

This website is not sponsored by Burlington County, the Burlington County Freeholders nor any of its agencies. It was created independently by Joseph M. Laufer, Burlington County Historian and he alone is responsible for its contents.

  • BCHS RE-INSTITUTES SUNDAY LECTURES The Burlington County Historical Society has re-instituted its popular Sunday Lecture Series for 2011-12. Click here for the Speakers and Topics.
  • ANNIVERSERIES 2012 We have added a special page just for Local and National Anniver-series being celebrated this year. Of special interest are dates related to the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. Click here for Anniverseries

  • HISTORY FAIRE AT THE FARM FAIR - In 2001 and 2012, local historical societies were invited to participate in the County Farm Fair. Hoping the tradition continues, we have created a "History Faire at the Farm Fair Page" click here for our History Faire page .
  • BOOKS OF LOCAL INTEREST Periodically Joe reviews books of local historical interest, and has now created a section of this website devoted to these reviews and announcements concerning new videos and books. He also lists book and gift shops where these books may be purchased Click here .
  • NINE-ELEVEN MONUMENTS IN BURLINGTON CO.There are 9 sections of the World Trade Center in Burlington County. Click here for the Burlco inventory of 9/11 steel.
  • QUAKER CORNER - Ongoing interest in topics dealing with the Quaker heritage of this area warrants a special place on this website for notes on activities and events dealing with this subject. Joe has recently delivered the John Woolman lecture and made comments at the anniversaries of the Mt.Laurel Quaker Meeting and Cropwell Metting which are published here. The page also has directions for touring all the Quaker Meeting Houses in the county . Click here!
  • LINKS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST:
  • Halley's Comet - This is a topc that Joe researched during the visit of Halleys Comet 25 years ago. It will be back in 2061, so keep informed. Click for Info on Halley's Comet -
  • Christopher Columbus From 1988 through 1992, Joe Laufer was a spokesman for the Columbus Quincen- tenary. Click for Articles, Speeches and Newsletters written by Joe about Columbus.
  • Passport to Burlington County - 21 places to visit in your back yard" (April 7) Click for Passport
  • "Showcasing Burlington County's Unique Stained Glass Treasures" Click for Stained Glass page.
  • The Eagles Have Landed In 2005, The Burlington County Office of Cultural Affairs and Tourism, in collaboration with New Jersey Transit, conducted a public art project called "The Eagles Have Landed," which consisted of the creation of 15 sculptured majestic eagles. Click here for the Illustrated Booklet describing each of these eagles.
  • PUBLIC ART IN MOUNT HOLLY: MURALS AND SCULPTURES - Take a look at our special page which tells the story of "First Night Burlington County" and other projects highlighting public art. Click here for Mount Holly's Public Art.
  • MILE MARKERS IN BURLINGTON COUNTY - I've added a new page with a brief power point presentation on historic mile markers in the county. Click here for MilerMarkers.htm.
  • TEN THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT BURLINGTON COUNTY! Recently, Joe Laufer was interviewed by Erin Roop of the Central Record about his role as Burlington County Historian. Erin asked Joe to list ten things that make Burlington County unique. Click here to see Joe's "top ten" list.
  • QUAKER MEETING HOUSE SERIES : On the first Saturday of each month in the Burlington County Times "AT HOME" supplement, a different Burlington County Quaker Meeting House was highlighted from March, 2006 through June, 2007. Joe was the consultant on this series. The June article consisted of a series summary and a self-driving tour of all 21 Quaker Meeting Houses in Burlington County. We have posted the tour on this site, recommending that it be spread over two days to get the full flavor of the sites. Click here for the tour..
  • SELF-GUIDED ONE ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE TOUR. The County Cultural and Heritage Office, in cooperation with the Colonial Dames of New Jersey offered a tour of Burlington County's One Room School Houses last year. Joe Laufer created a self-guided driving tour of the schools. Contact him via e-mail if you would like a copy.

 

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Welcome to the web site of Joe Laufer, Burlington County Historian

http://www.dvrpc.org/Mapping/maps/burlington.pdf

Click on Map

There are forty independent communities in Burlington County. Click HERE for a map which identifies each community.

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YOUR ONE-STOP LOCAL HISTORY RESOURCE

This web site has been created as a one-stop resource for historical information about Burlington County. Perhaps its greatest value is in the many links to web resourses created by local historians, historical societies and organizations dedicated to our rich history. Wherever we refer to a historic person, place or thing, if we are aware of a website which expands on that topic, we will link to it. The link page at the end of this web site is a veritable encyclopedia of local historical information about each of the 40 communities of Burlington County. If there are multiple web sites on the subject, we have linked to each of them. Anyone doing research on the history of any topic or location in Burlington County should be able to quickly link to the information they are seeking. We welcome you and invite you to explore the site -- and start now with a jump to the Link page by clicking HERE!

BULLETIN BOARD:

HISTORIANS' ROUNDTABLE - SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2013

Location & time: Bordentown Library at 10:00 a.m.

18 E. Union St., Bordentown, NJ

County Historian Joe Laufer announced the twelfth Historians Roundtable being offered since the series was initiated in 2011. Hosted by Laufer and fellow historians Paul W. Schopp and Dave Kimball, the program brings together officers and members of local historical societies and history organizations throughout Burlington County. The programs are held at different locations throughout the county and provide networking opportunities for historians and history buffs, as well as the general public, to discuss common problems and history-related issues. Consultants are engaged for selected meetings to provide professional advice and expertise dealing with specific history topics.

