Burlington Review

Burlington County's rich and varied history was commemorated on Wednesday during a ceremony to mark the completion of a significant restoration project at the Burlington County Historic Prison Museum. The stone and brick building, located on High and Grant streets in Mount Holly, served as a prison from 1811 to 1965. Today, it operates as a museum, showcasing the prison's fascinating past and providing insights into life within its walls.

The recently concluded renovations included replacing the prison’s cedar roof and repairing and cleaning much of its exterior and interior masonry. Experts also preserved several sections of graffiti art and messages left by prisoners on the plaster cell walls.

“We are celebrating the Prison’s history and the work to preserve it so that current and future generations can continue to step back in time and learn about life here during the 1800s through 1960s,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel during a ceremony marking the project’s completion.

Eckel was joined at the celebration by Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell, State Senator Troy Singleton, State Assemblywoman Andrea Katz, Burlington County Administrator Eve Cullinan, New Jersey Historic Trust Board Chair Peter Lindsay, and Janet Sozio, president of the Burlington County Prison Museum Association. Also present was Stan Fayer, a retired investigator from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office who once served as a guard at this historic prison.

“Burlington County’s history is brimming with people, places and stories that helped to shape our region, state and nation,” Senator Singleton stated. “Preserving this history is critically important."

The $2.9 million restoration project received support from the New Jersey Historic Trust in form of a $526,500 grant for improvements. Netta Architects designed the building renovations while John O’Hara Company served as general contractor. Watts Restoration performed masonry work while Fania Roofing completed roof replacement. Graffiti stabilization work was carried out by experts from Jablonski Building Conservation.

This project marks the first major renovation at the prison since 2001, when the County revamped the museum’s interior with interactive exhibits, storyboards and cell recreations.

The County has also completed significant projects to preserve other historic sites. Earlier this year, Commissioners approved nearly $60,000 in grants for local government entities, historical societies and nonprofits to support their operations and advance their historic preservation projects.

Commissioner O’Connell emphasized that the County’s investments in preserving and promoting history have yielded substantial returns. “Preserving and promoting this history is essential to the quality of life residents enjoy here," he said.

The Historic Prison Museum is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays from noon to 4 PM. For more information call 609-265-5476 or 609-265-5858 or visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/956/Prison-Museum .