A Historic Route to Deptford

On Jul 20, 2018

The Museum of American History at Deptford, NJ

The South Jersey Museum of American History Foundation and its Museum of American History has followed a trail that took nearly 25 years to travel before arriving in Deptford. The foundation was established in 1993 to preserve and exhibit South Jersey’s history in connection with American History.

The museum’s initial home was in Berlin in 1996, and it moved to Glassboro 10 years later. Facing the need of a new building and with Deptford wanting a museum, foundation members met with township officials to discuss and plan the use of the Andaloro Farmhouse for its new museum. The move occurred in January 2017.

The farmhouse was built in 1920 on a 150-acre vegetable farm. Rehabilitating the farmhouse was a joint effort between the township and the museum’s foundation. The township painted the exterior of the building, made improvements to the auxiliary buildings and is preserving 32 acres. The foundation concentrated on the interior, building 80 exhibit cases for thousands of artifacts. Through this public/private partnership and the work of foundation volunteers, the museum was created at the incredibly modest cost of $1,500.

Catty corner to the museum, the township has created community plots, which will be reserved for citizens’ use. Behind the museum, the township built a farm-themed playground.

The museum has exhibits from across the country, but focuses on South Jersey’s historical heritage, with “history told with artifacts.” The first floor highlights American agricultural history, with farmstead exhibits reflecting South Jersey’s and Deptford’s rich agricultural history. Second floor exhibits feature pre-Columbian (Native American) and Colonial history, glass and ceramic displays, and paleontological (fossil) exhibits, many also from South Jersey.

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum presents special displays and programs, including archaeology classes with excavations for youngsters, a Civil War exhibit, and an antique toy train show.

ARCHITECT
South Jersey Museum
of American History Foundation, Inc.
Deptford

BUILDER
South Jersey Museum
of American History Foundation, Inc.
Deptford

NOMINATOR
The Hon. Paul Medany
Mayor
Township of Deptford

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.