Laufer commented: “We are excited to bring the program to Bordentown, one of the most historic colonial towns in Burlington County. One of the objectives of the project is to expose our history community to the rich history of local communities that some of our residents may not have had the opportunity to explore.”

Past agendas have included presentations on “Historic Wayfinding,” “Preserving Historic Photographs,” “Library Resources for Historical Research”, etc. Discussions also focus on common issues that confront historical organizations, among them, community historic preservation concerns and funding. The Roundtable also provides attendees with networking contact information and speaker resources. The Bordentown Roundtable will feature a special emphasis on the tools for program promotion and publicity. The itemized agenda will be posted on the County Historian Website at least one week before the meeting. Minutes of past meetings can also be found on the website (www.BurlcoHistorian.com).

The Roundtable is free and open to the public and sessions run from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Further information is available on the County Historian’s Website: www.Burlcohistorian.com. Registration is recommended for each program by using the County Library or Bordentown Library events registration calendar at www.bcls.lib.nj.us. Further information can be obtained by calling Mr. Laufer at 609-267-3971, X5020.

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FARMERS MARKET SERVING HISTORY THIS SEASON

County Historian Offers 4th Saturday Morning Lectures at the Farmhouse of the Burlington County Agricultural Center for Farmers Market Patrons

Fourth Saturdays celebrate "Community Heritage Day"

County Historian Joe Laufer will provide food for thought to Farmers Market patrons on the fourth Saturday of May, June, July, August, September and October this season (2013) as part of "Local Farm/Community Heritage Days." The illustrated Power Point Presentations will be offered at 10:00 a.m. in the Farmhouse of the Burlington County Community Agricultural Center at the intersection of Centerton Rd. & Hartford Rd. in Moorestown throughout the summer. Joe has chosen appropriate topics from his portfolio of local history subjects and intends to give most of them a slight "farm history" flavor where appropriate. Here's the schedule of topics:

  • May 25 - Burlington County Trivia: Fun Facts and Local Whimsy.
  • June 22 - Mt. Holly Fairgrounds to Lumberton to Springfield: Our County Fair History.
  • July 27 - Celebrating Freedom: A Farm Community's response to Military Service
  • August 24 - Life Along Rancocas Creek
  • September 28 - Burlington County's Historic One Room Schoolhouses.
  • October 26 - Pinelands Panorama: A Virtual Tour of the Pines

The Lectures are FREE and are appropriate for Families. They begin sharply at 10:00 a.m. in the Farmhouse. For more detailed descriptions of these topics, click on the yellow "LOCAL HISTORY" button in the menu at the top of the column at the left. Click here for more about the Burlington County Community Agricultural Center .

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HEADLINES AND OTHER HAPPENINGS IN APRIL 2013

Click on "HEADLINES AND HAPPENINGS" for detailed information on upcoming events and links to their websites:

Friday, March 29 - LAST DAY FOR NOMINATIONS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS AND HISTORY RECOGNITION AWARDS - Click on "PRESERVATION AWARDS PAGE' FOR APPLICATION AND RULES.

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BURLINGTON COUNTY HISTORY AND HISTORIANS DIRECTORY UPDATED!

Our three-part directory of contact information for Historcal Societies, History Organizations and professional and amateur hiistorians has been updated. It consists of 3 documents: USPS Mailing addresses in label format; a matching telephone directory; and a matching e-mail directory. There are 136 e-mail address. You can download your copies by clicking here: DirectoryOfHistory Organizations.htm. We will also have copies to hand out at the next Historians' Roundtable.

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WHO'S SPEAKING WHERE?

Click here for programs in Burlington, Medford & Southampton

SPEAKER LISTINGS TO BUILD AUDIENCES AND AID PROGRAM CHAIRPERSONS

In order to provide ideas to the Program Chairpersons who are looking for speakers and topics for their meetings, we have created a page called "Who's Speaking Were?" Progrm chairs can learn what the "hot" topics are this season, as well as contact other Program chairs for contact information on their speakers. Click here for current listings.

In addition to past programs at various venues, we have just posted the current schedule of lectures at the Burlington County Historical Society (Sunday Afternoon eries), Medford Historical Society (Fall, 2012), and the Southampton Historical Society (Fall 2012 and Spring, 2013), and Joe's speaking schedule for the remainder of 2012. Contact Joe to have your lecture schedule posted.

"Wayfinding Presentation" given by Joe Laufer at the Historians' Roundtable held on September 22, 2012.

Joe made a presentation at the last Historians' Roundtable concerning Historical Markers used throughout Burlington County, including information about vendors, styles and costs. We have posted the Power Point presentation below, along with the handout containing contact information.

Power Point - Includes "Wayfinding" sign presentation by Joe Laufer

"Wayfinding" contacts - handout document

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During the Grand Opening of the new wing of the Burlington County Library, we invited Dean and Nicole Greco to premiere their video on "Boost" - a uniquely Burlington County product of the river town of Riverside. They created a short film on the history of "Boost" that was shown in the new Library Auditorium and which generated quite a bit of nostalgic conversation. Click Here to learn more about "Boost" and to view the short video.

