The Burlington County Board of Commissioners has approved $78,861 in grants for 17 local history organizations and projects for the 2026 calendar year. The decision comes as preparations are underway for the nation’s 250th anniversary, with several funded projects linked to this milestone.
Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said, “Burlington County is one of the oldest counties in America and its history is among our most valuable assets. As the 250th Anniversary of our nation approaches, our Board is excited to support more than a dozen organizations that are actively preserving our county’s history and teaching generations why it is important and relevant.”
The grants are distributed through the New Jersey Historical Commission’s County History Partnership Program. This initiative aims to assist both established and emerging local history groups as well as other nonprofits working on historical projects.
A peer panel recommended the recipients, with at least six awards supporting activities related to the nation’s upcoming anniversary. Commissioner Randy Brolo commented, “From America’s struggle for independence through the Industrial Revolution and the fight for Civil Rights, Burlington County and its people have been at the heart of countless events that helped shape our nation. In 2026, we plan to celebrate this history and bring it to life for residents and visitors from across the world. These grants will help support several of the 250th events. They will also provide financial support Burlington County historic organizations rely upon to complete other important projects.”
Projects receiving funding include museum operations, preservation efforts, educational programs, reenactments, digitization initiatives, community celebrations and documentary work by local film students.
Burlington County was formed in the late 17th century and is New Jersey’s largest county by land area at 827 square miles. It encompasses 40 municipalities including cities, boroughs and townships; operates under a board of commissioners; provides services such as document recording; supports agriculture as a core economic activity; and maintains sites like Historic Smithville Park—a 312-acre property featuring forests, meadows and wetlands (official website).
The full list of grant recipients includes Armed Forces Heritage Museum (Burlington City), Bordentown Historical Society (Bordentown), Chesterfield Historical Society (Chesterfield), Delanco Township History Board (Delanco), Evesham Historical Society (Evesham), Historical Society of Moorestown (Moorestown), Main Street Mount Holly (Mount Holly), National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in New Jersey (Westampton), New Jersey Folklife at Perkins (Moorestown), Revolutionary War Alliance of Burlington County (Eastampton), Riverside Historical Society (Riverside), Riverside Township (Riverside), St. Andrew’s Graveyard Committee (Mount Holly), Springfield Township Historical Society (Springfield), Tabernacle Historical Society (Tabernacle), Timbuctoo Historical Society (Westampton) and Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County (Eastampton).
More information about Burlington County’s services—including recreational opportunities in parks like Historic Smithville Park—and its structure under a five-member board can be found on its official website.
