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:

December 14, 2013

237th Annivesary of Iron Works Hill

Joe Laufer interviews Crown Forces at 2011 re-enactment

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2014, Downtown Mt. Holly - at 2:30 p.m. there will be an artillery demonstration in front of the Prison Museum. From 3:00 until 3:45, Continental and South Jersey militia troops attack the Crown Forces (near the Old Court House), who push back through the streets of Mount Holly to the Rancocas Creek in Monroe Street Park. The progress of each side through town will be narrated by Joe Laufer, Burlington County Historian.

Details of Saturday's events can be found at www.IronworksHill.org

Joe Laufer narrates artilery demonstration on High Street near Historic County Court House

HISTORIANS' ROUNDTABLE HELD DECEMBER 7, 2013

CLICK HERE FOR AGENDA for ROUND TABLE MEETING - DECEMBER 7

CLICK HERE FOR POWER POINT PRESENTATION SHOWN AT MEETING - DECEMBER 7

Dedication of the Burlington County Lyceum of History and Science at Mount Holly August 23, 2013

Click here for Link to Burlington County Times article Reporting on Event.

Click here for Courier Post article Reporting on Event

Click here for South Jersey Edition of Phila. Inquirer article & picture

Message delivered by Joseph M. Laufer, Burlington County Historian at Event

We’re here today to celebrate a very significant and historical event in Burlington County History. Its significance derives from the fact that we are exercising an act of Historic Preservation. The County of Burlington has once again intervened to insure that a vital piece of Burlington County History is not lost. .more...

Click for link to History of the Mt. Holly Lyceum of History & Science

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HOW MANY TOWNS NAMED "BURLINGTON" IN THE U.S.A.?

One of the jobs a County Historian performs is responding to Press inquiries about Burlington County from around the country. A few weeks ago, County Historian, Joe Laufer, received an inquiry from reporter Tim Johnson of the Burlington, Vermont Free Press asking how Burlington County and the City of Burlington, NJ received their names. His response is included in the relatively lengthy feature article that appeared in today's Sunday Burlington (Vermont) Free Press (9/22/13). In summary, according to the US Census, there are 34 cities in the U.S. named Burlington, making it #38 on the list of common place names in the USA (#1 is Union and #2 is Washington). Here's a link to Tim Johnson's article:

http://bfpne.ws/16gv9pp

If that doesn't work, try this one:

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20130921/NEWS02/309210018/City-name-Burlington-seemingly-everywhere-its-origin-uncertain

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HEADLINES AND OTHER HAPPENINGS IN MAY & JUNE, 2013

VINCENTOWN'S MEMORIAL DAY PARADE ONE OF THE OLDEST AND MOST TRADITIONAL IN BURLINGTON COUNTY - PHOTO LINK

Vincentown's Memorial Day Parade has been held without interruption for 134 consecutive years - rain or shine. One of the earliest in the nation, first stepping off on "Decoration Day," only 14 years after the end of the Civil War, it was captured on film this year by Southampton Resident, David Brown, who has graciously shared his memorable album with us. Here's the link:

http://www.browniespix.com/gallery_13/MM13/index.html

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STONE MILE MARKER GALLERY UPDATED

Since I first posted my brief power point illustrating 8 historic stone Burlington County highway stone mile markers, I have discovered three additional markers, thanks to the assistance of alert residents who heard about my quest. A Catholic Priest from Bordentown who runs every morning through the countryside of Crosswicks, a resident of Springfield Township, and a biker who rides from Mt. Holly to Smithville each reported their findings and I have added them to my gallery. Click here for the updated Mile Marker slide show!

2013 JOE LAUFER VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Shown above are five of the six awardees of a composite $22,000 in scholarships for volunteer service to their communities awarded on June 20, 2013 at the headquarters of the Burlington County Library System in Westampton. From left to right are Colleen Aydolette, Holy Cross HS, Matthew Delancy, Shawnee HS; Brenna Fallows, Moorestown HS; Melissa McIntosh, Willingboro HS; Matthew O'Rorke, Shawnee HS; Missing at the time of the photograph was Brett Jacobs, Cherokee HS.

FREEHOLDERS PRESENT 2013 PRESERVATION AWARDS

On Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, the Burlington County Freeholders presented seven awards to deserving Burlington Countians for their achievements contributing to the Preservation of History in Burlington County. The awards included the Wrightstown Grist Mill, an author of a new history of Lumberton, the Mayoir of Fieldsboro for his support of the White Hill Mansion, the Woodlawn Cemetery restoration in Woodland, students at Indian Mills Middle School in Shamong for the Still Family Cemetery restoration and monument, the Tabernacle Historical Society, and Teri Schmidt of Washington Township. Click below to link to a full description of all of the awards.

2013 Freeholder Preservation Month Awards

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?

Here you will find lists of programs presented by various historical societies and history organizations over the next several months at locations throughout Burlington County.