REMINISCE "BURMA SHAVE" SIGNS RE-DEDICATED IN VINCENTOWN

1930 Model A Ford with Ryan & Timmy Ritter in Rumble Seat is part of unveiling of replacement "Burma Shave" Signs in Vincentown on July 2. L-R: Holly Doyle, Rick Allen, Mayor Jim Young, Joe Laufer, Dot Best, Dot Chappine. Mayor and Dot Best hold one of the signs being replaced.

Sixteen years ago, four nostalgic Burma Shave signs appeared on E. Landing St. (Rt. 641), just outside the Village of Vincentown on Jack Allen’s Dairy Farm. The signs immediately conjured up memories for the old timers in the area, who recalled Sunday drives in the country as children when they encountered the rhyming signs along the highway promoting the mugless, brushless shaving cream known as Burma Shave. They immediately became a hit, and it was soon learned that they were the only Burma Shave signs in the state of New Jersey. Click here for full story

THE EVOLUTION OF BURLINGTON COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES

I have created a new page which focuses on historical notes on the colonial roots of Burlington County. Click here for an introduction to this historical theme and a link to a 5-page monograph about the evolution of the 40 Municipalities of Burlington County, with special emphasis on the former Northampton Township.

NEW "YOUR HOME TOWN" PAGE ADDED TO SITE

A new page has been added to this website which is comprised of short articles on each of the 40 municipalities of Burlington County. These articles were written under the by-line of Joe Laufer in special supplements of the Burlington County Times in 2007 and 2008. Paul Schopp is credited with contributing to the articles and lending his stylistic expertese to the writing and historical expertese to the accuracy of the content. Most Burlington County towns are included, and those which are missing will be added shortly. Click Here for the Hometown page.

ATSION MANSION TOURS WILL RESUME MAY 4, 2013

Beginning May 4th, 2013, tours are available every Saturday at 1 PM and 2PM. All tours are free. Sign-up at the Atsion Office by calling 609-268-0444. The tour is strictly architectural – there is no furniture inside. The gift shop has leaflets on the Batona Trail, Wharton State Forest, and Batsto, literature on camping and hiking, and sells a booklet about Atsion The Atsion Office, located in the former General Store, is open daily from 9 to 4. Cindy is in charge. Tours will continue on Saturdays from May 4 through the end of October.

The address of Atsion is 744 Route 206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

ABOUT COUNTY HISTORIAN, JOE LAUFER

Over the past thirty years Joe has delivered hundreds of lectures to local, regional and even national groups. He has been a member of the National Speakers Association, the Liberty Bell Speakers Association and the International Platform Association and is listed in Who's Who in Professional Speaking. Most of his lectures deal with historical subjects.

Mr. Laufer is also President of the H.B. Smith Industrial Village Conservancy and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Jack Allen Memorial Country Living Museum of Southampton and the Roebling Main Gate Museum. He is a past president of the Southampton Historical Society and has served on the Board of Trustees of the Burlington County Historical Society. In June, 2003, Joe Laufer was appointed official Burlington County Historian by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

He is a strong advocate for the expansion of tourism in Burlington County, having been a founding member of the Historic Rancocas Valley Tourism Association, which was a precursor to the establisment of a Department of Tourism in Burlington County. He was a staff member of the Division of Cultural Affairs and Tourism until 2010, As County Historian, he is in residence at the Headquarters of the Burlington County Library System.

Joe is actively involved in the selection of recipients of annual Burlington County Preservation Awards, and in the selection of venues for the popular "New Views" county tours.

In recognition of his volunteer service to the citizens of Burlington County, a scholarship was named in his honor available to graduating High School seniors who excel in community service. Click here for information on the Joe LauferCollege Scholarship.

SJ MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHTS JOE LAUFER: The January, 2009 issue of SJ Magazine contains a feature by Mary Lou Sheffield about Joe Laufer's role as Burlington County Historian. Click for PDF version of the article.

Private Directory: http://www.burlcohistorian.com/BurlcoHistoryDirectory.htm:

Joe's Speaking Events Calendar   County News

2013 LECTURES

Wednesday, May 1, 2013 - Law Day - Brief Narration on Emanicipation Proclamation as part of larger program - Olde Court House, High St., Mt. Holly - 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM.

Thursday, May 2, 2013 -Burlington County: Crossroads of the American Revolution - Medford Historical Society. 7:30 p.m. Friends Meeting House, Union St., Medford.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013 - "The Quaker Heritage Trail - Virtual Tour of Burlington County's Quaker Meeting Houses" - County Historian's 2nd Wednesday Series. 7:00 p.m. County Library Auditorium, Westampton. Click here for actual tour information.

Thursday, May 16, 2013 - "Travel Dilemma: Cuba, Puerto Rico or Costa Rica?" 6:00 p.m. - Maple Shade Travel Series, Maple Shade Library, Maple Shade.

Saturday, May 18, 2013 - "New Views Bus Tour of Burlington County's Quaker Meeting Houses." 8:45 until 4:30 - Sponsored by the Friends of the Burlington County Library. Click here for details

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Conducting Walking Tour of Roebling Village - Private tour sponsored by Roebling Museum - 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - Freeholders Historic Preservation and History Awards Ceremony - 7:00 p.m. at Freeholder's Meeting, Mount Holly.

Saturday, May 25, 2013 - "Burlington County Trivia: Fun Facts and Local Whimsy" 4th Saturday Farmers Market Series - Farmhouse at Burlco Community Ag Center, Moorestown - 10:00 am. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, June 6, 2013 - "A History of and Passport to Sites in Burlington County" - Burlington Co. Republican Women. 7:00 p.m. Pizzeria Uno, Rt. 73, Maple Shade, NJ.

