county_historian

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:

A MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE TO THE CIVIL WAR VETERANS OF TIMBUCTOO

There will be a special program honoring the Civil War Veterans of Timbuctoo, Westampton Township, Burlington County, NJ on Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 27, 2012 from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. For program specifics and more information, CLICK HERE.

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.

HISTORIANS ROUNDTABLE

HISTORIANS' ROUNDTABLE SCHEDULE FOR 2012 ANNOUNCED

Burlington County Historian Joe Laufer has announced the schedule of Historians’ Roundtables for 2012. This is the second year for this highly popular and well-attended series. Six roundtables were held in 2011, and four have been scheduled for 2012. 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 opportunities 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 announced theschedule and venues for 2012.

Announcing: The 2012 Historians’ Roundtable # I – Saturday, April 14 at 9:30 a.m. at Paulsdale, 128 Hooten Road, Mount Laurel. Adjournment at 11:45 a.m. sharp.

Please register at www.bcls.lib.nj.us because space is limited.

Joe Laufer, Paul W. Schopp and Dave Kimball will host this first meeting of the new season.

Key agenda items include:

1. A brief presentation by special guests about creating a virtual museum for your organization.

Cultural and historical organizations face many challenges, not the least of which is how to engage the public in the digital age. Professional Archaeologist John Lawrence and Commercial Photographer and Web Site Designer Cie Stroud will present their program to assist these organizations in making their collections better available and to a broader public. Their approach synthesizes historical research, archival materials, and artifacts in an educational multi-media web design. This virtual museum makes the organization and its collections engaging for and accessible to the public, classrooms, and the disabled nationwide. Their approach also includes acquiring grant funds on behalf of the organizations so that they may employ the program.

2. A presentation about 2012’s “History Faire at the Farm Fair” (July18-21). Details of the new highly visible Midway tent location; electric service and lighting; better on-site promotional signage, etc. and how you can participate. (Dick Toone)

3. A brief presentation about the 2013 Tercentenary of Burlington County’s Royal Charters of January, 1713, (Dick Toone)

Click here for Dick Toone's article on Royal Charters

4. Our usual networking opportunities and the sharing of issues, events, and information.

5. Information about future Roundtables. (see below)

6. Opportunity to tour Paulsdale

Click here for complete agenda

Please note the earlier starting time (9:30 a.m.), in order to permit an 11:45 adjournment to allow pre-scheduled afternoon programming at Paulsdale.

Registration is recommended by using the BCLS events registration calendar at www.bcls.lib.nj.us – Easiest way to register is by clicking on April 14 on the posted calendar and scrolling to “Historians’ Roundtable.”

Directions to Paulsdale at http://www.alicepaul.org/contactpage.htm

P.S. Congratulations to Loretta Kelly and the Friends of White Hill in Fieldsboro for the acceptance of the nomination to place White Hill Mansion on the state and national historic registers. Proof that dedication, patience and persistence eventually pay dividends!

Power Point of April 14th Roundtable Subjects

FUTURE ROUNDTABLE MEETING:

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

Saturday, September 22, 2012 - Historians Roundtable III– Billiard Room of the Smithville Mansion, Eastampton.

Saturday, November 17, 2012 - Historians Roundtable IV - Bordentown Library.

The Roundtables are free and open to the public. Further information is availabl on the County Historian’s Website: www.Burlcohistorian.com. Registration is recommended for each program by using the County Library events registration calendar at www.bcls.lib.nj.us.

NEW VIEWS XI BUS TOUR

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - 8:45 to 4:30

Visit Roebling, Smithville, Whitesbog and Batsto

“New Views Bus Tour” Explores Company Towns of Burlington County

This year’s New Views Bus Tour will take riders on a trip back through time to discover the “Company Towns of Burlington County,” including Roebling, Smithville, Whitesbog and Batsto, on Saturday, May 19 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Burlington County Library and led by County Historian Joe Laufer, the bus trip is held each year in May to celebrate National Tourism Week and Historic Preservation Month. The cost of the tour, which will begin and end at Library Headquarters in Westampton, is $50 per person and includes a box lunch and discounted admission to the featured museums.

During the trip, Laufer will discuss each location’s significance in history and conduct brief tours. The first stop will be the town of Roebling and tour of the Roebling Museum, followed by a visit to Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton and a tour of the H.B. Smith Industrial Village. Participants will have lunch in the event tent at Smithville before departing for Whitesbog Village in Pemberton and a tour of the J.J. White Cranberry/Blueberry Complex. The final stop will be a visit to Batsto for a tour of the Reception Center exhibit and the Village. The bus is expected to return to library headquarters on Pioneer Boulevard at about 4:30 p.m.

The Registration Brochure is posted below. It may be downloaded and mailed to the address indicated along with the $50 payment for each passenger. Be certain to complete a separate Box Lunch order for each participant. If there are any questions, please call the County Historian at (609) 267-9660, ext. 5010.

Click here for a downloadable PDF version of the 2012 tour application form

Click here for the Official "New Views" page

CURRENT COUNTY BELL NOW AVAILABLE ON LINE (Vol. 39, Issue 1, March/April/May, 2012 )

The latest issue of the County Bell has been posted on the County website. This issue is packed with information about county Springtime events for the next three months Read about Earth Day (April 22) events at all county parks; Victorian Games at Smithville (May 20), Haunted Mount Holly (April 13), the opening of the County Farmers Market (May 19 and its 2012 schedule. There are also articles about scheduling weddings at Smithville, a Gardening Expo at the Farmers Market, A composting workshop, Art Exhibits at Sithville and the Warden's House at the Prison Museum in Mt. Holly, Croquet at Smithville, an Air Force Clarinet Councert, Free Nature Programs and much more. There is also a Calendar of Events sponsored by various organization throughout the county. The popular County Bell is no longer mailed to each household, but the electronic version is found on the internet quarterly. Click here for the latest County Bell (March-April-May edition)

SPEAKER LISTINGS TO 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?" Program 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.

RECAP OF SIXTH HISTORIANS' ROUNDTABLE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011

The sixth and final Historians’ Roundtable, an informal discussion led by Burlington County Historian Joe Laufer and two colleagues, was held at the Cinnaminson Library on Saturday, Dec. 3..

Sponsored by the Burlington County Library System, the roundtable program was launched last spring in an effort to bring together history aficionados interested in discussing the County’s rich past. Led by Laufer and fellow historians Paul W. Schopp and David Kimball, the discussions are held at various historic sites and libraries located throughout the County.

The December 3rd program featured guest speaker Gary Saretzky, photographer, educator and archivist of the County of Monmouth. His topic was“Photographic Conservation.” Other items of current historical interest were also addressed.

Click here for AGENDA for Historians' Roundtable VI

Click here for POWER POINT shown at Historians' Roundtable VI

Click here for notes and Power Points summarizing past five Rountables

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.

Joe's Speaking Events Calendar

County News

2012 LECTURES

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 " - 8:00 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.

Saturday, September 12, 2012 - Historians Roundtable IV - Smithville Mansion

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 - Topic TBA - Medford-Vincentown Tamenend Questers - Laurel Hall, Leisuretowne. 12:00 noon.

Saturday, November 17, 2012 - Historians Roundtable V - Bordentown Library

(2012Completed 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.

Friday, January 27, 2012 - ""Burlington County Trivia" Unusual Persons, Places and Curiosities in the History of Burlington County." 7:30 p.m. - Easton Bible Church, Fostertown Road, Lumberton.

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.

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

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.

"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