Burlington County is marking the 250th anniversary of the United States with two new history exhibits highlighting the county’s role in national events. The Burlington County Parks System developed these exhibits as part of a year-long celebration, focusing on both the American Revolution and other significant moments from local and national history.
The exhibits are open to visitors through June 14, coinciding with the county’s 250th Anniversary Festival scheduled for High Street in Mount Holly.
“From early Colonial days and the struggle for Independence through the Industrial Revolution, the end of slavery, the Civil Rights movement and beyond, American history is filled with Burlington County people, places and events that helped shape our nation,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to the County Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “These two new exhibits shine a spotlight on our county’s history, controversies and achievements with artifacts, maps, documents and historical displays. It’s a great learning experience that helps tell the story of America through a Burlington County lens.”
The first exhibit, titled “Burlington County Joins the Revolution,” is located on the second floor of the Warden’s House Gallery in Mount Holly. It features artifacts such as cannonballs, currency from Revolutionary times, a replica Colonial Army uniform, and a sword belonging to Colonel Thomas Reynolds of the Burlington County Militia. Visitors can also view correspondence between Major General Nathanael Greene and General George Washington from November 1777.
Stories highlighted include those of Oliver Cromwell—a free Black farmer who fought in several key battles—and Margaret Morris, one of America’s earliest women physicians whose diary details her experiences during wartime.
The second exhibit—”250 Years of Burlington County History”—is displayed at Workers House Gallery in Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton. This park is part of a 312-acre site featuring forests and wetlands according to information available on the official website. The exhibit covers abolitionist John Wolman’s journal entries; paintings like that of Mount Holly’s Old Schoolhouse; hooked rugs commemorating local battles; Civil War veteran Charles Hall’s journal excerpts; World War II scrapbooks; items relating to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspiration for his civil rights work; Whitesbog cranberry farm memorabilia; Farm Fair displays; and information about Boost!, a beverage originating locally in 1913.
“Burlington County has so much history to discover and share. Events like these exhibits provide outstanding insights about the events that impacted the American Revolution here in Burlington County and many of the extraordinary Burlington County people and events from the past 250 years,” said Commissioner Randy Brolo. “Whether you’re already a local history enthusiast or a newcomer curious about our county’s past, you’re sure to find something new and interesting.”
Both exhibits are free to visit: “Burlington County Joins the Revolution” at Warden’s House Gallery (150 High Street) is open Thursdays through Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM. “250 Years of Burlington County History” at Worker’s House Gallery (803 Smithville Road) operates Fridays through Sundays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Group tours are available by appointment.
These exhibitions are among several activities planned by Burlington County this year for America’s semiquincentennial. More event details can be found on the county’s America 250 page or via the Parks Program Guide. Information is also accessible through their free smartphone app.
Burlington County spans 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area (source) with three cities among its forty political subdivisions (source). Its Board of Commissioners includes five members serving at-large (source), reflecting its broad governance structure.