Saturday, June 8, 2013 - Historians' Roundtable.Bordentown Library Open Forum, . 10:00 a.m. until Noon. Free - Open to the Public. Registration at www.bcls.lib.nj.us. Click on "Events".

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - "The Great Mount Holly Fairgrounds and History of the Burlington County Fair" - County Historian's 2nd WednesdaySeries. 2:00 p.m. County Library Meeting Room, Westampton.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 -"The New Jersey Pinelands and the Revolutionary War: munitions production, espionage, hideout, and British Military Target." Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Pinelands Heritage Series. Pemberton-Vincentown Road - Carriage House. 7:00 pm.

Thursday, June 13, 2013 -"Travel Stories from a Seasoned Traveler- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" 6:00 PM - Maple Shade Travel Series. Maple Shade Library, Maple Shade.

Saturday, June 22, 2013 - "Mt. Holly Fairgrounds to Lumberton to Springfield - Our County Fair History " 4th Saturday Farmers Market Series - Farmhouse at Burlco Community Ag Center, Moorestown - 10:00 am. Free and open to the public.

June 22-29, 2013 - Vacation

July 17-20, 2013 "History Faire at the Farm Fair" - Visit us at the History tent at the Farm Fair.

Saturday, July 27, 2013 - "Celebrating Freedom: A Farm Community's response to Military Service" 4th Saturday Farmers Market Series - Farmhouse at Burlco Community Ag Center, Moorestown - 10:00 am. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, August 24, 2013 - "Life Along Crancocas Creek " 4th Saturday Farmers Market Series - Farmhouse at Burlco Community Ag Center, Moorestown - 10:00 am. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 28, 2013 - "Burlington County's One-Room Schoolhouses " 4th Saturday Farmers Market Series - Farmhouse at Burlco Community Ag Center, Moorestown - 10:00 am. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 26, 2013 - "Pinelands Panorama - a Virtual Tour of the Pines " 4th Saturday Farmers Market Series - Farmhouse at Burlco Community Ag Center, Moorestown - 10:00 am. Free and open to the public.

November 1-13, 2013 - Portugal and the Azores Tour

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(Completed 2013 talks in light grey)

Monday, January 14, 2013 - "History of Smithville" - Leisuretowne History Club - 7:30 p.m. Laurel Hall, Leisuretown.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - "Literary Burlington County." 12:00 noon. - Friends of the Burlington County Library - Annual Meeting. Burlington County Library, Woodlane Rd., Westampton.

Friday, January 25, 2013 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County." 7:30 p.m. - Easton Bible Church, Fostertown Road, Lumberton.

Saturday, January 26, 2013 - "William Penn and the Quaker Influence on West Jersey." 9:30 a.m. - Sons of the American Revolution, West Deptford Library, Deptford, NJ.

Sunday, February 17, 2013 - "Burlington County Trivia - Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County." 2:00 p.m. - Burlington County Historical Society, High St., Burlington, NJ

Saturday, February 23, 2013 - Panel Moderater at a Conference on Dr. James Still. 9:00 a.m., Medford Leas, Medford, NJ.

Saturday, March 2, 2013 - Historians' Roundtable. Auditorium of the Burlington County Library System, 5 Pioneer Blvd., Westampton, NJ. Open Forum, plus Presentation by Joe Laufer: "The Burlington County Library System: A History - 1921-2013 - More than Just Books". 10:00 a.m. until Noon. Free - Open to the Public. Registration at www.bcls.lib.nj.us. Click on "Events".

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 -"Burlington County and the Civil War" - Civil War Sesquicentenary. " - New Jersey Society of Pennsylvania. 12:30 - Doubletree Suites, Friendship Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ

Saturday, March 23, 2013- Pinelands Short Course - "The New Jersey Pinelands and the Revolutionary War: munitions production, espionage, hideout, and British Military Target." Burlington County College, Pemberton Campus. Rt. 530, Pemberton. 2 presentations of this topic. Schedule availabe at http://www.nj.gov/pinelands.

Sunday, March24, 2013 -"Burlington County Trivia - Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County" - Browns Mills Improvement Association. 2:00 p.m. Browns Mills Fire House, Browns Mills.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013 -Mt. Holly Baptist Seniors "The Burlington County Library System: A History - 1921-2013 - More than Just Books". 12:00 noon.

Tuesiday, April 9, 2013 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County." 7:00 p.m. - Mount Laurel Historical Society, Farmers Hall, Mt. Laurel-Hainesport Road, Mt. Laurel.

Friday, April 12, 2013 -New Gretna Library, "The Burlington County Library System: A History - 1921-2013 - More than Just Books". 12:00 noon.

Thursday, April 18, 2013 - "Creating a Long-Range Travel Plan." 6:00 p.m. - Maple Shade Travel Series, Maple Shade Library, Maple Shade.

(2012 Completed talks in light grey)

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 - "The Mount Holly Fair" - Questers of Burlington County - 10 a.m., Mt. Holly Lyceum and Library, High St., Mt. Holly

Thursday, January 5, 2012 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County. 10:00 a.m. - Burlington County Board of Agriculture Reorganization Meeting.

Unavailable February 4 through 12, 2012

Monday, February 13, 2012 - A Bridge to Our Past - a History of Burlington County - History Club of Leisuretowne, Laurel Hall, Leisuretowne. 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012- Dr. James Still, the Black Doctor ofr the Pines . 10:00 a.m. - Ocean County Library, Long Beach Island Branch, Surf City.