Note: To be listed, organizations should contact Joe Laufer at [email protected]

Click here for Fall, 2013 programs at Peachfield, Southampton, Medford, the Mt. Holly Prison Museum, and Whitesbog Preservation Trust

LOOKING FOR A SPEAKER FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION?

We have been monitoring programs at local Historical Societies and keeping track of popular speakers who lecture on History topics. Program Chairpersons might find our list helpful as they plan their programs for the year. The list includes the name of the speaker, their area of expertise and their contact information (phone number and e-mail address, where available). Our listing is not based on any evaluation or recommendation -- simply on whether or not they have been booked by a Historical Society or History Organization within the past year or so.

Click here for our History Speakers' Bureau Page

HISTORICAL MARKERS THROUGHOUT BURLINGTON COUNTY

"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

SCHEDULED LECTURES - 2014

Monday, January 13, 2014 - "John Woolman: Conscience of Quakerism, Apostle of Abolition"- 7:30 p.m. - Leisuretowne History Club - Laurel Hall, Soutampton

Thursday, January 23, 2014 - "African American Sites of Burlington Coiunty "- 7:00 p.m. - Rancocas Nature Center, Rancocas Road, Westampton.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014 - "Burlington County Trivia - Unusual People Places & Things " - 11:30 a.m. - Indian Spring Questers - regular meeting - private home

February 9 - 16, 2013 - Vacation - Florida.

Saturday, February22, 2014- Symposium at Dr. James Still Education Center, Medford "Relationships and Community Building" - Panel member. - 1:00 p.m. -Panel, using Dr. Still's own thoughts expressed in his autobiography.

February 23 through March 3, 2014ediscocwe CUBA - a Collette Vacations Caribbean Cultural RExperience

Saturday, March 8, 2014 - "The Pinelands and the American Revolution " - Annual Pinelands Short Course - 8:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. Pinelands Short Course, Stockton State College, Pomona, NJ - Sponsored by the NJ Pinelands Commission. http://www.nj.gov/pinelands

Monday, March 10, 2014 - "Notable Women of Burlington County " - 7:00 p.m. - Daughters of the American Revolution - at the Mt. Holly Lyceum/Library, High St., Mount Holly.

Tuesday, March 28, 2014 - Burlington County & the American Revolution- 7:30 P.m. - Easton Bible Church Covered Dish dinner - Easton Bible Church, Fostertown Rd., Hainesport, NJ (Dinner - 6 p.m.)

Saturday, April 12, 2014 - Notable Women of Burlington County- 2:00 P.m. - Virtua Hospital "After Hope" group.

April 24-May 1 - London-Paris

Saturday, May 17, 2014 - New Views Bus Tour: African American Sites of Burlington Co. - all Day - Starting at Smithville - Incl. Medford Ed. Ctr. and Timbucktoo.

June 25-July 11 , 2014 - China

July 7-19 - Farm Fair

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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.

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. 7:00 p.m. County Library Auditorium, Westampton.

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.

Wednesday, June 19, 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.

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

Thursday, September 5, 2013 - "Unique Stained Glass of Burlington County" - 7:30 p.m. - Medford Historical Society, W. Union St Quaker Meeting, Medford.

Sunday, September 15, 2013 - "Hobnobbing with Historians " -Arts in the Park - Smithville Park Eastampton - In the tent in area 7 - Local Historical Societies 10:30 a.m. till 4 PM. Also histori tour of Smithville Industrial Village at 12:30 & 2:30 by Joe Laufer.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - "Travel Stories from a Seasoned Traveler: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly " - 7:30 p.m. -Springfield Historical Society - Springfield Twp. Municipal Building.

Saturday, September 21, 2013 - "Historians' Roundtable " - 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Red Dragon Canoe Club, 221 Edgewater Ave., Edgewater Park, NJ - Open to the Public. Register at Events Calendar at www.lib.bcls.nj us .

Sunday, September 22, 2013 - "Open House for New Center for Education " - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. - Bunning Farm, 211 Church Rd., Medford, NJ - next to Dr. Still Office, Crossroads. 1:00 p.m. lecture by Joe Laufer: "Medford Stories Good for Telling". Free and Open to the Public. www.medfordHistory.org.

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.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013 - "The Great Mount Holly Fairgrounds " - 12:00 noon - Mount Holly Rotary - Charlies' Other Brother, Westampton.

Friday, October 4, 2013 - "Unique Stained Glass of Burlington County" - 6:30 p.m. - Friday Nighter's Club, First Presbytyrean Church, Moorestown.

Sunday, October 20, 2013 - "Remarks at Reopening of the Burlington Quaker Meeting House & Center for Conference" . 1-4 pm, 340 High St., Burlington - RSVP for Open House - www.Burlmhcc.org/contact-us/

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 - "Burlington County Trivia - Unusual People Places & Things " - 12:30 p.m. - Tabernacle Old Timers - Tabernacle Old Squad Building, Hawkin Rd., Tabernacle, off Rt. 206.

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 through November 13, 2013

International Tour: Best of Portugal, the Azores and Madieros Island

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.

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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