Sunday, February 19, 2012 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County. 11:00 a.m. Men's Cllub, Adath Emanuel, Elbo Lane, Mt. Laurel.

Sunday, February 26, 2012 - "Burlington County: Cradle of Emancipation - A local Black History Overview" - 7:00 pm. Sam's Club Associates, Cinnaminson.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - "Burlington County's Still Family, A Story of Survival, Service and Success' - 10:00 a.m. USDA, Springfield.".

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County. 12:00 noon. Springfield-Mansfield Senior Club.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - "Ten Historical Facts that Make Burlington County Unique" - Westampton Shriners at Charlie Browns Restaurant, Westampton. 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, March 8, 2012 - "William Penn & The Quaker Influence on South Jersey"- Care-One Assisted Livin at Evesham, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 "Notable Women of Burlington County" - Cinnaminson Library, 1619 Riverton Rd., Cinnaminson. - 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 24, 2012 - Pinelands Short Course - Two lectures on Pinelands topics: 1) - 11:15 a.m." Burlington County's Still Family: A Story of Survival, Service and Success;" 2) 1:15 pm. "Pinelands Panorama - A Virtual Tour."Burlington County College, Pemberton Campus. Rt. 530, Pemberton. Schedule availabe at http://www.nj.gov/pinelands.

Sunday, March 25, 2012 - "Christopher Columbus - His Catholicism and his Franciscanism.' 12 noon - Medford Lakes Country Club - Knights of Columbus Regional Meeting.

Monday, April 9, 2012 - " Burlington County Trivia - Unusual Persons, Places and Events in Burlington County" - 1:30 pm -St. Mary's Senior group, Crosswicks St., Bordentown.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 - "Notable Women of Burlington County" . 7:00 p.m. Merchantville Women's Club. 212 Somerset Ave., Merchantville.

Saturday, April 14, 2012 - Historians Roundtable I -Paulsdale, 128 Hooten Road, Mt. Laurel. 9:30 a.m. Register at "Events" "other locations" at www.bcls.lib.nj us

Monday, April 16, 2012 - "Company Towns of Burlington County: Roebling, Smithville, Whitesbog and Batsto " - 7:00 pm - Mount Holly Historical Society at the Lyceum/Library, High St., Mt. Holly

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - " Burlington County Trivia - Unusual Persons, Places and Events in Burlington County" - 2:00 pm "Forever Young Club" Sacred Heart Auditorium, Mt. Holly.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 - " Notable Women of Burlington County - 7:30 pm - Springfield Historical Society. Springfield Municipal Building, Springfield Township.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - " Burlington County Crosswroads of the American Rovolution" - Corpus Christi Senior Group, Willingboro - 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 3, 2012 - " Burlington County Trivia - Unusual Persons, Places and Events in Burlington County" - St. Matthew's OWLS, Moorestown. 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - Dedication of the Still Monument, Shamong. 6:00 p.m. "The Legacy of Charity and Levin Still." - Indian Mills Historical Society.

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - New Views Bus Tour. - "Company Towns of Burlington County" - Start at County Library, Westampton - Proceed to Roebling, Smithville, Whitesbog, Batsto. Lunch included. $50 per person. Sponsored by Friends of the Burlington County Library.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - "D-Day - The Sixth of June" - New Jersey Society of Pennsylvania. 12:30 - Doubletree Suites, Friendship Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - " Burlington County Trivia - Unusual Persons, Places and Events in Burlington County" Evesham Rotary Club. 6:30 p.m. Scatturos Restaurant, Route 73, Marlton.

Thursday, May 24, 2012 - "The Great Mount Holly Fairgrounds " - 7:00 p.m. Rutgers Agricultural Extension Conference Room, Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ.

Saturday, June 2, 2012 - Historians Roundtable III - Pemberton Library, Browns Mills

Unavailable June 8 through 17, 2012

History Faire at the Farm Fair - July 18-21 , 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012 -"Travel Tips, Tales & Tools from a Seasoned Traveler" 7:00 p.m. Shalom Club at Mapleton Four Seasons, Mansfield (off Rt. 68 near Northern Burlington Regional HS)

Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - Trendy Travel Dreams for Twenty-Thirteen - 7:00 pm - Summer Reading Program, Pinelands Library, Medford.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 - Travel Trends and Tips for Twenty-Thirteen - 7:00 pm -Cinnaminson Library, Riverton Rd., Cinnaminson.

Sunday, August 26, 2012 - All about Smithville - Spontaneous talks to canoests participating in "A Day on the Water" at Smithville Park. 10 am until 3:00 pm.

Monday, September10, 2012 - Burlington County Trivia - Unusual People, Places & Curiosities in the History of the County. - Southampton Historical Society, 25 Plum St., Vincentown. 7:30 pm.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - "One Room Schoolhouses of Burlington County" - 2:00 p.m. Brightview at Greentree (Senior Citizens).

Monday, September 17, 2012 - "Company Towns of Burlington County " - 12:00 p.m. Masonic High Twelve, Masonic Home, Grow Hall, Burlington.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - "The History of the Burlington County Farm Fair" 7:30 p.m. Springfield Historical Society - Springfield Municipal Building.

Friday, September 21, 2012 - Volunteer Center "Casino Night" - Annual fundraiser for Joe Laufer Student Volunteer Scholarship Fund - Charlies Other Brother - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, September22, 2012 - Historians Roundtable IV - Burlington County Headquarters Library, 5 Pioneer Blvd - New Meeting Room - 10:00 am till Noon.

Sunday, September23, 2012 - Hobnob with Historians - Special History Tent at Arts in the Park at Smithville Park, Eastampton - 10:30 am until 4:00 pm

Wednesday, October 3, 2012 - Burlington County: Crossroads of the American Revolution- 1:00 pm -Ex Regemts Club, NJDAR - Charlies Other Brother, Eastampton. (lunch at noon)

Thursday, October 4, 2012 - Historic One Room School Houses of Burlington County - 1:30 pm -Holy Eucharist Seniors - Holy Eucharist Church, Tabernacle, NU

Monday, October 8, 2012 - Historic Burlington County - 101 - 8:15 am and 10:45 am-Lenape Regional HS District Teachers' In-Service Day. Cherokee HS, Marlton. "Burlington County History 101" (8:15); "History in our Back Yard" (10:45).

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 - "Commemorating Columbus" - 7:00PM - Main Library, Westampton - 2nd Wednesday Historian's Lecture Series - Community Meeting Room. CLICK HERE FOR DESCRIPTION

Thursday, October 11, 2012 - Trendy Travel Dreams for Twenty-Thirteen - 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm- Maple Shade Library, Maple Shade.

From October 14-27, 2012, Joe will be visiting "Magnificent Cities of Central & Eastern Europe (Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Karakow & Warsaw).

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 - "Notable Women of Burlington County"- Medford-Vincentown Tamenend Questers -Medford Arts Center, 17 Main St., Medford. 11:00 AM.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - "Historic One-Room Schoolhouses of Burlington County" - 7:00PM - Main Library, Westampton - 2nd Wednesday Historian's Lecture Series - Community Meeting Room. CLICK HERE FOR DESCRIPTION

Thursday, November 15, 2012 - Notable Women of Burlington County- Lumberton Historical Society - Gaun Community Hall, Main St., Lumberton 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 17, 2012 - Historians Roundtable cancelled. Joe Laufer will be receiving an Award of Recognition from the New Jersey Historical Commission for his contributions to New Jersey history on this date at the Historical Commission's New Jersey Form at Georgian Court University.

Saturday, December 8 , 2012 - Steamboating on the Delaware- Medford Leas Forum, Medford. 11:00 till noon.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - "Halley's Comet - The Other Portent of Doom" - 7:00 PM- Main Library, Westampton - 2nd Wednesday Historian's Lecture Series - Community Meeting Room. CLICK HERE FOR DESCRIPTION

COMPLETED TALKS - 2011

Monday, January 10, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia: Unusual Persons, Places and Events". 7:00 p.m. Leisurtowne History Club.

Saturday, January 15, 2011 - Presenter at program in Beverly, NJ in honor of Martin Luther King. "Picturing America - From Slavery to Voting Rights." - Beverly Elementary School.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 - "A Bridge to our Past - History of Burlington County ". 2:00 p.m. Care One At Evesham Assisted Living, Marlton, NJ.

Sunday, January 30, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia: Unusual Persons, Places and Events in the History of Burlington County." Crosswicks Historical Society. 2:00 p.m. - Chesterfield Baptist Church, Matthews Lane, Chesterfield Village.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011 - Premiere of Documentary on Dr. James Still. "Dr. James Still, Black Doctor of the Pines - And the Legacy of the Still Family."- Lenape High School Auditorium - 7:00 p.m.

Saturdday, February 5, 2011 - "Dr. James Still, The Black Doctor of the Pines and the Legacy of the Still Family of Shamong" - Delaware Valley Unit of the Herb Society of America -Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum, Rt. 29, Lambertville, Hunderton County, NJ. - 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 10, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia: Unusual Persons, Places and Events" - 1:00 p.m. Holiday Village, Mt. Laurel, NJ.

Sunday, February 13, 2011 - "Dr. James Still, The Black Doctor of the Pines and the Legacy of the Still Family of Shamong" -12:00 Noon - Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 801 W. State St., Trenton, NJ

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 - The story of Junteenth (Emancipation Day), June 19, 1865 -- and Burlington County: the "Cradle of Emancipation" - AAUW of Willingboro. Willingboro Senior Center at Kennedy H.S. 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 26, 2011 - Historians' Roundtable - 10:00 a.m. Mount Holly Lyceum and Library, High St., Mt. Holly. More info... and you can register on line by clicking here.

Monday, March 14, 2011 - "Burlington County and the Civil War" - Civil War Sesquicentenary. 7:00 p.m. Leisurtowne History Club. Laurel Hall.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia: Unusual Persons, Places and Events". 7:30 p.m. Springfield Historical Society. Springfield Municipal Building, Jobestown.

Saturday, March 26, 2011 - Dr. James Still, Black Doctor of the Pines and the Legacy of the Still Family - Pinelands Short Course - Burlington County College. For registration/ brochure, click here. Or obtain information at http://www.state.nj.us/pinelands/about/events.

Saturday, April 2, 2011 - Pinelands Panorama - Bus Tour sponsored by the N.J. Pinelands Commission as a part of the Pinelands Short Course Project. 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. From Burlington County College. Further information: Click here for brochure or click on link below:

http://www.state.nj.us/pinelands/about/events.

Monday, April 4, 2011 - "Vincentown and the Civil War" - Civil War Sesquicentenary. With Dorothy Best - Southampton Historical Society, 7:30 p.m. Olde Towne Hall, Mill St., Vincentown.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia: Unusual Persons, Places and Events".Corpus Christi Social Club; 1:30 p.m. Corpus Christi Parish Hall, Willingboro, NJ.

Saturday, April 16, 2011 - Historians' Roundtable - 11:00 a.m. Library Company of Burlington, 23 West Union St., Burlington City. More info...

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 - Notable Women of Burlington County - Merchantville Women's Club, Merchantville, NJ, Greenly Ct., Merchantville.

Thursday, May12, 2011 - Ellis Howard Parker: First County Chief of Detectives - with Paul W. Schopp at the Warden's House of the Historic Burlington County Prison Museum - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 14, 2011- World Trade Center Memorial Dedication at the Air Victory Museum. (More info...). 10:00 am at 68 Stacy Haines Rd., Lumberton.

Saturday, May 21, 2011 - Bus Tour: Civil War Connections in Burlington County - Sponsored by the Friends of the Burlington County Library. Click for tentative Itinerary

Thursday, June 9, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County. 7:30 p.m. Union St. Friends Meeting hall, Medford. Medford Historical Society

Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - Bus Tour: One Room Schoolhouses of Burlington County - Private Tour - AACS National Convention at Rider University. http://csaa.typepad.com

Thursday, June 16, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County. 6:00 p.m. Wrightstown Rotary - Garden State Diner, Rt. 537, Wrightstown.

Saturday, June 18, 2011 - Historians' Roundtable - 10:00 a.m. Evesham Public Library, 984 Tuckerton Rd., Marlton. More info...

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 - All Aboard: Travel Tips, Tales and Tools From a Seasoned Traveler - 7:00 p.m. Pinelands Library, Medford. See Joe's Travel Website.

Thursday, July 14, 2011 - Dr. James Still, The Black Doctor of the Pines and The Legacy of 5the Still Family - 7:30 pm. Video and Commentary. Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Pemberton Road, Southampton.

Wed., Thur, Fri., Sat, July 20-23, 2011- History Faire at the Farm Fair - Route 206 at Springfield. Joe will be present throughout the Burlington County Farm Fair at the History Tent.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - "A Bridge to our Past - History of Burlington County ". 2:00 p.m. Bright View at Greentree, Marlton

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - Travel Tips, Tools and Tales - 7:00 p.m., Cinnaminson Library, 1619 Riverton Rd., Cinnaminson. See Joe's Travel Website.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011- "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County- 7:00 p.m., Cinnaminson Library, 1619 Riverton Rd., Cinnaminson.

Thursday, September 8, 2011 - All Aboard: Travel Tips, Tales and Tools From a Seasoned Traveler - 6:00 p.m. Maple Shade Library, Maple Shad. . See Joe's Travel Website.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 - "Historic One Room Schoolhouses of Burlington County"- 1:15 p.m., Care One of Evesham, Marlton, NJ.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County- 7:00 p.m., Vincentown-Medford Rotary, Medford Lakes Country Club.

Saturday, September 24, 2011 - Historians' Roundtable IV - Batsto Visitor Center - 10 a.m. - Noon.

Thursday, September 29, 2011 - "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County- 6:00 p.m., Maple Shade Library, Maple Shade..

(Oct. 4 through 15, Joe will be touring Peru and Machu Picchu)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 38 "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County- 1:00 p.m., Charlies Other Brother, Eastampton - Mt. Holly Rotary

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 65 "Notable Women of Burlington County" - 7:00 p.m., Leisuretowne Civic League, Southampton, NJ

Thursday, October 20, 2011 - 32 "Burlington County Trivia: Unusual Persons, Places and Events". 7:00 p.m. Pemberton Community Library, 16 Broadway, Browns Mills, NJ

Friday, October 21, 2011 -81 "Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County- 7:00 p.m., Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Adult Volunteers - Rutgers Extension, 2 Academy Drive, Westampton.

Saturday, October 22, 2011 40 - Historians' Roundtable V - Roebling Museum- 10 a.m. - Noon.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 32 - "Burlington County Trivia: Unusual Persons, Places and Events". 7:00 p.m. Bordentown Public Library, 18 E. Union St., Bordentown, NJ

Wednesday, November 7, 2012 - "Notable Women of Burlington County"- Medford-Vincentown Tamenend Questers -Medford Arts Center, 17 Main St., Medford. 11:00 AM.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - "Historic One-Room Schoolhouses of Burlington County" - 7:00PM - Main Library, Westampton - 2nd Wednesday Historian's Lecture Series - Community Meeting Room. CLICK HERE FOR DESCRIPTION

Thursday, November 15, 2012 - Notable Women of Burlington County- Lumberton Historical Society - Gaun Community Hall, Main St., Lumberton 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 17, 2012 - Historians Roundtable cancelled. Joe Laufer will be receiving an Award of Recognition from the New Jersey Historical Commission for his contributions to New Jersey history on this date at the Historical Commission's New Jersey Form at Georgian Court University.

Saturday, December 8 , 2012 - Steamboating on the Delaware- Medford Leas Forum, Medford. 11:00 till noon.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - "Halley's Comet - The Other Portent of Doom" - 7:00 PM- Main Library, Westampton - 2nd Wednesday Historian's Lecture Series - Community Meeting Room. CLICK HERE FOR DESCRIPTION

Thursday, November 3, 2011 - 83 - Ellis Howard Parker: First County Chief of Detectives - with Paul W. Schopp at the Medford Historical Society Meeting, Quaker Meeting House, Union St. Medford. 7:30 pm.

Friday, November 4, 2011 -78 -D-Day, June 6, 1944 - 7:00 p.m. Friday Nighters Club, First Presbyterian Church, Moorestown.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - 1:00 P.M. Notable Women of Burlington County - Hadassah, Temple Har Zion, High & Ridgeway, Mt. Holly.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - "Burlington County and the Civil War" - Civil War Sesquicentenary. 7:30 p.m. Riverside Historical Society

Wednesday, November 17, 2011 - 7:00 P.M. Travel Night: Magnificent Cities of Central & Eastern Europe - 7:00 p.m. Informational program on planed tour for Oct., 2012. Flying W Airport, Medford- Flight Operations Lounge.

Monday, November 21, 2011 - 7:30 P.M. Burlington County Trivia - Indian Mills Historical Society, Shamong Municipal Building, Willow Grove Road, Shamong.

Thursday, December 1, 2011 - Speaker at Volunteer of the Year event honoring Regan Young at Madison Cafe, Riverside, NJ.

Friday, December 2, 2011 - Master of Ceremonies for Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Vincentown. 6 p.m.

Saturday, December 3, 2011 - Historians' Roundtable VI -Cinnaminson Library, Riverton Road, Cinnaminson - 10 a.m. - Noon.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - 7:30 p.m. Notable Women of Burlington County - Burlington County Farm Bureau Women's Committee Dinner. Charley's Other Brother, Eastampton, NJ

Saturday, December 10, 2011 - Battle of Iron Works Hill Re-enactment. Narrator during the re-enactment - 2:30-4:30 High St., Mount Holly

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SMITHVILLE CONSERVANCY WEBSITE

There is a website dedicated exclusively to the history of the H.B. Smith Industrial Village. It was created for the Smithville Conservancy and features very detailed historical data about this historic site.

Visit www.SmithvilleConservancy.org to experience this introduction to Burlington County's first public park steeped in history. There are lots of pictures there, too.

UNDERGROUND R.R. MUSEUM CREATES WEB SITE : Executive Director Louise Calloway of the Underground Railroad Cafe, Art Gallery and Educational Center, 16-18 East Union St., Burlington, which boasts of an excellent Museum on the subject, has its own website: http://ugrrburlington.webs.com

STEAMBOATS ON THE DELAWARE

Between June 2, 2007 and August 26, 2007, the Office of Cultural Affairs and Tourism conducted 14 Riverboat tours on the Delaware River, attracting 1,179 passengers. The original idea was to conduct only two tours. However, once the word got out, telephone calls requesting tickets became overwhelming, to the point that many who desired tickets were unable to get them. The boat held only 100 people. The tour started at the Oneida Boad House on the Promenade in The City of Burlington, and proceeded south on the Delaware to "Andalusia", the Biddle Mansion on the Pennsylvania shore across from Delanco. Paul Schopp and Joe Laufer shared the narration, pointing out the historic sites and mansions along the way. The tour lasted approximately 2 hours. Currently, a private River Boat is docked at the Burlington City wharf -- partly a result of the success of the County tours of the summer of 2007.

expectations and is a welcome addition to Burlington County's historical landmarks.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The Burlington County Office of Tourism has published three leaflets based on three of Joe's most popular lectures. Joe served as a consultant for the projects.

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"Quaker Meetinhouses of Burlington County" is a 12 page multi-flold which highlights the location of 10 active Friend's Meetings and 7 former Meetinghouses.

"Notable Women of Burlington County" provides an overview of 15 prominent women of Burlington County whose lives influenced world events far beyond the confines of Burlington County.

"One Room Schoolhouses in Burlington County" lists, illustrates and describes 17 Burlington County One-Room Schoolhouses scattered throughout Burlington County

A fourth leaflet, "Tour Guide of African American Historic Sites of Burlington County", created by Black History expert Giles Wright, is also available through the Office of Cultural Affairs and Tourism.

COUNTY BELL CAST OVER 250 YEARS AGO

We are fortunate in Burlington County to have the "County Bell", which hangs in the tower of the historic Court House on High Street in Mount Holly, as one of our historic keepsakes, both because of its symbolism and its direct connection with significant county events.  It relates directly to two of our most historic towns, Burlington and Mt. Holly; it is our link with our country’s struggle for independence, and has always been associated with our court system, which champions the basic rights of our citizens.  Therefore, for Burlington Countians, it is as significant as the Liberty Bell is for all Americans.

The "County Bell" was cast in England in 1755 (only four years after the "Liberty Bell" was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Legislature to celebrate the 50th anniversary of William Penn's Charter of Privileges for Pennsylvania*). The Burlington County Bell was first used at the early court house in Burlingtron City, and while there, in 1776, rang the news of our contry's independence. It was in 1797 that the bell was transferred to the belfry of the Court House at Mount Holly, where it remains till this day.

*After its arrival in Philadelphia from England, the Liberty Bell was melted down and recast twice, and the final version wasn't hung and used until June, 1753 -- which makes the Liberty Bell only about 2 years older than the County Bell.

See article on the County Bell in the Courier Post, Friday, December 31, 2005

 
     

 

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